Travel advice for Sri Lanka.

Here you will find important tips and useful information for Sri Lanka.

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Sri Lanka
Import local currency up to LKR 5'000.00
Import foreign currency unlimited; USD 15'000.00 (equivalent) or more must be declared
Export local currency up to LKR 20'000.00
Export foreign currency limited to amounts imported and declared (minus exchange)

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Currency
LKR

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Bank account, Mobile phone, Mastercard card, Cash pickup

Practical Information:

Time difference with Switzerland

+ 5 h / + 4 h during our summer time

Capital

Colombo

National language

Official language

Sinhala and Tamil

Language capabilities

English

Voltage

230/240 volt / adapter required

Opening hours

Banks

9.00 - 13.00/15.00 h (Mon - Fri)

Stores

9.00 - 17.30 h (Mon - Fri)
9.00 - 13.00 h (Sat)

Health situation
  • Do not drink tap water.

  • Mosquito protection advised.

  • Year-round risk of malaria and dengue fever in all parts of the country. No risk of malaria in Colombo, Galle, Kalutara, Nuwara and Eliya.

  • Vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A, polio and measles recommended.

Driving
  • Left-hand driving.

  • International driver's licence required for car rentals.

  • Local driver's license ("Recognition Permit") required (available at: Automobile Association of Ceylon and Department of Motor Traffic).

  • Minimum age for car rentals: 25 (varies by rental company).

  • Car rental with driver recommended.

  • Blood alcohol limit: 0.5 ‰.

Country code for calling Switzerland

00 41 (disregard '0' preceding Swiss area codes)

Swiss Embassy / Consulate

Colombo, 63 Gregory's Road
Tel. +94 11 269 51 17

Other information

Travelers are advised to carry with them their passport or a photocopy thereof (must include page with visa).

Security

  • Travelers who wish to travel to this country are advised to inquire about current traveler safety prior to departure.

  • Avoid demonstrations and large crowds.

  • Do not carry valuables (watches, jewelry, expensive cameras, etc.) on you.

  • Avoid nighttime driving.

Special legal regulations

  • Photographing persons wearing an uniform, military installations and public buildings (airports, bridges etc.) is prohibited.

  • Severe penalties for violations of drug laws (up to life imprisonment/death penalty).

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Important

While every precaution has been taken to verify the information provided, Swiss Bankers Prepaid Services Ltd does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of Country Information. Swiss Bankers therefore shall not be held liable for any damage or loss sustained in connection with any errors or omissions contained therein.

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