Travel advice for Sri Lanka.

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

Travel money:

Prepaid Travel credit card

in Swiss francs (CHF)

  • For ATM cash withdrawals

  • For cashless payments in shops, restaurants, hotels, and online

ATM Search

Banknotes

in US Dollar (USD)

    Local currency / ISO Code

    Sri Lanka rupee LKR

    Further Information

    Credit cards

     

    • Payment by credit card is relatively common. For more detailed information, please contact the credit card issuer.

    • Use credit card with caution. Unauthorized use is widespread.

    ATM Search

    Find out more about Travel

    Useful tips from our experts:

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    Currency
    LKR

    Send money from
    Bank account, Mobile phone

    Practical Information:

    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).

    Time difference with Switzerland

    + 5 h / + 4 h during our summer time

    National language

    Official language

    Sinhala and Tamil

    Language capabilities

    English

    Country code for calling Switzerland

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

    Voltage

    230/240 volt / adapter required

    Travel documents for Swiss citizens

    Passport still valid 6 months or more after end of stay with visa, return or onward travel ticket and proof of sufficient funds for stays up to 30 days.

    Swiss Embassy / Consulate

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

    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)

    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 ‰.

    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.

    Cultural characteristics

    Please observe local customs for dress code and conduct.

    Capital

    Colombo

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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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