LOS GEHT!

In the following, I have compiled important information for your trip to Sri Lanka. Of course, much of it is not a must. Take it as suggestions and inspiration that can make your stay even more enjoyable

To book your flight, I recommend Google Flights. It offers you the possibility to compare prices for different flight dates quickly and at a glance. You can do the same via Flugladen.de. A two ways flight from Berlin to Colombo Airport costs between €600 and €900 on average.

You will need the Tourist ETA Visa for your trip. On this page you will find all the necessary information on the steps you need to follow to apply for your tourist visa and health protocols.

When filling out your visa application, you will be asked the reason for your trip. Please select "Sightseeing or Holiday".

As a contact in Sri Lanka, you can enter the details of your accommodation.

I'm sure you already have, but if you don't: I recommend you take out international health insurance for your trip to Sri Lanka. I have one from HUK-COBURG, which offers the necessary benefits and costs about 15 € per year.

ATM: It is best to withdraw money from the ATM instead of changing it locally and always withdraw it directly in Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR). Also, check with your bank before you leave to find out what their terms are for non-European countries. Some have a minimum amount that must be withdrawn. Often it is €50 (equivalent to LKR 19,500). At the exit of the airport (in the concourse) there are several ATMs. In my case, only one of them did not charge me. Take the moment to choose the appropriate ATM.

You should avoid changing money at the airport if possible, because you usually make losses. But of course, you should have some safety cash with you when you arrive, in case an ATM goes on strike. 

Have cash with you: When moving around locally, always have enough cash for food and drink as well as for taxis, auto-rickshaws and cheap hotels. Credit cards are only accepted in larger companies or hotels. I have had very good experience keeping large notes under my clothes in a passport bag.

First of all: I think the food in Sri Lanka is fantastic and have only had good and positive experiences. But I also followed a few basic rules that I would like to pass on to you!

Freshly cooked food! Only eat food that is freshly prepared. This is the best way to avoid illnesses caused by bacteria or parasites if food has been left outside for a long time in the hot temperatures. 

No meat. Meat often hangs out in the warm air, in the sun for a long time and should be absolutely avoided. The same goes for fish 🙂

Make sure you don't eat overly spiced food, especially chilli. Some spices are good, but chillies can act like a laxative. If the food is still too spicy, order some side dishes like plain rice and cooked vegetables to cool down your meal and your palate.

Don't eat too much at once. It weakens your digestion and immunity, making you more susceptible to bacteria.

Absolute no-go: Tap water: Only drink water in packaged bottles.

Avoid ice cubes in drinks. Since ice is most likely made from tap water, order drinks without ice cubes.

Enjoy coconut water. Fresh coconuts are extremely good for hydrating you, replenishing your electrolytes, helping you with mild stomach upsets and they simply make you happy.

The rule for both men and women is not to show too much bare skin. Of course, things are more relaxed in tourist hotspots, but it is a clear sign of respect for Sri Lankan culture to dress appropriately.

Temples are considered sacred and should be treated as such. You should remove your shoes when entering a Buddhist or Hindu temple. Your legs and shoulders should be covered; never enter a temple or religious site in beachwear.

Know that "yes" can also mean "I don't understand". Know that "yes" can also mean "I don't understand". Sometimes a driver or shopkeeper wants to please you or continue communication even though they don't understand you and so they say "yes". So don't take a "yes" for granted as a "yes"!

Be open to understanding the many different accents. Sri Lanka has two main languages and a wide range of English accents. This can lead to difficulties in understanding individual words. Sometimes you just have to ask the person to repeat themselves or persistently repeat "I don't understand". After a few repetitions you will usually gain clarity. If all else fails, find someone else who speaks better English and can give you the information you need. 

Speak in short and precise sentences. Reduce your sentences to short statements and few words. For example, instead of "Do you know how I find my way to Ella?", simply: "Bus to Ella?". Take it with humour: You will have a much more pleasant journey if you see the humour in it, rather than reacting angrily and angrily. These people do their best with English as their second or third language, so treat them with respect.

Internet connection: If you need a stable internet connection, I recommend buying a SIM card in Sri Lanka. You get a huge amount of data for a ridiculously low price.

In Sri Lanka, you drive on the left side of the road. Sri Lankan follow the British example and drive on the left side. However, crazy driving (not uncommon locally) can often lead to you seeing people on the wrong side of the road.😊

Local buses and tuck-tucks are the quickest and easiest way to travel.

Google Maps Offline. I recommend downloading Google Maps Offline for Sri Lanka on your smartphone before you leave. It allows you to navigate via GPS without mobile internet. This helped me a lot in Sri Lanka to get from A to B. Especially because many roads are in smaller towns. Especially because many roads in smaller towns are not signposted by name.  It's also very handy when you take a taxi or a rickshaw. With the help of Google Maps, you can check in advance how many kilometres the route is and calculate how much the ride should cost. Even names of places like landmarks and restaurants are usually stored in Google Maps Offline. 

Here you can find a guide for installation and use: https://www.heise.de/tipps-tricks/Google-Maps-offline-nutzen-so-geht-s-3945723.html

Leeches are a common sight in the Rainforest and adjacent habitats. Although their bite can sometimes cause a local rash or itchy sensation, they are not poisonous. You can avoid an unpleasant encounter with them by preparing and dressing properly.

The leech's saliva contains a number of active substances that help it feed. An anaesthetic limits the host's sensations, while a vasodilator causes the blood vessels near the leech to dilate, giving the leech a better supply of blood. So don't be surprised if a leech comes up to you, fills its belly and then drops off without causing pain or discomfort. You may notice a trickle of blood thinner later. This is completely harmless and may even be useful because leech saliva contains a peptide called hirudin, which is a highly effective anticoagulant. For this reason, leeches are sometimes used to prevent post-operative blood clots when reattaching limbs. Recent studies have also shown that leech saliva also has anti-inflammatory properties.

The first step is to prevent leeches from being attracted to you.

It is best not to expose the skin on your feet and legs unless you are used to leeches and do not mind them. If you stand still in one place or stand on piles of leaves and litter, it is easier for them to attach to you.

Tuck your T-shirt/blouse into your trousers/skirt. Wear a long pair of leech socks that you can pull over the bottom of your trousers and tie.

Do not wear long skirts or clothes with loose hanging parts that will torch the floor.

Wear a good, long-lasting leech repellent when you go out.

Removing leeches

Do not force the leech off, as this can leave the leech's "teeth" behind and infect the bite site. You should remove the leech by getting it to come off voluntarily. A flame, salt or soap is often used for this purpose. As the leech may vomit up its stomach contents, this method can sometimes lead to infection.

A leech attached from the outside will detach itself when it is saturated with blood, which can take up to 20 minutes.

Treatment

After removal or detachment, the wound should be cleaned with soap and water and dressed. If it continues to bleed (due to anti-clogging agents), this can be reduced by applying pressure. The wound will itch while healing but should not be scratched. An antihistamine or a cold pack may relieve the discomfort.

If you get serious allergic symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately.

Sri Lankans are very good at haggling and know how to up-sell.

Taxis, whether cars or rickshaws: Never pay the first price quoted when taking a taxi - whether car or rickshaw (the so-called tuk-tuk). Roughly calculate the price yourself beforehand. You can download an app called "Pickme" to calculate the cost of a tuk-tuk or taxi to get an idea of what the average price for your journey would be.

You need to know that the "maximum retail price" is not the "true" price. Most items that are packaged have an MRP written on them. This is the maximum retail price, but it is always possible to trade down this price. And above all, definitely do not pay more than the MRP price.

Compare prices. Before you make big purchases and you have the time and energy, you should compare different offers. Be sure to communicate this to the dealer. This often has the effect that he will meet you in price. 

You will quickly learn how it works. The main thing is to start negotiating with the lowest possible prices and then immediately offer a little higher so that they know you want to negotiate. You can then meet in the middle.

Don't forget to have fun. The main thing is not to take things too seriously (especially since the sums involved are often not high by our European standards).

For your yoga practice we have some simple yogamats. I recommend you to bring your own travel mat to put on top of those ones. Please bring a yoga belt with you. We have yoga blocks there.

Passport bag. I keep my money and credit cards in this pocket under my shirt so I don't have to carry a wallet in my pocket.

First aid kit: Wound spray and plasters are a must.

Travel tablets: For nausea/vomiting and diarrhoea.

Electrolytes. Diarrhoea can be dehydrating, and electrolytes will give you relief. Even if you don't get it, it's important to stay well hydrated in Sri Lanka's hot weather. You can mix electrolytes into your bottled water in between to further hydrate.

Disinfectant spray: This is a real all-rounder that you will appreciate in Sri Lanka. I use the “SOS” disinfectant spray from DM. 

Disinfectant wipes: These are useful for cleaning the main surfaces that your skin comes into direct contact with. This is the first thing I do every time I arrive in a new accommodation.

Anti-tick and mosquito: Also an all-rounder and definitely your most used cosmetic in Sri Lanka. I use Zedan from Alnatura, and am very happy with it.

Sunscreen: It's the first thing we tend to forget to do when we arrive. Especially on the face, neck and shoulders.

Sri Lanka power adaptor: Although I ended up using it very little as most accommodation and restaurants have EU power sockets. But it doesn't hurt to bring one. Sri Lanka also uses type D and G sockets and plugs. You can get one in Mirissa.

Washing powder: If you are travelling for a longer period of time in Sri Lanka, it is worthwhile to have a tube or solid hand washing powder with you. It is quicker and sometimes easier to wash your clothes yourself than to find a laundry (which, by the way, usually also hand-washes).