Treatment in state hospitals is free. The General Hospital in Colombo is open day and night. Some hotels have general practitioners. However, the medical care does not correspond to what is usual in Europe. Travel health insurance with emergency repatriation is strongly recommended. Check findjobdescriptions for more information.
Notes vaccinations
[1] A vaccination certificate against yellow fever is required for travelers arriving within 9 days of staying in the infected areas designated by the WHO and who are over one year old. Excluded are travelers who have not left the transit area in the infected areas and transit passengers who do not leave the transit area in Sri Lanka. Quarantine may be imposed on those who do not have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. [2] A certificate of vaccination against cholera is not an entry requirement, but there is a risk of infection, but this can be classified as very low for tourists. Cholera occurs primarily in the northern and western parts of the country and on the Jaffna Peninsula. To protect yourself, you should practice careful drinking water and food hygiene. Since the effectiveness of the vaccination is disputed, it is advisable to seek medical advice in good time before you travel. Vaccination is only recommended in rare cases. [3] Sri Lanka was declared malaria-free by the WHO in September 2016. [4] Because of the risk of possible intestinal infections, care must be taken to ensure careful drinking water and food hygiene. Water should generally either be boiled or otherwise sterilized before it is used for drinking, brushing teeth and making ice cubes, or it should be bought packaged. When buying packaged water, you should make sure that the original packaging has not been opened. Milk is not pasteurized and should also be boiled. Only mix dry and canned milk with sterile water. Avoid dairy products made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat or fish dishes and serve them hot. Pork, mayonnaise and raw salads should be avoided. Fruit should be peeled and vegetables should be boiled. Warnings are given against eating and buying food from cheap street restaurants and markets. Mayonnaise and raw salads should be avoided. Fruit should be peeled and vegetables should be boiled. Warnings are given against eating and buying food from cheap street restaurants and markets. Mayonnaise and raw salads should be avoided. Fruit should be peeled and vegetables should be boiled. Warnings are given against eating and buying food from cheap street restaurants and markets.
Other risks
Dengue fever, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, is currently increasing. Sri Lanka is currently experiencing a dengue fever epidemic. An effective insect repellent is strongly recommended. Chikungunya fever, also transmitted by mosquitoes, occurs here. An effective insect repellent is recommended. Filariasis caused by insects occurs mainly on the south-west coast. Effective insect protection reduces the risk of transmission. Typhus occurs mainly in the south. The fever is caused by clothes lice. To protect yourself, you should practice regular body and clothing hygiene. Vaccination should only be considered in rare cases. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B occur. A hepatitis A vaccination is generally recommended. Vaccination against hepatitis B should be given during longer stays and close contact with the local population, as well as for children and young people in general. There is an increased risk of contracting Japanese encephalitis all year round, especially in rural areas below an altitude of 1200 m. These are primarily the rice-growing areas in the central highlands and the coastal plain around Colombo. Vaccination and mosquito repellent reduce the risk of infection. rabies occurs. The main carriers are dogs, cats, forest animals and bats. Vaccination is recommended for backpackers, children, occupational risk groups and for longer stays. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Health certificate
Foreigners suspected of having AIDS may need to undergo an HIV test; if the result is positive, entry can be refused.
Money
Currency
1 Sri Lankan rupee = 100 cents. Currency code: Rs, LKR (ISO code). Banknotes come in denominations of 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10 RS. Coins in denominations of 5, 2 and 1 RS and 50 and 25 cents (extremely rare). There are also numerous commemorative coins in circulation. Some US$ and Euro are accepted as means of payment.
Credit cards
Major credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard and American Express are generally accepted, Diners Club is less common. Details from the issuer of the relevant credit card.
ATMs
Bank cards With the credit card and pin number, money can be withdrawn from ATMs in the cities. The Girocard (formerly ec card) with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol is accepted worldwide. It can be used at ATMs with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol. To be on the safe side, travelers should always have an alternative source of money such as cash. Further information from banks and credit institutes. Attention: Travelers who want to pay with their bank customer card abroad and withdraw money should find out from their bank about the possibility of using their card before starting their journey.
Travelers cheques
Traveller’s checks are no longer available in Germany and Switzerland and are hardly available in Austria. Travelers checks can be cashed in banks in major cities in Sri Lanka.
Bank opening hours
Mon-Fri 09.00-13.00/15.00, e.g. T. also in the evenings and Saturday mornings.
Foreign exchange regulations
Import of local currency is limited to Rs 1,000, export of local currency is limited to Rs 250. The import of foreign currency must be declared from an amount equivalent to US$ 10,000. The export of foreign currency is limited to the imported, declared amount.
Currency Exchange
Foreign currencies may only be exchanged in authorized banks, exchange offices and hotels; transactions must be entered on Form D issued upon entry. One should check with a bank before entering the country as some currencies (e.g. those of Pakistan and India) are not exchanged. The best exchange rate is obtained by exchanging locally.
Currencies
Code
Symbol
Exchange rates (no guarantee)
LKR
Rp
1 EUR = Rp 156.15
1 CHF = Rp 185.28
1 USD = Rp 149.43
