u/Horror_Bake4106

Off to Sri Lanka shortly and as our flight arrives late at night I thought I didn’t want to be mucking around finding an ATM at the airport while our driver waits for us, so thought I’d get a bit of local currency before we go to tide us over.

I’ve got a Wise card and have been moving money across to my LKR wallet, but this was just a stopgap measure for the first few days (accommodation, food, safari etc).

Apparently LKR is not a currency Australia Post offers, so I went into my local Travelex and ordered A$600 worth of LKR.

Once I got home though and had time to do some sums, I realised what they were selling me in LKR for nearly $620 was actually only worth around $480 at the Wise conversion rate (which I know is an online rate, so obviously going to be slightly better than a high street rate) - I was expecting a commission of about $20-$50, but $140 on a $600 transaction just seems like daylight robbery!

Went in and cancelled the deal this morning and will take our chances at the airport ATMs.

Am I being unreasonable, or are Travelex just incredibly shonky? (To be fair, they let me cancel and refunded my money, no issue). I also do understand buying/selling spreads but 180 instead of 235 seems excessive!

What’s the fuel availability situation in Sri Lanka at the moment? Seeing reports of fuel stations running out in Indonesia, so wondering if it’s the same in SL?

We’re travelling to Sri Lanka late August/early September and I’m starting to think about my packing. Various weather sites tell me temps in Nuwara Eliya are either around 16-20 degrees, or 20-26 degrees during the day. I’m from a place with very low humidity and 16degs is thick jumper and gloves weather for me, but all the pics/videos I see on YouTube/insta show people even in monsoon downpours in SL in skimpy t-shirts and shorts! Do I need to pack warm jumpers as well as summer gear?

Hi, I've been seeing a lot of stuff about having to remove shoes at a lot of tourist sites (and on entering some buildings), and whilst I obviously don't want to offend anyone, I do have a real problem walking barefoot! I have had a couple of operations last year on the balls of my foot, and although everything is healed up, I do find it very painful to walk barefoot on hard surfaces now. I've been sewing cushioned pads into some of those socks with grips on the bottom - is it acceptable to wear something like that as long as you remove your 'outdoor' shoes, or could I get a pair of ballet flats with cushioning to slip on when I go somewhere and have to remove shoes? Or any other suggestions? Sorry for the weird question!

Hi, after some advice regarding which island to go to in the Maldives please. We’ve got 5 nights at the end of three weeks travelling around Sri Lanka, so are looking for somewhere to relax before coming back to Australia.
We’d like somewhere that’s reachable from Male Airport by speedboat, at not excessive a price. We’d prefer all inclusive, but not worried about being at an expensive resort as opposed to a local island - alcohol isn’t a necessity. Would like easily accessible snorkelling - I’m a bit of a wimp in the water so don’t like being out of my depth! OH is a diver though so he wouldn’t mind doing some of that: I’ve read that whale sharks are a possibility that time of year?
I’ve currently got a place (refundable) booked in Dhiffushi, but now wondering if we should instead be looking in the southern islands instead? Maybe Guraidhoo?
Anyone been to both and can offer any ideas or comparisons?
Tyia

Hope this is ok to post. For any AUFC fans looking for somewhere to watch the game tomorrow with other like-minded people, the RGK (Serbian Club) in Mary Street is hosting a watch party from 2:00pm. I'm not associated with the RGK, but just thought not everyone would have seen on other social media sites. Thank you.

What is the origin of this word? Is it one word or two (Gung ho)?

Usage: "She was extremely gungho about the idea at first"