Warnings & Dangers in Sri Lanka
OVERALL RISK : MEDIUM
Most tourists do not encounter serious problems while traveling in Sri Lanka. However, always keep the common sense, do not leave things unattended and watch your surroundings.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : LOW
Public transport is well-developed, but may not be reliable enough. Roads are not always of good quality. Taxis are safe and dependable but choose only licensed taxi services. Make sure that the driver turns on the taximeter or agree on the price of the trip in advance.
PICKPOCKETS RISK : HIGH
There are a lot of pickpockets in Sri Lanka. Usually, they prey on gaping tourists. Therefore, always monitor your things, do not leave them unattended, and do not trust those who actively offer or ask for your help.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : MEDIUM
The most common natural hazards in Sri Lanka include localized and seasonal floods and associated landslides. Less frequent but more severe hazards include cyclones, droughts, and tsunamis.
MUGGING RISK : LOW
Cases of severe armed robbery and kidnapping in Sri Lanka are rare. Avoid remote and poorly lit streets, do not walk late at night, and carefully lock your home and car.
TERRORISM RISK : MEDIUM
Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Sri Lanka. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners such as hotels, tourist sites, and places of worship. Avoid crowded public places, large gatherings, and demonstrations, and follow the advice of local authorities.
SCAMS RISK : MEDIUM
Many residents try to deceive tourists by raising the price of souvenirs, offering non-existent tours and excursions, and selling low-quality clothes. Avoid unlicensed points of sale and keep an eye on your surroundings. Withdraw money only at ATMs at banks to avoid card skimming.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : LOW
Usually, women traveling alone do not experience difficulties while traveling to Sri Lanka. It is worth using common sense, avoiding the remote parts of cities, not walking late at night, not attracting the attention of plain clothes.
How Safe Is Sri Lanka for Tourists?
In general, Sri Lanka is a relatively safe country to travel to.
The crime index here is kept at a low level. The main problems are related to petty theft, housebreaking, and corruption.
Sri Lanka is a Buddhist country, although there are also Christians and Muslims.
Avoid any religious disputes and topics.
Also, avoid discussing country policies.
Intentional misconduct inside the temples can lead to deportation from the country, remember the fact that the temples are for devotees, not just tourist attractions.
The Buddha image is very honored here, so if you see a tattoo or a T-shirt with his face on it, this can lead to conflicts.
Homosexuality is illegal in Sri Lanka; punishments may include imprisonment.
Taxi and tuk-tuk scams Taxi and tuk-tuk scams are common in urban areas of Colombo and Kandy; they are less common in rural Sri Lanka.
Tell the driver where you want to go, and always agree on a price (for the whole trip, not per person) before the trip and make sure that he understands it.
Be vigilant when you use credit cards in hotels and stores.
Always pay in cash if possible, and use credit cards only in emergencies.
Avoid ATMs situated in isolated areas, as there is a possibility of card skimming.
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Sri Lanka?
Visitors to Sri Lanka visiting for tourism purposes must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) unless they are exempt before arrival or on arrival to Sri Lanka, or they must obtain a visa in advance. All visitors must hold a passport valid for six months.
Which Currency Is Used in Sri Lanka?
The rupee is the currency of Sri Lanka, divided into 100 cents. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka issues it. The abbreviation is generally Rs., but “LKR” is occasionally used to distinguish it from other currencies, also called rupee.
How's the Weather like in Sri Lanka?
The best time to visit Sri Lanka is January to March. The weather is sunshine and relatively dry all over throughout these months. Temperatures will be lovely and warm, although a touch cooler up in the Hill Country. Beaches on the south and west coasts are dry, hot and sunny.
What Do I Need to Know about Airports in Sri Lanka?
Colombo International Airport is the main international airport serving Sri Lanka. It located 32 kilometers north of the nation’s longstanding capital and commercial center, Colombo. The other airport serving the city of Colombo is the Ratmalana International Airport, primarily serving domestic destinations.
Should I Get Travel Insurance for My Travels?
Just like anywhere else, the travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country. Make sure you got it before starting your journey, the customs officer may ask for it.
What Are Some Things to Do in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean off the southeast coast of India. The country is famous for its diverse landscapes: on its territory, there are tropical forests and arid plains, mountain plateaus, and sandy beaches. In Sri Lanka, it is worth visiting the ruins of the Buddhist fortress Sigiriya of the V century with the remains of the palace and huge frescoes. In the ancient capital of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura preserved numerous architectural monuments of antiquity, whose age exceeds 2000 years.
Is the Water in Sri Lanka Safe to Drink?
There are a variety of quality concerns in Sri Lanka, including contamination by nitrate and bacteria in underground and surface waters, mainly due to poor sanitation and untreated wastewater or insufficient wastewater treatment. Tap water isn’t drinkable.
Is Uber Safe in Sri Lanka?
There is an Uber taxi in Sri Lanka. You can call it from the application on your smartphone. The price of the trip will depend on the distance and time of day.