What Not To Do in Sri Lanka: With palm-lined beaches, ancient ruins, flavorful cuisine and welcoming locals, Sri Lanka is an incredible place to visit. To make the most of your trip while being respectful, it’s key to know what not to do in Sri Lanka.
What Not To Do in Sri Lanka
Follow these 22 essential Sri Lanka travel tips to avoid cultural missteps, stay safe and healthy, save money, and travel responsibly.
1. Don’t Visit Without Awareness of Current Events
In 2022, Sri Lanka faced an economic crisis leading to shortages and inflation. The situation has improved, but high inflation persists.
When visiting, support local businesses so your tourism dollars aid the recovery. Avoid relying solely on foreign-owned hotels and tour companies.
2. Don’t Skip Recommended Vaccines and Medications
Discuss required and recommended vaccines with your doctor pre-trip. Parts of Sri Lanka are malaria zones, so discuss anti-malarials.
3. Don’t Carry Large Currency Bills
Keep small bills handy for tuktuks, food stalls, and markets. Vendors may not have change for large notes. Withdraw cash fee-free from People’s Bank ATMs.
4. Don’t Barter Aggressively
Haggling respectfully at markets is fine, but don’t argue for unfairly low prices. Offer reasonable prices, considering inflated costs locals face.
5. Don’t Photograph People Without Permission
Always ask before taking pictures of locals. Avoid photographing children without parental approval. Be mindful of what images portray.
6. Don’t Disrespect Religious Sites
Dress modestly when visiting temples, with shoulders and knees covered. Remove shoes at entrances. Don’t take Buddha photos with your back turned.
7. Don’t Drink Tap Water
Drink bottled or filtered water. Bring a reusable filter bottle to sustainably avoid plastic waste.
8. Don’t Miss Authentic Sri Lankan Cuisine
Sample local dishes like lamprais, kotu roti, and pol sambol instead of solely eating Western food. Experience the incredible flavors.
9. Don’t Ignore Dining Customs
Eat with your right hand only. Keep rice central on your plate, surrounding it with different curries.
10. Don’t Skip Learning Basic Sinhala or Tamil
Knowing a few Sinhala or Tamil phrases shows respect and aids communication with locals not fluent in English.
11. Don’t Forget a Local SIM or eSIM
Stay connected with a local SIM or eSIM like alloSIM. This provides affordable data while avoiding public WiFi security risks.
12. Don’t Pack Only Summer Clothes
Evenings and higher elevations get chilly. Pack layers, long pants, sweaters, and a light jacket.
13. Don’t Forget Sunscreen and Bug Spray
The Sri Lankan sun is strong. Mosquitoes can carry dengue fever, so minimize bites.
14. Don’t Dismiss Cultural Norms
Research local customs. For example, dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered when sightseeing.
15. Don’t Neglect Tipping
Locals depend on tourism income. If you can afford to travel, tip guides, drivers, and hotel staff generously.
16. Don’t Skip Checking Entry Requirements
Confirm visa/entry requirements for your nationality. Apply for ETA approval online in advance when possible.
17. Don’t Go Without Travel Insurance
Don’t risk travel without coverage. Purchase a comprehensive policy protecting valuables, health, medical care, etc.
18. Don’t Overlook Public Transportation
Sri Lanka has excellent, affordable buses and trains. Save money experience local life using them.
19. Don’t Misinterpret Head Gestures
Shaking side to side means “no.” Nodding up and down means “yes.” Tilting side to side shows agreement or “okay.”
20. Don’t Forget to Download PickMe
Use the PickMe app, similar to Uber, for affordable taxis and tuktuks across Sri Lanka.
21. Don’t Waste Precious Resources
With high electricity costs, avoid overusing AC, fans, or lights in hotel rooms when not present.
22. Don’t Culturally Appropriate
Appreciate cultural traditions respectfully. Avoid wearing traditional dress as a costume or accessory.
Travel in Sri Lanka With Sensitivity
By traveling thoughtfully in accordance with local customs and ethics, you show respect for this beautiful island nation. Keep these tips in mind for a positive trip.
Have you been to Sri Lanka? Share your insights on respectful ways to enjoy this incredible destination!
FAQs
What are some key things tourists should avoid doing in Sri Lanka?
The main things to avoid are disrespecting religious sites, photographing people without permission, ignoring cultural customs, wasting resources, and inappropriate cultural appropriation.
Why is it important to follow local customs when visiting Sri Lanka?
Following local customs shows respect for Sri Lankan culture and people. This includes appropriate dress, dining etiquette, and participating in traditions only when invited.
What tips can help tourists travel responsibly in Sri Lanka?
Tips include learning about current events, conserving electricity, tipping generously, and avoiding aggressively bartering prices down. Support local businesses and public transit.
What should tourists know about paying respects at religious sites in Sri Lanka?
Dress modestly, remove shoes, don’t photograph with your back to Buddha statues, and avoid insensitive selfies. Ask before photographing monks.
How can travelers connect to the internet affordably while in Sri Lanka?
Purchase a local prepaid SIM card or an international eSIM like alloSIM. This provides cheaper data than pricey roaming packages.
