Travel Tips
Staying Safe in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is generally a warm, welcoming and safe country for travellers. A little common sense goes a long way — here is what to watch for.
- Police
- 119
- Ambulance
- 1990
- Tourist Police
- 1912
- Tap water
- Avoid — drink bottled
Common scams to avoid
Most are pushy rather than dangerous.
- "The temple/shop is closed" gem and shopping commission scams.
- Tuk-tuk drivers without a meter — agree a price first or use the PickMe app.
- Overfriendly 'guides' who attach themselves at sights, then demand a fee.
- Inflated 'special' prices — check typical rates before you buy.
Road, sea & wildlife
The biggest real risks are practical ones.
- Traffic is chaotic; wear a helmet on scooters and cross roads carefully.
- Rip currents are common — swim only on flagged beaches and heed local advice.
- On safari, keep your distance from elephants; never feed wild animals.
Health & money basics
Prepare before you go and keep copies of key documents.
- Drink bottled or filtered water; be cautious with ice and raw salads early in your trip.
- Carry comprehensive travel insurance covering medical care and scooters.
- Use ATMs at banks, keep cash split up, and photograph your passport.
- Save Police 119, Ambulance 1990 and Tourist Police 1912 on arrival.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Sri Lanka safe for tourists?
- Yes — Sri Lanka is generally a safe and welcoming country for travellers. The main risks are practical: chaotic traffic, rip currents at unguarded beaches, and minor tourist scams rather than violent crime.
- What are the emergency numbers in Sri Lanka?
- Police 119, the free Suwa Seriya ambulance 1990, Fire 110, and the Tourist Police hotline 1912. Save these on arrival.
- Can you drink tap water in Sri Lanka?
- Avoid tap water; drink bottled or filtered water and be cautious with ice and raw salads early in your trip.
Official sources