The sharper edge to traveling in Asia

WoWasis travel tips and avoiding scams in Sri Lanka

Written By: herbrunbridge - Feb• 29•12

This snake handler sets up shop in a car park in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a wonderful place to visit, not as touristed as other countries in the area, and full of friendly people and terrific sites. Like any other country, there are some things to keep in mind, and a few things to avoid. We here at WoWasis have already written an informative post on hiring a car & driver in Sri Lanka, so we’d encourage you to read it if you’re considering that option. Here are some other issues and challenges you’ll want to keep in mind as you travel this most fascinating island. 

1) Buy a SIM phone and get a Sri Lankan SIM card. You can buy a cheapie, like the versatile, durable Nokia 1280 phone, and buy a SIM card in any town. You’ll need your phone to call ahead for hotel reservations, as travel times in the country aren’t always predictable, due to road conditions. Unless you’re on a pre-packaged tour, our bet is you’ll have to change hotels on the fly at least once, and probably more. 

2) Driving is slow. Destinations are measured in kilometers, and what looks like an easy 100 km trip can take a whole day. Buses, trucks, animals, pedestrians, police barriers, and island driving can play havoc with a schedule. Always allow extra time to reach your destination. 

3) Touts are everywhere. It’s a fact of life in Sri Lanka, no matter how remote the location, vendors will approach you with carved elephants, Buddha statues, books, postcards, maps. Show any interest, and you’ll be followed forever. Your best bet is to politely walk away, without looking at anything, unless you really do want to buy something. A friend had a great standard line invoking nightmares, when confronted with ambitious vendors (“postcards give me nightmares”), which usually stopped them in their tracks, and kept him from being followed. 

4) Unless it’s your chosen destination, avoid gem shops, gem mines, gem museums, and crafts shops. There’s always a tout or a driver wanting to make a commission on gems, and gems museums and mines are essentially shops. The standard line is that you’ll buy cheaply, then make a small fortune reselling them when you go back to your own country. This doesn’t happen, unless you’re already a gem expert. Crafts shops too, represent a scam of sorts, where the person who brings you there gets a commission on everything you buy. For that reason, people always want you to visit a gem establishment or crafts shop. If you want to make a purchase, stop at an establishment that you pick. 

5) Do you absolutely need a guide when visiting historical spots? You’ll be told at many ticket booths at historical spots that you need a guide (who happens to be standing by). You don’t have to have a guide, as your ticket gets you in. Only hire a guide if you want one. 

6) Bring (and use) DEET for mosquitoes. There’s a reason virtually all mid-range and mall hotels have mosquito nets. You won’t be able to avoid mosquitoes, but you can mitigate the annoyance by using a DEET-based repellent. Sri Lankan mosquitoes are quite inventive, biting through sheer garments, and traveling up sleeves and pant legs, so use the stuff liberally. 

OK, you’re now set to go. Following our tips will make your stay in Sri Lanka much more enjoyable!

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