Safety tips while travelling Sri Lanka

Traveling to a new place can be an exciting experience, but it’s important to be aware of potential safety hazards. Sri Lanka is a beautiful country with a rich culture, but like any other destination, it is vital to be informed and prepared to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. This article will give you the basic safety tips you need to keep in mind while traveling in Sri Lanka so that you have a relaxing and memorable holiday.

Article Outline

Essential Safety Precautions

Traveling to a new place can be exciting, but it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and take the necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Sri Lanka is a beautiful country with friendly people, but like any other destination, travelers should be aware of certain safety considerations. This section will highlight some basic safety precautions you should take when traveling in Sri Lanka.

Be aware of your surroundings: When traveling, it is important to always be aware of your surroundings and stay alert for any potential hazards. This is especially important in congested areas, such as busy streets and tourist hotspots.
Use a money belt: Keep your valuables, including your passport and cash, safe in a money belt that you can wear under your clothing.
Be careful when using ATMs: Only use ATMs that are located in safe, well-lit areas, and be aware of anyone who may observe you while you withdraw money.
Do not walk alone at night: Avoid walking alone at night, especially in unfamiliar or poorly lit places. Instead, try traveling with a companion or taking a taxi or other public transportation.
Keep a low profile: Try to avoid drawing attention to yourself, especially if you’re wearing expensive jewelry or carrying large amounts of cash.
Be careful when using public transport: When using public transport, such as buses and trains, be careful with your personal belongings and put them in a safe place, such as a money belt or a bag with a lock.
Know the local emergency number: Make sure you know the local emergency number (119 in Sri Lanka) and have a working phone with you in case you need to make an emergency call.

Health and Medical Concerns

Health and medical issues are important considerations for any traveler. When traveling to Sri Lanka, it is essential to be aware of the potential health risks and take the necessary precautions to ensure a safe and healthy travel. Some key considerations include,

Vaccinations: Before traveling to Sri Lanka, it is important to keep up to date on your vaccinations. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends vaccines against diseases such as yellow fever, hepatitis A and B, and typhoid. It is best to consult a healthcare professional for specific advice based on your individual health needs and your travel itinerary.
Water Safety: In Sri Lanka, it is important to drink only bottled or boiled water to avoid potential water-borne diseases. It is also recommended to avoid raw or undercooked meat and seafood.
Mosquito bites: Mosquitoes in Sri Lanka can transmit diseases such as dengue, malaria and chikungunya. It is important to take steps to protect yourself from mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and living in a home with mosquito nets or window screens.
Sun safe: Sri Lanka is located near the equator, which means that even on cloudy days, the sun can be strong. It’s important to protect your skin by wearing a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen with a high SPF.
Medical Assistance: In case of illness or injury, it is important to obtain medical assistance in Sri Lanka. Make sure you have any necessary prescriptions with you, and keep a list of emergency contacts and medical facilities in a safe and easily accessible place.

Traveling on the Roads

Traveling on the roads of Sri Lanka can be quite different from what you are used to. Here are some important things to do to stay safe while driving or traveling as a passenger.

Road conditions: Sri Lanka’s road conditions vary from well-paved highways to narrow, winding roads with potholes. Be prepared for the journey and allow plenty of time for your travels.
Traffic: Traffic in Sri Lanka can be congested, especially in major cities and tourist areas. Beware of reckless drivers and be alert to sudden stops or turns.
Road Signs: Road signs in Sri Lanka may not always be clearly marked or easy to understand, so it is important to familiarize yourself with local driving laws and customs before you embark on your journey.
Public transportation: If you choose to use public transportation, such as buses or trains, be aware that they can be crowded and sometimes operate in unpredictable ways. Take care of your belongings and be aware of your surroundings.
Hire a Driver: If you don’t want to drive, you can hire a personal driver to take you around. Just be sure to negotiate a price beforehand and make sure the driver has a valid driver’s license and insurance.

Communication and Navigation

When traveling in Sri Lanka, it’s important to know the best way to communicate and navigate around the country. Here are some key points to consider.

Learn some basic phrases in Sinhala and Tamil, the two official languages of Sri Lanka, to help you communicate with the locals and navigate your surroundings.
Make sure your phone is unlocked and compatible with your local network, so you can use it to make calls and surf the Internet while traveling. You can also buy a local SIM card to save on international roaming charges.
Familiarize yourself with the maps and transportation systems of the area you will be visiting. If you don’t have an internet connection, it’s a good idea to download a map or GPS app on your phone for offline use.
If you drive, be aware of road rules and traffic conditions. If you plan to rent a car, make sure you have a valid international driver’s license. If you are not comfortable driving, consider hiring a private driver or taking public transportation.
Make sure you know the emergency phone numbers for local hospitals and police stations. You might also consider bringing a personal security device or downloading a security app on your phone for extra peace of mind.

Natural Disasters and Emergencies

Natural disasters and emergencies can happen at any time and can have a significant impact on your safety while traveling. It is important to understand the potential risks and be prepared for any situation that may arise. Here are a few points to consider.

Research local weather patterns and natural hazards that may occur in the area you are traveling to. This information can be found through your local tourist office or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) website.
Know your local emergency response procedures and have a plan in case of an emergency. Find out where the nearest hospital or medical facility is and make sure you have travel insurance that covers medical expenses.
Know the emergency contact numbers for the country you are visiting and make sure to keep them in a safe and easily accessible place.
In the event of a natural disaster or emergency, it is important to remain calm and follow the directions of local authorities. Don’t panic or take unnecessary risks.
Let your family or friends know of your whereabouts and keep in touch with them regularly.

Conclusion

All in all, traveling to Sri Lanka was an exciting and unforgettable experience. However, it is important to take certain safety precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. By doing your research before traveling, taking basic safety precautions, being aware of health and medical issues, being careful when traveling on the road, and being prepared for communication and navigation issues, you can reduce your risk and make the most of your time in Sri Lanka. Additionally, being aware of natural disasters and emergencies and knowing what to do when they occur can help you stay safe and calm in unexpected situations. Follow these tips and you can enjoy a hassle-free and memorable trip to Sri Lanka.