Sri Lanka

• Tuk-tuk drivers taking you to gem shops or spice gardens for commission — decline firmly.
• Fake tour guides at temples offering unsolicited tours then demanding payment.
• Overcharging tourists at markets — bargain politely but firmly.
• Hotels or guesthouses not matching online photos — book through reputable platforms.

• Drink bottled water. Food is generally safe — Sri Lankan cuisine is delicious and well-cooked.
• Mosquito protection important — dengue is present, especially during rainy seasons.
• Good hospitals in Colombo and Kandy. Rural areas have limited facilities.

• Hepatitis A and Typhoid recommended.
• Hepatitis B and Rabies for extended stays (stray dogs are common).
• Routine vaccines up to date.

• Visit ancient sites — Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and the Temple of the Tooth are extraordinary.
• Take a scenic train ride from Kandy to Ella — one of the world's most beautiful rail journeys.
• Try rice and curry, hoppers, and kottu roti — Sri Lankan food is underrated.

• Don't turn your back on or take selfies with Buddha statues — it's deeply disrespectful and can result in arrest.
• Don't wear clothing with Buddha images — it's illegal and you can be deported.
• Don't touch monks or hand things directly to female monks — use an intermediary.

Tip 10% at restaurants if service charge isn't included. Small tips (LKR 200–500) for hotel staff and drivers. Tour guides and drivers expect tips — LKR 1,000–2,000 per day is standard.

Modest clothing. Cover shoulders and knees at temples. Remove shoes and hats at all Buddhist and Hindu sites. Swimwear only at beaches and pools. Casual elsewhere.

Buddhist majority with Hindu, Muslim, and Christian minorities. Buddhism is deeply woven into daily life. Treat all Buddha statues and images with utmost respect. Remove shoes at temples. Dress modestly at all religious sites.