10 Things To Avoid When Travelling To Colombo | Sri Lanka

Another bustlin' city, Colombo is packed with character. There's a busy beach, a beautiful coastline, and even busier streets. There are so many things to do! Colombo is up and coming and has many new shopping malls, which are due to be completed and opened this year.

But... Colombo is not for the weak!

Here are my 10 top things to AVOID when travelling to Colombo (or once you've arrived!)

1) Avoid being unprepared - If you are taking the train to Colombo, prepare yourself for a very busy journey. Expect to be standing for hours, but if you do get a seat, be greatful! I would advise you at every given cost to avoid rush hour.

2) Navigate Well - Don't travel on the train without finding out how it works. Literally, we were stranded once, had to get off early a second time- and even now, I still don't understand how the train works. Even after confirming with ticket desk staff and train conductors, our train still did not stop at our designated station!

3) Avoid engaging in long conversations with EVERYONE, even if you are naturally friendly. Not all people have your best interests at heart. It is nice to greet everyone, but avoid engaging in LONG conversations.

4) Avoid showing TOO MUCH interest in performers. (Key word : Too much!) They will most likely require, request, or simply wait for money. I took some photos of a band performing a song in a restaurant (which I was eating at) and they waited with us until we gave them some money. It was very awkward. At the airports, it is a similar thing, they ask if you want a trolley and will wait for money once they have got you one. Kindness is free, but we shouldn't feel obligated to give.

5) Avoid taking the first price you are offered in shops, markets, in TukTuks, etc. You can most likely negotiate a better, more reasonable deal. Always remember the currency convert rate. For example It was easier for me to remember that 700 rupees (or there about) was roughly around £2. And at the point my seven times table quickly came into play !

6) Avoid eating at the same places over and over. (Key word is over and over.) It's nice to be a returning customer and build relationships with people, but it's also nice to explore and find hidden gems! Feel free to explore different restaurants and cuisines even of you've made connections with the owners. We stumbled across some fabulous restaurants by exploring and giving other restaurants a chance. The food was delicious too!

7) Avoid carrying damaged notes. Notes that are torn or have writing on them, will not go very far. Shops, drivers, and hotels may even reject them This happened to us both in Antigua and Sri Lanka. So if you are paying with cash or changing money, make sure those notes are crispy clean!

8) Avoid waking up late. This goes for every holiday. Get up early, watch the sunrise, go for an early morning run on the beach. The day we woke up extra early, we felt really happy, energized and it was one of our best days!

9) Avoid NOT being vigilant on trains. Yes, trains are often crowded, but it doesn't mean that one should not respect your personal space. There is quite a bit of personal space invasion, and close contact which is unnecessary. On numerous occasions, I had to shove my way to demand personal space, not only for myself but for my family also.

10) Avoid relying on TukTuks. Explore on foot! Yes, Colombo is busy, but there are so many beautiful sights worth seeing, that are better experienced by walking. Don't be like me (lazy.) Hike, walk around and get to know the place. After a while, you will quickly realise that some places are not as far as you may have thought. Don't be scared to venture a little bit further out, as long as it's not too late.

Bonus Tip: Avoid disrespecting the local culture (and the public in general.) For example, I literally saw a lady take the train in her bikini. It was EXTREMELY distasteful. I understand the beach was practically across the road, but the least she could have done was cover up with a sarong or something. She didn't even have footwear on. I could never imagine someone boarding the train in the U.K like that - they would most probably be arrested for indecent exposure! All i'm saying is make sure you maintain the same level of respect when visiting someone else country.

Have you ever travelled to Sri Lanka? What are some of the things you would avoid?

Check out our 8 best things to do in Galle!

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