Have you wondered “is Sri Lanka safe for solo female travellers?” The good news is that indeed it is though keep in mind the below tips that will help you prepare for the trip.
Cover Up When Not at the Beach
Wearing swimsuits is not a problem at beaches in Sri Lanka; luxury holidays as well as budget-friendly ones will often include visits to the shore where bikinis, crop tops and shorts are fine too, though topless sunbathing is prohibited. Additionally, keep in mind that the island has a conservative Buddhist culture, so when not at the beach, wear more conservative attire; at sacred sites, covering bare shoulders and legs is a must as well.
Keep People Informed About Your Whereabouts
It always helps to let people know of your whereabouts and where you intend to go; this does not only apply to family and friends back home but also to your local accommodation provider. Additionally, keep your phone location “on” and get a local SIM card in case you don’t have data roaming so you can make calls in case of an emergency. A great option would be to make use of trusted tour specialists like NKAR Travel House that will provide safe tours, transport and accommodation too.
Choose Your Transport with Care
Public transport be it by bus or train is safe and worth using on your solo travel in Sri Lanka. Keep in mind that these modes of transportation can get quite crowded during rush hour and as with any destination, be mindful of your belongings. You can also use tuk-tuks though instead of hailing them from the road consider using ride-hailing apps like PickMe and Uber since the drivers are registered and you can check the rates too. In general, avoid travelling alone at night and look to join fellow travellers.
Ask for Help When Needed
One of the joys of travelling to Sri Lanka is the warm and genuine hospitality that you will experience. Thus, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance from the locals who are usually ever ready to help be it to give directions or help in finding transport options; in main cities and tourist towns, many will be able to understand and speak English to some degree. Of course, while it’s good to be careful when interacting with unknown people, don’t close yourself off either.
