Colombo, Sri Lanka

• Colombo sprawls along Sri Lanka's west coast with a mix of colonial buildings and newer development. The humidity hits you immediately - it's around 30°C year-round and stays above 70% humidity most of the time. During monsoon season (April-June, September-December), streets flood regularly and getting around becomes difficult.
• You'll find cafes everywhere, a leftover from British and Portuguese colonial times. It's normal to see people working on laptops or reading alone. English is common in tourist areas and with younger locals, which helps, though you'll struggle more in residential neighborhoods or markets.
• Pickpocketing happens frequently on crowded buses and at Pettah Market. Sexual harassment on public transport is a real problem - women report it constantly. Most solo travelers use PickMe (local ride-hailing app, usually cheaper than Uber) or Uber instead of buses. Tourist Police (011-2421052) speak some English and are generally helpful if you need them.
• The upscale neighborhoods (Colombo 3, 5, 7) stay lit and busy until around 10pm, after which streets empty out fast. Don't flag down random tuk-tuks at night - use the apps instead.

English works in tourist areas, hotels, cafes, and with younger people. Tourist police (011-2421052) speak multiple languages. Tourism hotline (1912) has English. Emergency services (119) have some English-speaking operators.

• Cover shoulders and knees for temples and religious sites. Bring a light scarf or sarong you can throw on quickly. Beach areas like Mount Lavinia are more relaxed about shorts and tank tops, but cover up when you leave the beach zone.
• English works in tourist areas, hotels, and with younger people. Emergency services (119) have some English-speaking operators. Tourist police speak multiple languages.
• Take off shoes and hats before entering temples. They won't let you in if you're wearing crop tops, short shorts, or anything revealing. The dress code is strict at religious sites.
• Sri Lanka is conservative despite having beach tourism. Public affection gets frowned on. You'll get stares if you dress differently than local women - that's normal. Direct harassment is less common here than in some other South Asian countries, but it still happens.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. Police Emergency: 119. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• PickMe is the local ride-hailing app, usually cheaper than Uber with better coverage in Colombo. Uber works too, especially in Colombo and Kandy. Check that the license plate matches the app before getting in.
• Tuk-tuks are everywhere. Some have meters in central Colombo, but most require negotiating upfront - figure around Rs 200-300 per kilometer. PickMe and Uber both offer tuk-tuk options if you want to avoid haggling.
• Public buses cost almost nothing (Rs 10-50, under $0.25) but get packed during rush hour. The main issue: about 90% of women report sexual harassment on buses and trains. Most travelers stick to the ride-hailing apps, especially at night.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.

Explore Colombo with local guides and curated experiences.