Travel Tips for Sri Lanka – Essential Advice for Visitors

Sri Lanka for first timers, Getting about the Island like a pro! 

Sri Lanka, the tropical island paradise offering a mix of rich culture and stunning landscapes is indeed a dream destination for travelers. As a first time visitor though, traveling in a new country, choosing the right transportation service makes all the difference. Sri Lanka offers a fascinating mix of transportation options. From iconic tuk-tuk rides to scenic train rides through hills, plantations to beaches, navigating around Sri Lanka itself is an adventure. From my experiences, one of the first things that impressed me was the ease of using Uber, being internationally available and because of its familiarity and reliability my trips were made so much easier. As a solo traveler, there were several options to choose from. At the start, I selected Uber Zip, the most affordable way to travel from Colombo, the capital city. While researching for my trip, I came across budgeting tips but to my surprise, the prices on the Uber app were far more affordable. I cannot recommend any better or more affordable taxi service in Sri Lanka.                                                            

On my second day, I was ready to explore the country bright and early. As I made my way out from the accommodation to the main road, I came across a few options for getting around the city, one of which was to use public transport, but it can be quite the challenge on weekdays since most locals rely on it during the day. And it can be a bit tricky to figure out the right routes if you are new to the surroundings.

Just as I stepped towards where the main road is just within sight, I was greeted by a colorful line of small three-wheeled vehicles. One driver waved enthusiastically, “Where you go?” I’d heard stories about the infamous tuk rides and their drivers, but this was my first time witnessing it firsthand, well my first impression of some of the drivers was lovely, and the others…. Not so much. But I wanted to experience it all. After all, there’s nothing like traveling in a colorful three-wheeler and getting into the cultural spirit of this paradise island! You’ve probably seen some scenic tuk-tuk rides all over your Instagram and TikTok as well.  

These small vehicles offer a blend of local culture and practicality, making them a convenient choice for getting to nearby locations. The breeze as the tuk-tuk pulls away, the chatter of the driver, and the sights whizzing past as you drive off create an unforgettable first impression of Sri Lanka! 

Relatively fast, spacious enough to squeeze in some luggage and a few passengers without violating any laws, and air-conditioned with nature’s wind, tuk-tuks promise an authentic and lively introduction to the island for any first-timer!

Here’s what I learned quickly: there are three types of tuk-tuks each with their own unique challenges.

Now, of course, there are different tuks to consider before settling on which one works the best for you. Traditional road tuks come in two types – metered and non-metered – but Sri Lanka also offers the option of booking app-based tuks like Uber in several cities. Most of the Tuks around Colombo are metered, but you must make sure they are before you get on one.

• Metered tuks: These are the most common within cities of Sri Lanka, so it should not be difficult to flag one down. As the name suggests, these tuks come with a meter that calculates your fare based on the starting price and length of the trip, plus any waiting charges for traffic or other stops – no different from a taxi! 
• Non-metered tuks: On the other hand, these tuks require a little more skill and courage to deal with, especially for foreigners. Without a meter, the driver can name a price of his choosing. Following a few encounters, I learned that agreeing on a fair price before starting the journey is key. While most drivers are honest, there are occasional stories about overblown rates, especially around busy spots, and tourist attractions, and even more so if you’re tagged as a tourist!
• App-based tuks: The most convenient option of them all. After booking my first trip from the airport to my accommodation, I happened to notice the little icon of a Tuktuk, it felt overly convenient. “Uber in Sri Lanka?” “Tuktuk in an app?” the odds were truly in my Favor. I realized how seamlessly technology and tradition had come together; these services add a layer of reassurance for passengers that traditional road tuks lack. One might call it “the best taxi service in Sri Lanka”. Addition to that, one of the standout features was the upfront fare system. So there were no surprises, with that I came across a lot of options and facilities through the app for local use.

During my 10-day stay, I visited Galle, Mirissa, Kandy, Sigiriya, Ella, and a few other cities. In bustling cities, I relied on Uber Tuk intercity option along the coast for my ride from Colombo to Galle, as it was not only budget-friendly but also incredibly convenient.                                                                      

As I settled in with the rhythm of going about without worrying over fares or the usual concerns of prices and routes, I found myself much more at ease with Tuk-tuks. It became more effortlessly easier now that it was just one tap away on my phone, right at my fingertips. With the ability to pin your exact location, especially when the surroundings are unfamiliar to you, and the convenience of tracking your ride in real-time. And, of course, I didn’t need to worry about paying in cash if you have not yet been able to exchange your currency for Sri Lankan rupees or for not having enough cash with you, simply select a payment method you are comfortable with through the app.  

So, if you ever find yourself in Sri Lanka and wish to experience the local customs right from the start of your trip, tuk-tuks are the best way to get around. They’re both practical and enjoyable and give you a taste of the local life. Tuk-tuks might not be the most comfortable way to travel, Tuks are only for the adventurous who want to enjoy the local authenticity of the country, but safely!  Just remember to be mindful of costs and the route to your destination. I didn’t feel the need to book cabs during the rest of my stay, I hopped between beaches, malls, and tea spots with my trusty Uber app waiting for me any time of the day and anywhere I wanted. No stress, no surprise, just me, my driver in a colorfully decorated tuk-tuk on an open road exploring hidden corners of Sri Lanka. 

And if you are like me who’s craving the thrill of this cultural experience with a dash of modern ease, there are features like transparency in pricing, driver ratings, route tracking, and in-app customer support to ensure a safe and stress-free journey – perfect for starting your trip on a high note! 

Because here, a ride isn’t about getting from point A – B, it’s the beginning of an action-packed adventure. For this, there are a lot of valuable services that add an extra layer of ease and security for your convenience and safety. 

Using an Uber in Sri Lanka was truly a game changer for me. It truly made it easy and hassle free to get through unfamiliar locations, from effortlessly pinpointing my precise location and with the convenient features the app has to offer. And on my first day, I was able to dodge a lot of  stress like getting about, currency exchange, pinning location along the way because Uber made it easier for me.  

All of my rides from here on were exciting and felt like a mini adventure through the busy streets of Sri Lanka. I had smooth travels between cities and different parts of the island avoiding unpleasant fare surprises.

Every tuk-tuk journey in Sri Lanka seemed to be a part of the local culture rather than merely a means of transportation. Whether you want adventure or pragmatism, pack your luggage, reserve a ride, and let this trip become a part of your wanderlust story.

And with that, My journey through the island comes to an end… for now. I am already looking forward to hopping on another spontaneous tuk-tuk ride, while chatting with a driver and letting the warm breeze and the beauty of the surroundings work its magic.

Stay Tuned for more updates on my first time travelling around Sri Lanka!