Is Colombo Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Colombo is the commercial capital and largest city of Sri Lanka by the population.

It is the financial center of the island and a popular tourist destination.

You can visit Colombo at any time due to its tropical climate.

In the city, there is a diversity of cultural, combined with its eclectic architecture and cuisine.

Sri Lankans are very friendly, highly educated and worldly.

In Colombo, travelers can experience tradition blending with progressive values.

Colombo is interesting for its museums, colonial buildings, a combination of European and Eastern culture.

Travelers can visit turtles villas, ancient forts with lighthouses and many other attractions.

Warnings & Dangers in Colombo

OVERALL RISK: LOW

Colombo is safe, but there is a high risk of fraud. You should also be wary of pickpockets and watch your valuables.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Negotiate the price before sitting in a taxi or tuk-tuk. Learn in advance how not to overpay. Public transport, not every time goes on schedule and there is a pickpocket risk in it.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

The risk of pickpocketing is very high, you can not leave things unattended, it is not recommended to wear jewelry and a lot of cash with you in your pockets.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

The most common natural hazards in Colombo include localized and seasonal floods and associated landslides. But it does not often occur in the city.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

Serious robberies do not happen here often, but tourists usually suffer. You should be wary of people offering you help or distracting with obsessive questions.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

The risk of terrorism is usually low in Colombo. But before traveling here it is worth exploring the situation in the country.

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

A lot of fraud is related to overpriced tickets to tourist spots and taxi. You can be distracted on the street by strangers or beggar to rob or offer to buy souvenirs and spices, which are fake.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women in Colombo can feel safe enough. You will not attract unwanted attention if you do not wander around the city late at night and don't dress too frankly.

So... How Safe Is Colombo Really?

Colombo is generally considered a fairly safe city.

However, problems with corruption and bribery, petty thefts and robberies are still a problem here.

In recent years, the situation has even worsened.

But this does not stop travelers from coming here to enjoy the local flavor.

Tourists should be very vigilant here.

Very often tourists falling victim to scams and unfair touts here.

To avoid this you should be on guard for anybody trying to help you, do not talk with strangers on the streets.

The price for a ride on taxi or tuk-tuk should be negotiated before you sit in the transport.

Usually, locals want to get extra money from you, asking for payment for where it should not be.

Therefore, it is better to look at hotel prices in advance online, rather than locally.

Women who travel alone in Colombo most likely will not encounter any inconvenience.

Just follow common sense and don’t walk late at night in dimly lit places.

Sri Lankan women are also very “western” in their dress sense, so it is very normal to wear skirts, tank tops, etc.

If you get a few whistles and hellos from bored schoolboys, just ignore it, and they will leave you alone.

How Does Colombo Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

Visas for entering Sri Lanka are given upon arrival and most nationals do need one in order to enter Sri Lanka. This visa is initially limited to 30 days validity from the date of arrival. A valid passport is a must.

Currency

The rupee is the currency of Sri Lanka. It has a sign: Rs and code: LKR. It divided into 100 cents.

Weather

The best times to visit Colombo for ideal weather are from January to April. Temperatures feel hot all year with a chance of rain throughout most of the year.

Airports

Colombo has two airports. Bandaranaike International Airport is the main international airport serving Sri Lanka. And Ratmalana Airport - domestic airport serving the city of Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Travel Insurance

The travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country. Make sure you got it before starting your journey, the customs officer may ask for it.

Colombo Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Sri Lanka - Safety by City