Public transport etiquette on Sri Lankan buses and trains how do I behave politely and what are the unwritten rules
I want to ride the buses and trains politely and not be the rude tourist What is the etiquette on Sri Lankan public transport are there reserved seats (for clergy pregnant women disabled) should I give up my seat how does paying the conductor work is there a queue system how close do people stand what about the loud music and is there anything I should know as a foreigner (where to sit behaviour with the opposite sex) I want to ride respectfully Locals please teach me the unwritten rules
3 Answers from travellers
Daily commuter so the unwritten rules of the bus and train RESERVED and priority seats YES there are PRIORITY seats give them up the front seats are often reserved for CLERGY (Buddhist monks) and you should ALWAYS offer your seat to a monk (do not sit if a monk is standing and a woman should avoid sitting right next to a monk) also give up your seat for the ELDERLY PREGNANT women and those with small children or disabilities this courtesy is strongly expected and appreciated stand and offer readily it marks you as respectful Paying the conductor on BUSES a conductor moves through taking fares (cash) after you board just sit or stand and he comes to you tell him your destination and pay he gives a little ticket keep small notes ready on TRAINS you buy a ticket at the station before boarding (or there are classes the train threads) Queue system loosely at big bus stands there is some order but boarding can be a scrum (especially a crowded bus) it is a gentle push not malicious do not be too British about queuing or you never get on but never shove rudely move with the flow Standing and space buses get PACKED personal space shrinks in a crush this is normal not rudeness hold on tight (the driving is lively) keep your bag in front and zipped (the petty theft threads) Music and noise buses often play loud music and are lively embrace it it is part of the experience Foreigner specifics where to sit anywhere generally but be mindful on a crowded bus a MAN should give a woman space (do not crowd a lone woman a woman may prefer to sit next to another woman) the seat next to a woman may be left for another woman in a crush follow the locals lead be modest and respectful with the opposite sex no loud behaviour General courtesy a smile and a thank you (a few Sinhala words go far) offer your seat to those who need it accept the friendly curiosity (people may chat and help you) it is a warm sociable space so to ride politely OFFER your seat to monks the elderly pregnant women and parents with children (the priority courtesy) pay the conductor in cash with small notes on the bus (buy ahead at the station for trains) move with the flow when boarding keep your bag secure in the crush give a lone woman space and be modest and respectful and embrace the lively friendly atmosphere you will be the respectful traveller you want to be
Offer your seat to monks the elderly pregnant women and parents pay the conductor in cash with small notes move with the flow boarding keep my bag secure give a lone woman space and be modest and embrace the lively atmosphere this is exactly the etiquette I wanted the monk courtesy especially thank you
A small thing that earns big goodwill if an older person or a mother with a child is standing near you stand and offer the seat with a smile before being asked locals notice and appreciate a foreigner who knows the courtesy it turns a packed bus into a warm exchange every time
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