Renting a scooter without an international license.

While many small, informal rental shops on the south coast will happily hand over the keys to a scooter without ever asking to see your International Driving Permit, it is highly illegal to drive without one. The tourist police frequently set up checkpoints near popular beaches like Mirissa and Unawatuna specifically to catch foreigners driving without an IDP. If caught, you will face a hefty on the spot fine.