Destinations › Sri Lanka › Colombo › Scams
Colombo, Sri Lanka
10 reported scam patterns travellers run into in Colombo, what they look like, and how to sidestep them.
Gem dealing aimed at visitors, with stones sold as investment-grade sapphires at prices far above value and resale claims that do not hold.
The 'festival today' routine: a friendly stranger says a temple ceremony or elephant procession is on, and arranges a tuk-tuk that ends at gem and batik shops.
Tuk-tuk drivers running tampered meters or refusing to use them entirely, quoting several times the going rate for short trips.
Guesthouses honouring a booking at a downgraded room while charging the rate quoted for the original.
Beachfront operators quoting per-person prices for boat trips then demanding a boat-rate total at the end.
Bag theft on crowded local buses and at the main railway station during commuter hours.
Shortchanging at unlicensed money changers and small shops, taking advantage of unfamiliar note denominations.
Imitation Ceylon tea and spice packs sold as premium grade at tourist-facing shops well above market rate.
Self-appointed guides at religious sites offering commentary and then demanding a substantial fee, sometimes blocking the exit.
Unofficial sellers offering entry to cultural sites at inflated prices outside the official counters.
