Common Tourist Scams in Sri Lanka & How to Avoid Them

Sri Lanka is an island country in South Asia. Known by many names such as Ceylon and the Pearl of the Indian Ocean – the country is famous for producing fine tea and spices. Tourists visit Sri Lanka to witness the golden beaches, misty mountains, mighty elephants, and learn about a rich history amidst warm smiles.

Sri Lanka’s tourism sees a positive sign of achieving 2 million tourists for the year 2023. With this influx, it is advisable for tourists to know the different types of scams in Sri Lanka.

If you're travelling to the island country of Sri Lanka, beware of these scams:

1. Tuk-tuk Scams

The most common scam in Sri Lanka involves tuk-tuk overcharging. Often a persistent scammer will approach you on the street saying there is a special celebration in a different part of the city. Once you agree, a tuk-tuk will conveniently approach, without a meter. 

The first person might request to ride with you to a nearby location. Then, the driver will take you to a location and demand a large sum of money for the ride. The two scammers will often attempt to team up and intimidate you into paying.

The most common scam in Sri Lanka involves tuk-tuk overcharging. Often a persistent scammer will approach you on the street saying there is a special celebration in a different part of the city. Once you agree, a tuk-tuk will conveniently approach, without a meter. 

The first person might request to ride with you to a nearby location. Then, the driver will take you to a location and demand a large sum of money for the ride. The two scammers will often attempt to team up and intimidate you into paying.

Common around: Major tourist spots and cities like Colombo, Kandy, Anuradhapura, etc.Major tourist spots and cities like Colombo, Kandy, Anuradhapura, etc.

2. Pickpocketing and Bird Poop Scam

As with most destinations, there is a risk of pickpocketing, particularly in crowded areas. While walking in the streets, someone might throw a bit of white paste on your shoulder, so your natural intention is to look up thinking it was bird poop. Suddenly, a friendly local will offer to help clean up, and they end up pick pocketing you.

Common around: Crowded areas like Pettah market, Kandy and Colombo. 

3. Photographing a Stilt Fisherman

Tourists might want to click pictures of the famous Stilt Fishermen in Sri Lanka. Stilt fishermen expertly balance on two strapped-together sticks in the shallows of the southern coastline while fishing. The scam related here is some non-fishermen pretending to fish have agents inland who demand payment once you’ve snapped a picture.

Common around: Coastal towns of Koggala or Ahangama.

4. Spice Garden Scam

Tuk-tuk drivers will often pair up with a spice garden to bring tourists through the doors, for a commission. Then, the ‘doctor/professor’ will try to sell you any number of spices and herbal remedies, which are often low quality or useless. If you don’t buy, they might get angry and intimidate you into buying something.

Common around: Kandy, Kegalle and Matale districts.

5. Sapphire and Gemstone Scams

Sri Lanka is home to sapphire, so it’s no surprise that gem scams occur. Oftentimes, tourists are sold fake, or poor-quality gems with faked authenticity certificates at an absurd price.

Common around: Galle and Kandy.

6. Charity Case Scams

An elderly person might approach you in the street. They will have official-looking papers supporting their status as charitable community leaders. They will ask for money. Often these are not charity workers, but simply people looking to take money from foreigners.

Common around: Kandy and the beaches of Colombo.

7. Unofficial Guides

Touts pretending to be guides latch on to you, provide low quality, unsolicited advice, then demand a fee, sometimes giving you difficult-to-understand directions to where you want to go so you feel obliged to engage their services. 

They also would claim a place is closed, then offer to guide you elsewhere and help you get local prices. They work together with tuk-tuk drivers, gemstone shops, etc. So always be cautious when someone approaches you out of nowhere.

Common around: Galle, Kandy, Colombo.

8. Railway Ticket Scam

Ella to Kandy railway ride (or vice versa) is the most popular ride with scenic views. The ticket reservation begins one month ahead, and it’s very unlikely you’ll find a ticket at short notice. However, you may find vendors re-selling railway tickets. 

Common around: Ella to Kandy railway lines.

9. Picture Scam

One popular scam in Sri Lanka is when a local person hands you their camera and asks that you take their picture. Upon returning the camera, they purposely drop it and blame you for breaking their camera, demanding you pay them.

Common around: Colombo.

10. Spiked Drinks and Friendly Invitations

This scam is common in many countries. A native will befriend you and invite you to a bar. This scammer will drink with you, until they disappear – either under the guise of retrieving forgotten money, or by never returning from the restroom. 

This will leave you with the bill, which will be greatly inflated from its regular price. After you pay, this scammer will most likely return to the bar to split the proceeds with the bartender. In other places, locals might try to spike your drink to scam you.

Common around: Pubs and bars in and around Colombo.

First things first, it is important to avail of Travel Insurance to Sri Lanka before you set off on your journey so you know your finances will be safe and protected in case an unexpected event or situation arises. 

You must take precautions when visiting a foreign country. Some things you can do to avoid getting scammed in Sri Lanka are listed below:

• Since tuk-tuk scams are one of the most common scams, avoid taking tuk-tuks without a meter. Be sure that you and the driver agree on a fare before getting in.
• To avoid getting pickpocketed put your valuables in zipped bags that are always on your person and be careful with your items, especially in crowded places. In case you lose your passport, personal belongings or run out of cash because your wallet was stolen, your international travel insurance policy can help recover your finances. 
• Do not be intimidated to pay. You can firmly say no and walk away if someone demands money for an illogical reason.
• If you want to buy gemstones, buy from a reputable dealer and make sure to test the clarity of the stone before making a final purchase.
• Do not travel alone with a stranger in Sri Lanka as they would most likely try to scam you.
• When visiting a bar or pub, always look for a price listing in the menu and ask for a receipt.  
• As a rule of thumb, always be mindful of someone approaching you offering you something or tries to get your attention. Often, it’s a scam.

If you face any difficulties in Sri Lanka, you can always reach out to the Tourism Hotline: 1912.

Here are some more contacts in case of any emergencies:

• Sri Lanka Ambulance service: 1990

• High Commission of India, Colombo, Sri Lanka: +94-11-2394581 

• Consulate General of India, Jaffna, Sri Lanka: 0094 21 222 0504/5

It’s better to be safe than sorry. Most of these scams can burn a hole in your pocket, that’s why you must always be aware of your environment, especially in a new country. 

Albeit these scams must not stop you from visiting a rich, historical country like Sri Lanka. With the right travel insurance to protect your finances in case of emergencies, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip.