How to Avoid Tourist Scams in Sri Lanka – For a Hassle-free and Rewarding Stay

The beautiful nation of Sri Lanka attracts many foreign tourists from across the globe with its diverse attractions. Although most Sri Lankans you will encounter are honest, trustworthy people, just like in any other tourist destination in the world, there will be a few dishonest individuals seeking to make quick money by scamming visitors. Provided below are some insights into such tourist scams in Sri Lanka to be mindful of.  

Be aware of tuk-tuk scams 

Many foreign tourists, just like the locals, often rely on using tuk-tuks to travel moderate distances in Sri Lanka. There would be as you might expect a minority of tuk-tuk drivers who will attempt to unfairly divest you of your hard-earned money. Common tuk-tuk-related scams would include charging unfair sums for the distance travelled, taking unnecessary lengthy routes to destinations and attempting emotional blackmail by requesting money for food or imaginary emergencies; some would also look to take passengers to tourist-related establishments from which the driver would obtain a commission. A tuk-tuk driver may even offer to forego his fare in return for you visiting a certain place; this is likely to be a scam. To avoid scams in some urban areas you could use smartphone ride-hailing apps like PickMe or Uber which apart from taxis also offer tuk-tuks. Alternatively, try to always use metered tuk-tuks. 

Dutch Lanka Tours, Tuk Tuk Sri Lanka, CC BY-SA 4.0 

Avoid ‘helping hand’ scams

At the well-known cultural and historical attractions in Sri Lanka, you could fall victim to ‘helping hand’ scams where some locals may attempt to deceive tourists. While waiting in line at the ticket counter, you may be approached by someone who would offer to purchase tickets on your behalf ‘from friends at the counter’. Needless to say, this may well be a scam.Another group of scammers to look out for would be individuals who will in a forceful manner offer to act as a guide cum helper at cultural sites; in return, they will expect an exorbitant fee for their services at the conclusion of the excursion. You should simply ignore any such offers and be firm in resisting their ploys. 

Evade bus scams

Tourists will also often use buses for transport in Sri Lanka and should be mindful of bus scams that they may sometimes come across. There could be scammers who will pretend to be bus conductors and take your money. Sometimes, even genuine bus conductors will attempt to overcharge tourists so it’s best to find out what the fares are beforehand. Another common bus scam would be conductors telling you to obtain your change when disembarking; often passengers will forget to obtain the balance or would simply avoid taking the trouble to do so if the bus is crowded. As local buses can be packed during rush hours especially, it may be possible for pickpockets to steal your valuables in this situation so always take care to keep them safe. 

Resist the ‘friendly local’ scam

Most Sri Lankans will often be friendly, cheerful people ready to assist tourists. However, there could also be a few scammers desiring to gain your confidence and then exploit your friendship. You may come across a friendly local who would approach and strike up a friendship with you. They will then suggest having a drink at a bar or restaurant. You will probably end up having to pay an inflated bill, while the scammer would later receive a commission from the bar/restaurant. However, you could avoid situations like these by patronising reputable establishments offering trustworthy accommodation and dining like Avani Kalutara Resort which may be regarded as one of the pleasingly located ‘Safe and Secure’ certified resorts in Kalutara. Such properties will also help to organise reliable excursions as well. 

Steer clear of gem-related scams

There is no doubt that Sri Lanka happens to be rightfully renowned for its exquisite gemstones. However, particularly in the town called Ratnapura, where jewels are often found, you could encounter scammers desiring to sell you a supposedly valuable gemstone at a bargain price. Naturally, you should steer clear of any such offers. Additionally, tuk-tuk drivers may offer to take you to gem shops; you should decline these offers as well and only visit reputable shops if you truly desire to buy genuine gemstones.