Sri Lanka is such a friendly, easy-going place, visitors usually have no need to worry about anything. However, just as you would in your home country, do take care.
Beyond a couple of tuk-tuk drivers trying their luck, we’ve barely encountered any real scams or safety concerns on either of our trips, but here are a few things to watch out for just in case:
1. Tuk scam in Sri Lanka
The most common scam in Sri Lanka involves tuk-tuk overcharging. In cities, only take tuk-tuks that have meters, and request that they are turned on prior to getting into the vehicle. In other areas, be sure that both you and the driver agree on the fare before getting in.
How to Avoid It
The best advice for avoiding all tuk-tuk scams is only to hire tuks with visible, working meters. Use apps like PickMe to avoid any issues. If a price is negotiated ahead of time, have the exact amount agreed ready, get out with your belongings at the destination, pay the driver the agreed fee, and walk away.
Read: Transportation: Tuk-Tuks, Cars, Mini Car Taxi
2. People
As a general safety rule, do not go alone with strangers you meet on the street or accept anything from them.
Read: Basic Etiquette in Sri Lanka for tourists
3. Pickpocketing
As with most destinations, there is a risk of pickpockets, particularly in crowded areas like Pettah market in Colombo.
Try not to flash your expensive items, and avoid putting your valuables in your pockets (unless buttoned or zipped) or in easily accessible areas of your bags.
4. Stilt fisherman
There’s no image more iconic in Sri Lanka than the stilt fisherman, expertly balancing on two strapped-together sticks in the shallows of the southern coastline, fishing for the day’s catch.
While a small handful does genuinely practise this traditional fishing method (most prefer boat fishing now), there are also plenty of unscrupulous non-fishermen pretending to fish who have “agents” inland who demand payment once you’ve snapped your winning picture.
How to Avoid It
This is a quite difficult scam to avoid. As with most scam prevention, be aware of your surroundings and survey the situation before acting. If you are approached by these scammers, know that it is, of course, not illegal to take a picture of the ocean. Do not be intimidated into paying. Walk away.
5. Spice Garden Scam
Tuk-tuk drivers will often pair 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, the doctor/professor gets angry. This is all a ruse to get you to buy something, but don’t fall for their act.
If you want to buy fresh spices, hygienically wrapped, you’ll find plenty in a local supermarket.
6. Sapphire scams
Sri Lanka is home to the sapphire, so it’s no surprise that gem scams occur, especially in Galle and Kandy. Oftentimes, tourists are sold fake, or poor quality gems with faked authenticity certificates.
How to avoid it.
Buy gems from a reputable dealer, such as those in hotel arcades or with posh shops. Don’t go into a gem shop with a Sri Lankan you don’t know; he’ll get a huge commission from your purchase by claiming to have recommended the store to you.
Read: Exploring Ratnapura – The Gem city of Sri Lanka
7. The Charity Charlatan
A respectable-looking elderly man or woman will 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.
How to Avoid It
Do not give money to people in the street. Charitable organisations in Sri Lanka do not ask for money on the street. If you feel particularly compelled to give to an organisation you hear about, get the name and address. Check online to make sure it is a real organisation and donate directly.
8. 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”.
How to avoid them.
Say no and walk away, even if they follow you, ignore them. You’re not being rude, just sensible. If they become a threat call the tourist police 24-hour hotline on 1912 or 011-2421451.
Read: What to do in an emergency in Sri Lanka?
9. Railway ticket scam
Ella to Kandy railway ride (or vice versa) is the most popular ride with scenic views. The ticketing 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. Avoid buying railway tickets from freelance brokers as they could be forged. Real tickets are issued at the station counters or click here on how to reserve your railway tickets online
10. Beware of Beach Boys
Sri Lankan young men who say hello on the beach are good looking, charming and seemingly helpful. Of course, they are, but they want to be more than friendly. They are hoping that somehow they’ll be able to benefit out of talking to you. Whether you encourage them or not is up to you, but remember there’s always a price to pay.
How to avoid them?
Be firm, either ignore them completely or say “No!” Do not engage in conversation.
11. Animal antics
A man will open a basket in front of you with a snake inside. He’s a snake charmer actually wanting to charm money out of you. Or he’ll produce a monkey from a sack and start a performance. Once again, you have to be firm and say “No!”. Don’t weaken or you’ll fall for his monkey tricks.
