Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Colombo, Western, Sri Lanka

All Topics about Colombo All Cities in Sri Lanka

1. Tuk Tuk Scams

Avoid overpriced rides or being taken to unintended destinations. Always agree on a price before starting the journey.

Price Negotiation: Knowing fair prices for common destinations
Metered Tuk Tuks: Identifying metered tuk tuks for a transparent pricing system
Avoiding Unwanted Stops: Sticking to your intended destination without unnecessary detours

Avoid misleading information or being taken to unwanted shops. Hire a reputable guide or use free city maps.

Reputation Check: Verifying the guide's reputation through reviews and recommendations
Free City Maps: Utilizing reliable, free city maps to navigate independently
Avoiding High-pressure Sales Tactics: Resisting offers to visit shops for commissions

Avoid buying fake goods that can cause health issues or legal problems. Opt for legitimate shops.

Legitimate Shops Identification: Spotting the differences between legitimate and counterfeit shops
Health Risks: Awareness of potential health hazards associated with counterfeit goods
Legal Consequences: Understanding the legal repercussions of purchasing and carrying counterfeit items

Avoid paying excessive prices for meals. Research affordable dining options online.

Online Reviews: Using trustworthy online reviews to find reasonably priced restaurants
Street Food Sampling: Trying affordable street food for an authentic experience
Avoiding Tourist Traps: Staying away from popular tourist areas with overpriced restaurants

Avoid being charged excessively or having your personal information stolen. Buy SIM cards from authorized retailers.

Authorized Retailer Identification: Recognizing authorized retailers for reliable SIM card purchases
Personal Information Protection: Protecting your personal information during the purchase and activation process
Fair Pricing: Understanding fair prices for SIM card packages and data plans

Avoid paying inflated prices for hotel rooms. Book accommodations online in advance.

Online Booking: Booking accommodations through reputable online travel agencies
Negotiation Skills: Practicing negotiation skills to secure better rates
Avoiding Walk-ins: Booking accommodations in advance to avoid being overcharged for walk-in rooms

Avoid getting ripped off with poor exchange rates. Use reputable exchange bureaus or banks.

Reputable Exchange Bureau Identification: Spotting reliable exchange bureaus and avoiding unofficial street vendors
Fair Exchange Rates: Knowing fair exchange rates for the local currency
Avoiding Hidden Fees: Understanding and avoiding hidden fees associated with exchanges

Avoid being given counterfeit or less money than agreed. Count your change carefully.

Counterfeit Detection: Learning to identify counterfeit bills
Counting Change: Double-checking your change to ensure the correct amount is given
Reliable Money Changers Selection: Selecting reputable money changers for a secure and fair exchange

Avoid buying overpriced or fake gold jewelry. Research local gold prices.

Local Gold Price Awareness: Understanding the current market price of gold in Colombo
Reputable Jewelers Identification: Selecting reputable jewelers with positive customer reviews
Gold Authentication: Knowing how to verify the authenticity and purity of gold jewelry

Avoid being asked for unnecessary donations or pressured into buying offerings. Respect cultural customs.

Understanding Cultural Customs: Learning about the local customs and appropriate donation amounts
Avoiding Unnecessary Donations: Declining offers to buy unnecessary offerings or services
Respectful Behavior: Adhering to the rules and showing respect in sacred spaces

Avoid investing in fraudulent beachfront properties. Research real estate agents and laws.

Real Estate Agent Verification: Verifying the legitimacy of real estate agents and their affiliations
Property Laws Understanding: Understanding local property laws and regulations
Avoiding Unverified Properties: Inspecting properties thoroughly before investing

Avoid being tricked into buying fraudulent lottery tickets. Ignore unsolicited messages about winnings.

Ignoring Unsolicited Messages: Recognizing and ignoring scammy solicitations about lottery winnings
Legitimate Lotteries Identification: Identifying legitimate local lotteries and their official channels
Avoiding Upfront Fees: Refusing to pay upfront fees or additional charges for winnings

Avoid booking tours with unreliable operators. Research and choose reputable tour providers.

Reputation Check: Verifying the reputation of tour operators through online reviews
Itinerary Verification: Reviewing the itinerary to ensure it includes your desired destinations
Payment Protection: Ensuring secure payment methods and understanding refund policies

Avoid unsafe and illegal transportation. Use registered taxis or ride-sharing services.

Registered Taxi Identification: Spotting registered taxi vehicles and identifying reputable companies
Safety Precautions: Ensuring safety features like seat belts and working headlights are available
Avoiding Unlicensed Drivers: Asking for a driver's license or identification to verify their credentials

Avoid being tricked into giving more than expected. Set a fair donation amount beforehand.

Predefined Donation Amount: Setting a reasonable and predetermined donation amount
Recognizing Manipulative Techniques: Identifying manipulative techniques used by street performers to extract more money
Supporting Authentic Performances: Enjoying and supporting genuine performances that contribute to local culture