Some scams
Southern Asia
Tourist scams in Sri Lanka
Scams and touts are a concern for first-time visitors, especially in Colombo. The main risks are misleading travel advice, transport overcharging and sales pressure; pickpocketing on public transport is uncommon.
- 1 On the streetCommonUnwanted sales approaches and pressureDrivers or vendors approach you before you have chosen to use them. You may end up paying too much because you have not compared prices. Around Anuradhapura, souvenir vendors may follow you and keep selling after you refuse. An approach alone does not prove a scam.Colombo, Anuradhapura 3Read
- 2 Buses and trainsCommonFalse claims that your destination is closedSomeone offers travel advice or directions, then says your destination is closed, dangerous or does not exist. A driver may claim your hotel is closed or full. This can steer you away from your original plans.Colombo 3Read
- 3 TaxisOccasionalTuk-tuk rides without a running meterSome tuk-tuks do not have their meters running. If you leave without a working meter or an agreed fare, you have less protection against an inflated price.Colombo 3Read
- 4 ShoppingOccasionalCharging above the marked retail priceA shop charges more than the Maximum Retail Price, or MRP, printed on packaged goods. This marked price includes taxes. Most vendors follow it, but some charge visitors more.Tourist destinations and remote places 3Read
- 5 ShoppingOccasionalCounterfeit sunglassesCounterfeit sunglasses may look convincing but may not protect your eyes from UV light. Their appearance does not establish their quality or protection.Shops selling cheap goods in rural areas 1Read
- 6 Changing moneyOccasionalUnusable banknotes given as changeYou may receive damaged notes that shops will not accept. Even a small tear or stain can cause problems. Wet, defaced or written-on notes may also be refused. Receiving one does not by itself prove deliberate fraud.Anywhere you receive cash change 1Read
- 7 ShoppingOccasionalOffers to buy ancient artifactsSome souvenir vendors offer authentic ancient artifacts. Removing items more than 100 years old from the country is illegal. This is a risky sale rather than necessarily a fake product.Anuradhapura 1Read
- 8 TheftOccasionalPickpocketing on public transportA thief takes money or belongings from a pocket or bag. Pickpocketing on public transport is described as uncommon, but basic precautions are still useful.Public transport 3Read
- 9 TheftOccasionalMonkeys taking unattended belongingsMonkeys, especially macaques, can take unattended personal belongings. They can also become aggressive. This is an animal-related loss risk, not a human scam.Anuradhapura 3Read
Where to stay alert
- ColomboFirst-time visitors can encounter scams, unsolicited travel advice and touts.
- Pettah Market, ColomboStreet vendors actively approach passers-by. Bargaining is important, though polite refusal is generally accepted.
- Anuradhapura old townSouvenir vendors may follow visitors or keep selling after a refusal. Some offer authentic ancient artifacts.
- Mihintale, AnuradhapuraSouvenir vendors are abundant and may use persistent sales pressure or offer ancient artifacts.
Habits that keep you safe
Taxis
- Use Uber or PickMe to reduce fare haggling.
- Check that the meter is running, or agree on the full fare before leaving.
- Verify claims that your destination is closed or unsafe.
Money
- Inspect banknotes when you receive change.
- Ask for torn, stained, wet or written-on notes to be replaced.
- Check the printed MRP on packaged goods before paying.
- Compare prices before accepting an unsolicited offer.
Cards and ATMs
- Use an ATM at a bank branch when practical.
- Check that the ATM displays your card network's logo.
- Cover your PIN and keep your card in sight.
- Keep your card issuer's contact details available.
Your belongings
- Keep bags closed and valuables close on public transport.
- Avoid leaving phones and wallets in easy-to-reach pockets.
- In Anuradhapura, keep belongings away from monkeys.
- Keep a separate copy of important travel documents.
Where you stay
- Save your hotel's phone number before travelling.
- Call the hotel yourself if someone says it is closed or full.
- Confirm any change of accommodation before paying or travelling elsewhere.
What travellers say about Sri Lanka
Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.
- Redditr/srilanka2024Why is so much of the Sri Lankan tourism based on deceit?An English couple reported inflated taxi fares, requests to cancel app bookings, and sightseeing trips diverted to businesses paying commissions.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/srilanka2024What common scams should be one aware of? Life pro tips should tourists be aware of before travelling to Sri Lanka?Commenters warned about tuk-tuk overcharging, shopping diversions, tourist restaurant prices, and bus conductors withholding change.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/SriLankaTravel2026First Time in Sri Lanka - What Scams & Tourist Traps Should We Watch Out For? 🇱🇰Replies described unmetered tuk-tuks, false temple-closure claims, unsolicited guides, and overpriced gem and spice shops.Read on Reddit
- TripadvisorSri Lanka ForumScams & Safety Concerns for Travellers in Colombo - Sri Lanka ForumA solo traveller reported strangers impersonating hotel staff, a fictitious festival, and a demand for 98,000 rupees for a short tuk-tuk ride.Read on Tripadvisor
- Redditr/SriLankaTravel2026tourists trapsTravellers discussed drivers steering them toward gem, spice, and tea shops and requesting fares above app quotes.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/srilanka2024Sri Lanka is one of the few countries I've been to where nobody tried to scam me.The poster described a largely scam-free visit apart from an airport tuk-tuk overcharging attempt, while replies shared contrasting experiences.Read on Reddit
Questions
How worried should I be about scams in Sri Lanka?
Use normal care, with extra attention to unsolicited offers in Colombo. First-time visitors can be targeted, but checking claims and prices helps you avoid the main tricks.
What if a driver says my hotel is closed or full?
Call the hotel yourself before changing plans. Do not rely only on the driver's claim.
How can I avoid tuk-tuk fare disputes?
Check that the meter is running or agree on the full fare before leaving. Uber and PickMe can reduce price haggling.
How should I handle persistent vendors?
Refuse politely and keep walking. Choose sellers yourself and compare prices before buying. Some souvenir vendors around Anuradhapura may continue following you.
Can shops charge more than the price on a package?
Many packaged goods show an MRP that includes taxes. Retailers are not supposed to charge above it. Check the mark before paying.
Should I check my cash change?
Yes. Shops may refuse torn, stained, wet or written-on notes. Ask for a replacement before leaving.
Are cheap sunglasses a safe purchase?
Counterfeit sunglasses may look good but may not provide UV protection. Buy from a seller you trust and check the protection claimed.
Can I buy ancient artifacts as souvenirs?
Avoid authentic ancient artifacts. Removing items more than 100 years old from the country is illegal. Ask sellers to confirm that souvenirs are replicas.
Is pickpocketing common on public transport?
It is described as uncommon. Still, keep bags closed and valuables close, especially when boarding or leaving.
Can monkeys take my belongings in Anuradhapura?
Yes. Monkeys can take unattended belongings and may become aggressive. Keep bags closed and do not try to grab items back from an aggressive animal.
Reviewed by @snuck