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Sri Lanka
24 scams
Known for its gorgeous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, you can explore cool hill stations, pretty tea plantations in Ella and delightful coastal villages in Sri Lanka.
However, as the country sees an influx of tourists, this has also led to an increase of tourist targeted scams.
Note: vast majority of trips are trouble free and there is no need to be paranoid. That said, it always pays to be aware, careful, and prepared.
Emergency number
- Police: 118/119
- Ambulance, fire: 110
- Tourist police: 011 2421052
Travel guide
Spice garden scam in Sri Lanka
7 1How it works: Opening: a self-proclaimed doctor/professor brings you on a free tour. Free tea or a massage is given as well to make you feel good. Set-up: he claims…
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Sapphire, gem shop scams in Sri Lanka
6 1How it works: Situation: Sri Lanka is the home of sapphires and unfortunately, gem scams too. Opening: a street tout/tuk-tuk driver tells you of a one day festival where you can…
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Unofficial guides, touts in Sri Lanka
6 3How it works: Unofficial guides: Version 1: latch on to you, provide low quality, unsolicited advice, then demand a fee. Version 2: giving you wrong directions to get you lost…
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Stilt fishing photo scam in Sri Lanka
5 0How it works: Stilt fishing is done by holding fishing rods while sitting on top of large poles. However, some are not actually fishing, but just there to pose for…
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Colombo Fort Railway Station scams in Sri Lanka
4 2How it works: Scam 1: a stranger offers to help you get train tickets. He brings you to the Tourist Information Office, which claims that there are no vacancies on…
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Ruwanwelisaya ticket scam in Sri Lanka
4 0How it works: In Ruwanwelisaya, there are 7 free sites and 3 paid sites. There are rogue tour operators which charge you for tickets to the paid sites but only…
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Pickpockets in Sri Lanka
3 2How it works: They work in a gang – one onlooker, one blocks, pushes, distracts, or engages you, one grabs and the final hides the loot under a cover (e.g….
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Restaurant, food stall scams in Sri Lanka
2 0How it works: Situation: most food places are fine, it’s generally just a few bad eggs around touristy areas that spoil it for the rest. Set-up: using cheap specials to…
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Snatch thefts in Sri Lanka
2 0How it works: Two versions: strike and run; distract and grab. Possible scenarios: Bar, restaurant: stealing unattended bags/valuables on the chair or table. Hotel, airport: where distracted/tired tourists carry all…
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Romance scam in Sri Lanka
3 1How it works: Opening: a friendly local chats you up and after rapport is built, tells you of a woman (friend/sister/relative, etc) who was horribly treated by a local and…
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