My tuk-tuk driver insists on taking me to a "special Gem Museum" for free. Is this a trap?
We are in Kandy and our driver keeps offering to take us to a "Government Approved Gem Museum" or a "Wood Carving Factory" on the way to the Botanical Gardens. He says the entry is free and it's an educational tour.
I feel like there's a catch. Will we be pressured to buy jewelry? Is this a legit museum?
1 Answer
You are right to be suspicious, this is the oldest trick in the book!
The Scam: These are not real museums; they are private jewelry showrooms. The "tour" is 5 minutes of looking at a mine replica, followed by 30 minutes of high-pressure sales tactics in the showroom.
The Motivation: Your driver gets a commission (sometimes 10-20% of whatever you buy, or a cash fee just for bringing you in). That is why he is pushing it so hard.
Advice: If you have zero interest in buying expensive jewelry, firmly say "No shopping, direct to the gardens only." If you do want to buy gems, go to a reputable dealer in Colombo or Galle Fort and ask for a National Gem & Jewellery Authority (NGJA) certificate. Do not buy from these roadside "museums", the markups are huge to cover the driver's commission.
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