Avoiding tourist prices for street food in Pettah market
6 Answers from travellers
Outdated Information: This answer is over 6 months old. Prices, schedules, or availability may have changed. Please verify current information before making travel plans.
The golden rule of Sri Lankan street food: Never ask "how much" first. Observe the locals ahead of you. If they hand over a 100 LKR note and get a samosa, you do the exact same thing. Point at the item, confidently hand them the 100 LKR note, and hold your hand out for the food. If they try to argue, just smile and shake your head. 99% of the time, they will accept the local price.
Also, stick to the carts that have printed prices on a small cardboard sign hanging from the roof.
If they quote 1000 rupees for a king coconut, literally just laugh and walk away. They will drop it to 150 instantly.
Scam Watch: colombo
Driver claims the meter is broken and quotes an inflated flat rate. Common on arrival at airport or railway stations when tourists are tired and disoriented.
Drivers wearing official-looking uniforms claim to be "government-approved" and charge 3-5x normal rates. They may have fake badges or ID cards.
Women with babies approach asking you to buy milk powder at a nearby shop (not cash). The shop is run by accomplices and charges 5-10x normal price.
You must be logged in to post an answer.
Log in to answerRelated questions
- Buying food from train vendors and avoiding tourist price scams5 answers
- Avoiding tourist prices for street food in Pettah market6 answers
- Dealing with the broken meter excuse from Colombo Tuk Tuk drivers2 answers
- Secret street food markets in Colombo at night.2 answers
- Negombo on arrival — worth stopping for a night or should I go straight to Colombo?3 answers
- Tipping confusion 10 percent service charge plus or instead of tip4 answers
Join a Crew
Kandy Perahera Live Tonight
Perahera Seats, Hotels & Roads
Dalada & Perahera Culture