Black market currency exchange place risks.
3 Answers from travellers
Exchanging currency on the black market with random touts on the street in Colombo is incredibly dangerous and highly illegal. While they might verbally offer you a slightly higher rate, they are masters of sleight of hand.
It is absolutely not worth the massive risk of losing hundreds of dollars to gain a few extra rupees. Always stick to the highly regulated, authorized currency exchange places displaying official Central Bank certificates in Fort or Pettah.
The most common scam involves them handing you a thick stack of lower denomination notes that is deliberately short of the agreed amount, or slipping highly convincing counterfeit bills into the middle of the stack.
You must be logged in to post an answer.
Log In to AnswerRelated questions
- Sri Lanka budget travel - what does a realistic daily budget look like for a backpacker in 2025?3 answers
- How to avoid the stilt fisherman photo scam?4 answers
- Fake whale watching tour scams sold in Colombo4 answers
- How to get around Sri Lanka on a budget easily.1 answer
- Tuktuk drivers in Kandy quoting crazy prices for temple tours6 answers
- Safety tips for taking the public bus to Kandy4 answers
Join a Crew
Kandy Perahera Live Tonight
Perahera Seats, Hotels & Roads
Dalada & Perahera Culture