Buying local food from train vendors on the way to Kandy
3 Answers from travellers
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The train vendors are heavily regulated by the railway authority and are not scammers. They provide a vital and safe service. The hot snacks like roasted peanuts, wade (lentil fritters), and sweet tea are delicious and safe to eat. They might occasionally round up the price from 80 LKR to 100 LKR for a foreigner, but it is not a malicious scam.
If you have a very sensitive stomach, avoid the pre-cut fruit they sell in little plastic bags, just to be safe regarding the water used to wash it.
The prawn wade on the train is amazing. I ate them on the entire journey and my stomach was totally fine.
Scam Watch: kandy
TukTuk or tour drivers take you to "gem museums" or "government-certified" gem shops. They receive huge commissions (up to 40%) on anything you buy. Prices are inflated 3-10x the actual value.
Men approach tourists near Temple of the Tooth offering to be guides. After the tour, they demand large "donations" or guide fees (5000-10000 LKR).
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