Colombo nightclub entrance fee scams targeting foreigners
6 Answers from travellers
Many upscale clubs have a cover charge, but 15000 is extortion. Bouncers often run a side hustle by intimidating foreigners into paying fake entrance fees and pocketing the cash. Ask to see the official pricing menu or ask to speak to the manager.
Locals likely had their names on a guestlist or were club members. But charging you that much is just a shakedown.
I told the bouncer I was going to call the tourist police, and he immediately let us in for 3000 each.
It is highly unethical. Just walk away and go to a different rooftop bar, there are plenty of amazing ones in Colombo that do not do this.
Do not let them bully you. 15K is almost 50 USD, totally absurd for Sri Lanka.
If you book a table in advance online, you usually bypass the bouncers entirely.
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.
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