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Fake guides demanding money inside Polonnaruwa ancient city

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J
Jack W.•11320 rep•2

We rented bikes for Polonnaruwa. At the first stupa, a man without a uniform started explaining the history and then aggressively demanded 3000 rupees. Is this a scam.

16
budget-travelsafetytemples

8 Answers from travellers

✓Accepted Answer

Yes, this is a scam. Only Tourist Board certified guides wearing official identification badges are permitted to guide inside the archaeological site. These men are unauthorized touts. Before they even start talking, politely but firmly say "No thank you, we do not need a guide." Do not let them walk with you, or they will demand payment for their "service."

42
N
Nimali D.•7770 rep•1

Never pay them. It encourages them to harass the next tourist.

50
N
Nimali D.•7770 rep•1

If they get aggressive, ride your bike toward one of the official ticket checkers.

44
S
Sophie T.•8225 rep•2

Just wear headphones while you bike around. They stop bothering you if you act like you cannot hear them.

37
S
Sophie T.•8225 rep•2

We gave him 500 rupees just to leave us alone.

36
J
Jack W.•11320 rep•2

The official guides have set rates, usually around 2000-3000 LKR for the whole complex.

20
R
Ruwan P.•11940 rep•1

Good to know. We will be firmer tomorrow at Sigiriya.

17
J
Jack W.•11320 rep•2

If you actually want a guide, hire one at the main ticketing museum before you enter the park. They are regulated.

9
R
Ruwan P.•11940 rep•1

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