Getting scammed by restaurants in Galle, how to avoid it!
3 Answers from travellers
This is an unfortunately common scam. The absolute best way to avoid it is to explicitly ask for a printed menu with prices clearly listed before you order anything. Never accept verbal price quotes, especially for fresh seafood.
If they become aggressive, mention that you will call the Tourist Police. The local authorities take these scams very seriously, and the threat alone usually resolves the fake charges on the spot.
If they bring a bill that is double what you expected, calmly ask to see the menu again to verify the prices. Take a photo of the menu. Often, just politely pointing out the discrepancy with photographic proof makes them back down immediately.
Scam Watch: galle
Someone befriends you and offers a "once in a lifetime" opportunity to buy gems at wholesale prices and resell them abroad for huge profit. They may show you fake export certificates. The gems are worthless glass or low-quality stones.
Restaurants without visible prices. Bill arrives with inflated charges (500 LKR coconut becomes 1500 LKR). "Service charges" added without disclosure.
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