How to avoid buying fake branded clothes in Pettah.
3 Answers from travellers
Pettah is absolutely flooded with counterfeit clothing. If a vendor on Main Street is selling a highly recognizable designer shirt or luxury brand jacket for five dollars, it is guaranteed to be a terrible fake. Authentic luxury brands are not sold on street carts.
If you want to buy genuine, high quality export surplus clothing without the fake branding, visit the massive stores in the Pamunuwa area of Maharagama, or stick to reputable retail outlets like Odel and House of Fashions in Colombo.
To spot fakes easily, check the stitching quality inside the collar, look for misspelled words on the tags, and feel the fabric. The material on counterfeit shirts usually feels incredibly thin and scratchy compared to genuine garments.
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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