Is Ratnapura the best place to buy raw gemstones.
Should we travel to the gem city or just buy them directly in Colombo shops.
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1 Answer from travellers
Ratnapura is the historical epicenter of the gem trade, but it is not necessarily the best place for a casual tourist to buy stones. The market there is primarily geared towards wholesale gem dealers trading raw, unpolished stones. Unless you are a highly trained gemologist, it is incredibly easy to be scammed there. For a standard tourist looking for a beautiful, certified, cut sapphire set in jewelry, you are significantly safer buying from a reputable, certified boutique in Colombo.
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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