Kandy bus stand touts overcharging for private vans to Dambulla
3 Answers from travellers
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100% a scam. The main public buses between Kandy and Dambulla NEVER randomly cancel entirely; they run every 30 minutes. These touts wear fake lanyards to look official. They herd tourists into overpriced, cramped minivans that will not leave until every seat is full (which can take 2 hours). Ignore them, walk directly to the parked buses, and ask a conductor in a khaki uniform.
We fell for this in Colombo. Paid 3000 LKR and sat in the van sweating for 90 minutes.
If they aggressively grab your bags, shout "NO" loudly. They back off quickly.
Scam Watch: kandy
TukTuk or tour drivers take you to "gem museums" or "government-certified" gem shops. They receive huge commissions (up to 40%) on anything you buy. Prices are inflated 3-10x the actual value.
Men approach tourists near Temple of the Tooth offering to be guides. After the tour, they demand large "donations" or guide fees (5000-10000 LKR).
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