Overpriced fruit stalls at Pettah floating market
5 Answers from travellers
That is a massive tourist scam. The floating market has unfortunately become a bit of a tourist trap. Three local mangoes should cost around 300 to 500 LKR maximum, depending on the season. If they do not have a price board, they are sizing you up. Walk away and buy fruit from the normal wooden carts on the main road outside the floating market.
Also, check if they are imported fruits (like apples or grapes). Imported fruits are genuinely very expensive in Sri Lanka.
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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