Pettah train station vendors and local transport scams
5 Answers from travellers
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The train vendors are heavily regulated by the railway authority and are not scammers. They provide a vital and safe service. The hot snacks like roasted peanuts, wade (lentil fritters), and sweet tea are delicious and safe to eat. They might occasionally round up the price from 80 LKR to 100 LKR for a foreigner, but it is not a malicious scam.
The prawn wade on the train is amazing. I ate them on the entire 7-hour journey and my stomach was totally fine.
No, definitely bring small change (100 and 50 rupee notes) for the train vendors.
If you have a very sensitive stomach, avoid the pre-cut fruit they sell in little plastic bags, just to be safe regarding the water used to wash it.
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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