Snake charmers and photo extortion at Galle Face Green
4 Answers from travellers
This is a common extortion scam targeting tourists in busy areas like Galle Face. The snakes are usually defanged pythons kept in cruel conditions. Do not pay 50 dollars. Firmly hand the snake back, drop 200 LKR (if you feel threatened), and walk away. If they aggressively block you, yell "Police!" The tourist police constantly patrol Galle Face and these scammers will flee instantly.
Keep your hands in your pockets when walking past them so they physically cannot hand you the snake.
We threatened to call the police and he immediately backed off. Thanks for the advice.
The same guys hang out outside the big nightclubs at 2 AM trying to extort drunk tourists.
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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