Spice garden detours forced by Kandy tuktuk drivers
3 Answers from travellers
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This is the infamous commission scam. The driver gets paid just for bringing you in, and gets a cut of anything you buy. Do not get angry, just firmly refuse to get out of the vehicle. Say "We are not interested, please take us to our hotel or we will pay you right now and find another tuk-tuk." They will huff, but they will drive on.
Always set strict ground rules before hiring them for the day: "No shops, no gems, no spices."
We just walked out and hailed a passing bus. The driver lost his fare completely.
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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