Street photographers demanding money for unsolicited photos at Galle Face
3 Answers from travellers
This is an aggressive sales tactic, but not a legally enforceable debt. If you did not ask for the photo, you are under absolutely zero obligation to pay for it. Put your hand up, say a firm "No thank you," refuse to touch the printed photo (if you touch it, they claim you bought it), and keep walking. If they harass you, walk toward the police post near the flag.
The snake charmers down there pull the exact same extortion trick. Just ignore them all.
I had a guy push the photo into my hand and then demand cash. I just dropped it on the ground and walked away.
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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