Train vendors between Colombo and Kandy safe to buy from or scam
4 Answers from travellers
The train vendors are absolutely one of the best parts of Sri Lankan railway culture! They are hardworking locals, not scammers. It is generally very safe to eat the hot, freshly fried snacks like wade (lentil fritters) or roasted peanuts. They might charge a tourist 100 rupees instead of 50, but it is hardly a scam. Just enjoy the snacks with a hot sweet tea.
If you have a very sensitive stomach, maybe avoid the cut fruit they sell in little bags, just to be safe with the water used to wash it.
The prawn wade on the train is amazing. I ate like six of them and was totally fine.
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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