Tuk tuk drivers offering fake gem museum tours in Colombo

Asked about 2 months agoSeen by 1,061 travellers2 found this helpful
E
Ethan J.6030 rep2
asked about 2 months ago

A tuk tuk driver offered us a city tour for 100 rupees if we just stop at one gem shop. Is this a classic scam.

2
asked about 2 months ago
E
Ethan J.6030 rep2

5 Answers from travellers

Accepted Answer

Yes, this is the most common scam in Colombo. The driver gets a commission just for bringing you in, and a huge cut of anything you buy. The gems are usually extremely overpriced and sometimes fake. Tell the driver firmly no detours, and only go to the destinations you requested.

41
answered about 2 months ago
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Kamal P.9180 rep1

If you want genuine gems, only buy from shops certified by the National Gem and Jewellery Authority.

47
answered about 2 months ago
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Amali D.7720 rep1

We got locked in a shop once and pressured to buy a sapphire for 200 USD. We had to yell to get them to open the door.

44
answered about 2 months ago
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Mia S.7765 rep2

PickMe and Uber are the only ways to guarantee you avoid this mafia.

14
answered about 2 months ago
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Kamal P.9180 rep1

Thanks, we refused and used PickMe instead. Much safer.

1
answered about 2 months ago
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Ethan J.6030 rep2

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