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Tuk tuk drivers offering fake gem museum tours in Colombo

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E
Ethan J.•6030 rep•2

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
colombotransportationsafety

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
K
Kamal P.•9180 rep•1

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

47
A
Amali D.•7720 rep•1

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
M
Mia S.•7765 rep•2

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

14
K
Kamal P.•9180 rep•1

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

1
E
Ethan J.•6030 rep•2

Scam Watch: colombo

Broken Meter ScamVerified

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.

👍 67•by virajperera
Government TukTuk ScamVerified

Drivers wearing official-looking uniforms claim to be "government-approved" and charge 3-5x normal rates. They may have fake badges or ID cards.

👍 52•by virajperera
Milk Powder Beggar ScamVerified

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.

👍 25•by virajperera
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