Tuk tuk drivers offering fake gem museum tours in Kandy

Asked about 2 months agoSeen by 726 travellers29 found this helpful
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Ethan J.7050 rep2
asked about 2 months ago

Our tuk tuk driver in Kandy offered to take us to a traditional gem museum for free on our way to the botanical gardens. Is this a common scam.

29
asked about 2 months ago
E
Ethan J.7050 rep2

4 Answers from travellers

Accepted Answer

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

39
answered about 2 months ago
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Kamal P.15230 rep1

Thanks, we refused and he was grumpy the whole ride, but we did not waste our time.

31
answered about 2 months ago
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Ethan J.7050 rep2

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

27
answered about 2 months ago
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Amali D.6360 rep1

They locked the door behind us and pressured us to buy a sapphire for 200 USD. We had to yell to get them to open it.

19
answered about 2 months ago
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Mia S.6485 rep2

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