Tuk tuk drivers offering fake gem museum tours in Kandy
4 Answers from travellers
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.
Thanks, we refused and he was grumpy the whole ride, but we did not waste our time.
If you want genuine gems, only buy from shops certified by the National Gem and Jewellery Authority.
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.
Scam Watch: kandy
TukTuk or tour drivers take you to "gem museums" or "government-certified" gem shops. They receive huge commissions (up to 40%) on anything you buy. Prices are inflated 3-10x the actual value.
Men approach tourists near Temple of the Tooth offering to be guides. After the tour, they demand large "donations" or guide fees (5000-10000 LKR).
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