3 Answers from travellers
To buy authentic blue sapphires in Colombo without any risk of being scammed, you must completely ignore the random street touts or tuk tuk drivers offering to take you to a special shop. Always go to highly reputable, established jewelers.
Crucially, you must explicitly demand a certificate of authenticity from the National Gem and Jewellery Authority of Sri Lanka for any stone you purchase. Reputable shops will provide this instantly.
Shops like Zam Gems, Tiesh, and Premadasa Jewelers are extremely trustworthy. They have been in business for decades and strictly sell genuine, ethically sourced stones.
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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