It feels surreal to travel to a new country, explore iconic attractions, and learn about its heritage and architecture up front. The joy of being present in a new place seems extraordinary but these cherishable travel experiences can turn south in a minute if we fall prey to scams. These days, scamming tourists in bustling locations has become an unfortunate new normal. As travellers, we must know more about the country before visiting. If you are planning a trip to Sri Lanka, you must know about the infamous tourist traps here. Netizens often share their poor experiences online and situations can turn horribly wrong.
Beware Of These Tourist Traps In Sri Lanka
1. Pickpocketing
Stay careful in public places. You may not even understand when someone will pass by you and pickpocket in just a few seconds. Keep all your money and important documents safe and stay alert, especially while using public transportation and exploring crowded places.
2. Scams On Buses
Buses can be jam-packed with passengers many times. This provides the ultimate opportunity for thieves to steal money and other items. In addition to the fear of things getting stolen, chances are that bus conductors can charge you extra money for your journey without providing a valid ticket. Make sure to get your hands on your tickets at all times.
3. Tuk Tuk Scams In Sri Lanka
Many tourists prefer travelling to different places in tuk-tuk. One of the most infamous tourist traps in Sri Lanka is tuk-tuk drivers charging higher fares to tourists. Many drivers scam visitors by taking longer routes to ask for more money. Ask for the change money ASAP as there have been incidents of drivers running away with the extra amount that they are supposed to return.
4. Fake Travel Guides
If you are interested in hiring a guide while exploring tourist attractions, find reliable sources to connect them. There are places filled with unknown random people who introduce themselves as guides. However, they end up asking for exorbitant charges and also persuade people to hop on tuk-tuk or buy items from specific shops.
5. Exploring Spice Garden Scams
Spice gardens are one of the must-visit attractions in Sri Lanka. Unfortunately, you may interact with scammers with bad intentions at these popular places. Many people claiming to be doctors try selling herbal products to visitors. Avoid falling into such traps.
6. Stilt Fisherman Scam
Visuals of stilt fishing are something that many visitors and photographers wish to see IRL on their trips. Unfortunately, many people try taking advantage of travellers’ fondness to check out this traditional fishing method. Non-fishermen often pose and imitate stilt fishermen waiting to catch fish in the ocean. After someone clicks pictures of the person posing in the ocean, other people involved in the scam rush to charge money. This has grown to be one of the notorious tourist traps in Sri Lanka.
Also read: Getting A Sri Lanka Visa Is Now Cheaper Than Ever! Fee Scrapped And Online Applications Restored
7. Falling Into Traps Of Animal Charmers
You will find animal charmers in many places entertaining crowds with monkeys, snakes, and more. These people often ask viewers to join the show and take part in adventurous activities. To scam people, animal charmers often force participants to pay money.
8. Scam At Bars
Most locals in Sri Lanka are quite friendly and hospitable. They tend to be helpful to visitors and help them whenever possible. Sadly, many scalpers take advantage of natives’ simplicity to scam tourists by pretending to be friendly and have drinks at any local bar. Once done, that person will somehow escape from there and leave innocent people with hefty bills. With no other option, they have to pay the overpriced bill forcefully. Usually, fraudsters work with bartenders during such scams and share the money between them.
Also read: Sri Lanka Announces Visa-Free Access To 35 Countries Including India From October 31
9. Selling Fake Gems
NEVER purchase gems and stones from random places in Sri Lanka. To get authentic stones, head to proper licensed shops and buy your choices. Shiny fake gems are often sold at high prices and many visitors have been scammed by this act easily. You might be the next victim of this tourist trap, So, stay aware.
10. Scam At Fuel Stations
If you rent a car or a bike to explore the country, be very careful while pumping fuel at any gas station. Ensure checking that zero mark on the pump before adding fuel to the vehicle. Often, attendants try scamming visitors by pumping less fuel and charging more money.
Travelling to Sri Lanka is a wonderful journey. It has incredible experience to offer. Remain alert and try to run away from tourist traps to enjoy the best time in Sri Lanka.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva
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