Police
119
Ambulance
110
Tourist Police
011-2421052
Risk Map & Attractions
Common Scams
The Tuk-Tuk Overcharge & Detour
Drivers refuse to use the meter, quote inflated flat rates, or claim a destination is closed, offering a 'free' detour to a commission-paying shop (like a gem store or spice garden). The driver receives a commission for bringing a tourist to the shop, regardless of whether a purchase is made.
Insist on the meter or use ride-hailing apps (e.g., PickMe, Uber). Confirm the route on a map app before starting. Never accept unsolicited offers for 'free' tours or shopping trips.
The Bird Poop Distraction
A scammer splatters a white substance (simulating bird droppings) on the tourist. A 'helpful' accomplice immediately rushes over to clean it, using the distraction and close proximity to pickpocket wallets, phones, or other valuables.
Immediately move away from the area and clean yourself in a private, secure location. Be wary of overly helpful strangers in crowded areas. Keep valuables secured in front pockets or a cross-body bag.
The Fake Gemstone Rip-Off
Tuk-tuk drivers or touts take tourists to 'government-approved' gem shops where they are pressured to buy fake or low-quality sapphires and other stones with fraudulent authenticity certificates at exorbitant prices. The gems are often worthless.
Never buy gemstones from a shop recommended by a tuk-tuk driver or tout. Only purchase from reputable, established jewelers with a clear return policy and international certification.
The 'Closed' Attraction Touts
Unofficial guides or touts approach tourists near popular sites (like Gangaramaya Temple or museums) and claim the attraction is closed for a holiday or special event, then offer to take them on an alternative, commission-based tour.
Always check the official opening hours online or at the entrance. Ignore unsolicited advice from touts. If an attraction is truly closed, find an alternative on your own.
The Hotel Staff Impersonator
Scammers loiter near major tourist hotels, sometimes wearing similar attire, and pretend to be hotel staff, offering 'special' tours, currency exchange, or claiming to be sent by the hotel manager to gain trust and steal or overcharge.
Only deal with staff inside the hotel lobby or at the official reception desk. Verify their identity with the front desk if approached outside or in an unusual manner.
The Tsunami Temple Lure
A friendly local or tuk-tuk driver offers a free or very cheap ride to a 'Tsunami Temple' or 'Elephant Orphanage' that is either non-existent, a fake, or a very long drive away, leading to a high-pressure sales pitch or an inflated fare demand.
Politely decline all unsolicited offers for tours or rides to unknown locations. Research all destinations beforehand and book through reputable tour operators.
The Money Exchange Short-Change
Scammers at unofficial exchange booths or on the street use sleight of hand or distraction techniques to short-change tourists during currency exchange, often involving large denominations or confusing calculations.
Only exchange currency at official banks, ATMs, or licensed money changers. Count the money immediately and carefully before leaving the counter.
The Broken Camera/Picture Scam
A local asks a tourist to take their picture. Upon returning the camera, the local intentionally drops it and blames the tourist, demanding a large sum of money for the 'broken' camera. The camera is often already broken or a cheap decoy.
Politely decline requests to take photos with a stranger's equipment. Offer to take a photo with your own phone instead.
The Spiked Drink & Bar Bill Scam
A 'friendly' local befriends a tourist and invites them to a bar. The local either spikes the tourist's drink to incapacitate them for theft, or disappears before the bill arrives, leaving the tourist with a greatly inflated bar tab.
Never accept drinks from strangers and always keep your drink in sight. Be cautious of overly friendly locals in bars. Only drink at reputable, well-reviewed establishments.
The Fake Charity Donation
Individuals, sometimes with official-looking papers, approach tourists in busy areas asking for donations for a non-existent or fraudulent charity, often targeting children's homes or religious causes.
Never donate cash to individuals on the street. If you wish to donate, do so directly to a registered, established charity or religious institution.
Safe Attractions
Gangaramaya Temple
One of the most important temples in Colombo.
Galle Face Green
Ocean-side urban park.
Lotus Tower
Tallest self-supported structure in South Asia.
National Museum of Colombo
Largest museum in Sri Lanka.
Pettah Floating Market
Market located on Beira Lake.