Common Travel Scams in Sri Lanka 2026 & How Tourists Can Avoid Them

Sri Lanka is widely known as one of Asia’s most welcoming and friendly travel destinations. The island attracts millions of international visitors each year with its beaches, wildlife, ancient history, and warm hospitality. However, like any popular tourist destination, Sri Lanka also has a few common travel scams that visitors should be aware of—especially those visiting for the first time.

This guide on Common Travel Scams in Sri Lanka 2026 is designed to help tourists stay informed, confident, and safe while traveling around the island. The good news is that scams in Sri Lanka are generally non-violent and avoidable with basic awareness. With the right knowledge and a trusted tour partner like BH Lanka Tours, travelers can enjoy a smooth, stress-free holiday.

Is Sri Lanka Safe for Tourists in 2026?

Before discussing scams, it’s important to address safety overall.

Sri Lanka remains safe for tourists in 2026, with tourism continuing to recover strongly. Most visitors experience no issues at all. Violent crime involving tourists is extremely rare, and the majority of scams involve overpricing, misleading information, or unofficial services.

Understanding how these scams work—and how to avoid them—makes all the difference.

1. Tuk-Tuk Overcharging & Meter Refusal

How the Scam Works

Some tuk-tuk drivers may refuse to use the meter or quote inflated prices, especially in tourist-heavy areas such as Colombo, Kandy, Ella, and Galle.

How to Avoid It

Always ask if the driver will use the meter before getting in
Agree on a fixed price in advance if no meter is available
Use ride-hailing apps where available
Travel with a pre-arranged vehicle from a licensed tour operator

BH Lanka Tours provides private vehicles with experienced chauffeur-guides, eliminating this issue entirely.

2. Fake or “Helpful” Tour Guides

How the Scam Works

Unlicensed individuals may approach tourists near temples or attractions, offering to guide them for free—then demanding money afterward.

How to Avoid It

Use official guides arranged through hotels or tour companies
Look for licensed guide badges
Politely decline unsolicited offers

With BH Lanka Tours, all guides are experienced, verified, and professionally trained.

3. Temple Donation & Shoe Storage Scams

How the Scam Works

At religious sites, individuals may claim donations are mandatory or charge excessive fees for shoe storage.

How to Avoid It

Donations are always optional
Ask temple staff or your guide for correct procedures
Carry small change to avoid confusion

Your BH Lanka Tours guide will explain temple etiquette clearly before each visit.

4. Gem & Spice Garden Scams

How the Scam Works

Tourists are sometimes taken to gem shops or spice gardens where prices are heavily inflated, and pressure tactics are used to make sales.

How to Avoid It

Never feel obligated to buy
Avoid shops recommended by random drivers
Research prices beforehand
Shop at reputable outlets

BH Lanka Tours only includes trusted, ethical shopping stops—or removes them entirely if guests prefer.

5. Fake Train Ticket Sellers

How the Scam Works

Scammers may sell counterfeit or overpriced train tickets, particularly for popular routes like Kandy to Ella.

How to Avoid It

Purchase tickets through official railway counters
Use verified online booking services
Let your tour operator handle ticket reservations

BH Lanka Tours manages authentic train ticket bookings, including seat reservations where possible.

6. Safari Overpricing & Fake National Park Fees

How the Scam Works

Some unofficial safari operators may overcharge for park entry or use poorly maintained vehicles.

How to Avoid It

Book safaris through licensed operators
Request a cost breakdown
Avoid roadside safari offers

BH Lanka Tours partners with licensed safari providers and ensures ethical wildlife experiences.

7. Hotel Room Switch or Overbooking Issues

How the Scam Works

Occasionally, travelers booking independently may be told their room is unavailable upon arrival and offered a lower-quality alternative.

How to Avoid It

Book through reputable platforms
Confirm reservations in writing
Use tour operators with hotel partnerships

BH Lanka Tours works with verified hotels and handles issues immediately if they arise.

8. Currency Exchange & Fake Notes

How the Scam Works

Exchanging money at unofficial counters may result in short-changing or counterfeit notes.

How to Avoid It

Exchange money at banks or licensed exchange counters
Count cash carefully
Avoid street money changers

Your chauffeur-guide can recommend safe exchange locations.

9. “Closed Attraction” or Redirect Scams

How the Scam Works

A stranger may tell you an attraction is closed and suggest an alternative—often benefiting them financially.

How to Avoid It

Verify information online or with official staff
Trust your guide, not strangers
Stick to planned itineraries

BH Lanka Tours always provides accurate, up-to-date travel information.

10. Fake Charity & Orphanage Requests

How the Scam Works

Tourists may be approached by individuals asking for donations to charities or orphanages that don’t exist.

How to Avoid It

Donate only to registered organisations
Ask your tour operator for recommendations
Avoid giving money on the street

How BH Lanka Tours Helps You Avoid All Travel Scams

Traveling with BH Lanka Tours offers peace of mind through:

Licensed chauffeur-guides
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Trusted hotel and activity partners
Ethical tourism practices
24/7 local support

From airport pickup to departure, every aspect of your trip is professionally managed.

Practical Safety Tips for Tourists in Sri Lanka

Carry small denominations of cash
Dress modestly at religious sites
Keep valuables secure
Avoid late-night travel alone in unfamiliar areas
Trust your instincts

Sri Lanka remains a friendly, respectful destination, and most locals genuinely want visitors to enjoy their stay.

Final Thoughts

While minor travel scams exist in Sri Lanka, they are easy to avoid with awareness and planning. Millions of tourists travel safely across the island each year, enjoying unforgettable experiences without incident.

By choosing a reliable local operator like BH Lanka Tours, travelers can explore Sri Lanka confidently—free from stress, confusion, and unnecessary risks.