Sri Lanka Tourist Traps

The locals will constantly ask...

by Vic5

The locals will constantly ask you for money (or sweets in the case of children). It is expected that you'll give some money for taking a photograph and even if you've paid for an excursion, you'll probably find yourself tipping as well. Try not to see this as a hassle, just do your best to accept it and realise that you're a lot better off than they are.

Though you can buy wooden...

by dtamas

Though you can buy wooden handicrafts cheaper 'on the road', it is rather advised to buy in a place where you get a receipt too. You should keep this receipt for handicrafts made of ebony wood, beacuse - due to the regualtions - you may be asked for it by the customs officer when leaving the country, and your precious souvenirs will be taken away if you can't show up the receipt.

Don't buy anything from the...

by dtamas

Don't buy anything from the 'salesmen' crawling along the beach. Let me tell my story about them: they claimed a goodie to 800 rupees, and I thought I've made a deal when I finally bought it for 350 rupees. I was very happy until I've found the same goodie in a nearby shop for 180 rupees. If it wasn't enough, our tour guide said that she could have brought one of those for free...

Be aware the people are very...

by bertje

Be aware the people are very poor they are likely to ask you for a tip and give you hints as to what amount it should be.Don't fall for that determine your own tip and give them what you think it was worth!Average tip about 50 rps for half a day! 100 rps for a guide 20 rps for a bell boy

Safari ??

by Cacharel

If you want a real safari ..go to Tanzania, Kenya ..and not to Sri Lanka...))...you will see only elefants and monkees )).. despite they mention tons of other animals like leopard, buffalo's...

Touts on the beach

by CathL

Loads of touts on the beach selling everything from cigarettes to wood carvings. No problems with them they are very friendly andif you just say no thanks you with a smile they will leave you be.

Touts

by schuurton

As soon as you get off the train people approach you for being your guide, they are very persistant but as Galle is a small place, you don't really need them..

We didnt find any

by JohnMG

We didnt find any

Nowhere Is Perfect

by travelinxs

Some practices should not be encouraged - so what the hell was I doing taking this photo? Please don't make the same mistake.

googoosh's Tourist Trap Tip

by googoosh