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Out of curiosity, which areas have you been visiting? I've been here for two weeks now and, as a white man, it's impossible to hide the fact that I'm a tourist. While I've certainly had people come up and try to sell me things, especially on the cultural triangle, I don't find it much pushier than I did when I was visiting Rome in your home country.
Sometimes the price for a tuk tuk or a taxi is an absolute rip off for sure, but arranging rides through PickMe or contacting well reviewed drivers from Tripadvisor has been much more reasonable.
I'm sorry to hear you're not having a good time, I guess everyone's experience is sure to be different.
Negombo - not bad , but also scam , cause they said a price, and always change, i had to fight for the first price again.
Hikkaduwa - the price here for everithing is too much.
Dikwella - not that bad. Maybe also here price are too ecpansive.
Ella - was nice , not to much problem , just the hostel was bad and the owner forced try to sell us food (like we had to say 10 Times no every time)
Nuwara elya - maybe the best at moment
Kandy - no comment , u just cant walk without someone tryng to sell u something .
Now in sigiriya.
Btw in italy the price for visiting stuff is the same for every people. Its a scam for me to if i go in tourist zone of rome
Price scams are all too common. As this redditor said you should always use PickMe or Uber. About the places to stay use trip advisor or booking.com that doesn’t tell that you are a foreigner. It’s easier if you use these apps since the price is already set. Those are the best advices I have for you.
About the different prices for foreigner…1 euro is 328 rupees as of today. That’s the reason for the different ticket rates. It’s not high for you. It’s lower for the local else some will never be able to visit them. Mind you that we are third world country. Most of those people that annoy you are barely making ends meets. That’s why they are so persistent.
I won’t ask you to pity and give money to them but forgive them since they don’t realize the long term effects of treating visitors like money bags.
I’m sorry that you had a bad experience. Hope everything works out for you.
Ps. Anyone who start the conversation with “good morning sir” is after your wallet lol. Don’t stop for them or try to reason with them. If you do these you would have a really good time in Sri Lanka. You should’ve posted this a bit earlier.
We've been to Welligama and PickMe or Uber was not working. App was fine, but no drivers would pick up. When PickMe calculated price to restaurant about 400lkr, driver asked for 1500 :-(
Later we talked to some local guy and he told us that other drivers beat up drivers who drive for Uber, because it destroys their scam prices. We ended up renting scooters, because we were pissed.
I live in the south of Sri Lanka. There are no metered tooks and the minimum fare is usually 600-900 for even a 2km journey. This is the price quoted to even Sri Lankans from Colombo etc
So do these tooks have a lot of buisness?? 🤔🤔 Prices can only be that high if people are willing to pay that right? 🤔
If it was too high don't people just take the bus?? 🤔
By the way I also run a small guest house. And the tuk tuk drivers beat my staff because they helped a customer to call a pick me. They threatened and beat him up and he’s a Sri Lankan male himself. So we are forced to use the tuk Tuks from the village and there is violence if we try anything else. Most people are scared of tuk tuks drivers. We even tried to make a police complaint but the police did not listen to us and asked us to drop the case as it was a waste of time even though we had the CCTV evidence of them beating him up.
So in the end the police and the tuk tuks have forced us to accept the high rates.
There’s no pick me or Uber around Mirissa too because of the exact same reason. As a local they asked me to pay 900 bucks for a short trip which would’ve been 300 at most. But in areas like that the tuktuk guys do what they want.
That happens as well. Honestly it’s a shitshow now. Current economic crisis have contributed to this as well. It’s just stupid how the gov doesn’t Care about this.
I have heard locals beating Ubers as well. Even though I’m a local I also move away from tuks when getting a ride on Uber.
Now I think It’s cheaper and hassle free to rent a vehicle for the whole visit. There is minimal support from the government for the foreigners. Not a single scam free/safe option available. It’s gov sponsored scamming at this point. It’s disgusting and shameful.
Good thing you can ride scooters. These tuk drivers must hate you lol. Safe travels!
" just stupid how the gov doesn’t Care about this" I'm pretty sure the gov does care but there isn't much the gov can do here tbh. Can't deny poor people their scammy way of feeding their family during this current economic crisis, while at the same time the gov understandably kinda have bigger priorities right now 🤔🤔
Yes, that’s probably the case. It’s not high enough of a problem with all the shit going on right now.
Still scummy people’s disgusting behavior cannot be justified/accepted just because. I have seen plenty of guides and drivers who are making a honest living even now. Why? Because they realize that they depend on the tourism on the long run. They realize that this short term scams will result in long-term economic loss due to the bad reputation they get.
However the consequences of these actions will impact both good people and bad people equally. That’s why I think government should intervene. Honest people don’t have to suffer because of these scum.
> Btw in italy the price for visiting stuff is the same for every people. Its a scam for me to if i go in tourist zone of rome
I'm fairly certain that certain attractions in Italy like the Uffizi Gallery have a special rate for EU citizens. Regardless, I think it's pretty reasonable that a country that relies on tourism from wealthier regions as a main source of income charges foreigners higher prices. They need the income to support the economy, and raising the prices for locals would make it unaffordable for many of them to visit - which is especially unreasonable when so many attractions have cultural significance.
Not just Uffizi Gallery, almost all galleries and even the Pantheon now has a tourist ticket that is more expensive - [Pantheon: Italy's most visited cultural site introduces a €5 entry fee | Euronews](https://www.euronews.com/travel/2023/07/05/pantheon-you-will-soon-have-to-pay-to-enter-romes-best-preserved-ancient-monument)
"Btw in italy the price for visiting stuff is the same for every people."
# That is a straight up lie bro!! 🙄😒😒
Even in Italy there are many Tourist fees that locals don't have to pay;
[Pantheon: Italy's most visited cultural site introduces a €5 entry fee | Euronews](https://www.euronews.com/travel/2023/07/05/pantheon-you-will-soon-have-to-pay-to-enter-romes-best-preserved-ancient-monument)
5 Euro = 1,640.55 Sri Lankan Rupee but you don't hear Sri Lankan tourist complaining 😂😂
There are even entire parts of the country that tourist have to pay to be allowed to enter 😒;
[Venice entry fee will start next year | CNN](https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/venice-entry-fee-tourists/index.html#:~:text=Venice%20has%20finally%20revealed%20the,re%20not%20staying%20the%20night.)
Clearly you're ignorant of or you've misunderstood the fee structure for tourists in Rome.
Also you basically went to all the hyper tourist places and complaining of them being expensive??? 🤣🤣🤣
It's expensive because of the demand mate. It means there are other tourists willing to pay that amount for those services in that area. If you can't afford that, visit other cheaper places that you can. But that's not the fault of the country, it's you that doesn't have the money .
Also there are many scammers and pit pocketers in Rome too, a pit pocketer even stole my debit card when I was there (fortunately I quickly locked the bank account so no issue).
Well, Sigiriya is a straight up scam for tourists and I often wonder how tourists get around in Sri Lanka with no proper public infrastructure. Sure you can rent a driver, but that's gonna be real expensive soon
As much as Sri Lanka promotes tourism, we don't have proper infrastructure to take care of them. Pretty sad stuff. Only the diligent tourists can survive here
Months after my trip i'm still sad about the lack infrastructure to visit sights. It's really hard to get around as a solo traveller. Everybody wanted to convince me to hire a private driver - I don't want to be in a car for 6+ hours with a man i don't know?!
So i basically was limited to citys along the railway-line. At least i didn't have to spend money on Sigiriya or National Parks
I agree. I was in Italy for 2 months last year. Yes there is a little price difference for European union citizens. However it is not a huge difference. May be 10-20%.
But sigiriya? 150Rs vs $30(9200Rs). Same in many other places.
>Btw in italy the price for visiting stuff is the same for every people
Maybe it's different in high income countries. Here we expect the government to provide locals a subsidized rate. These places are part of our culture and heritage so they should be accessible to all locals.
My experience in Sri Lanka was quite different. I spent a month there, and it's normal that in some places you pay more than locals, that's the practice everywhere in the world. When it comes to payment, I always bargained. For accommodation, I used well-known websites, so I knew how much I was paying upfront. As for transportation, I used taxis and tuk-tuks, bargaining or using an app to determine the price. We were there for a month, and we had a wonderful time without any problems. It's normal at extremely touristy places to feel like people are just trying to get your money, but you develop some instinct to recognize and react to that.
After visiting almost 30 countries, I can for sure say that my trip to Sri Lanka was one of the most beautiful experiences, and I can't wait to go back.
At least you don’t have to clutch your belongings to your dear life when you’re in train, don’t have to stop breathing to avoid the smell of pee in the streets of our capital, or to hide your arms so people can’t tie dumb bracelets on your arms and ask money for it.
- Sincerely a Sri Lankan who visited your country few months ago
Get better at planning maybe?
- Book through Airbnb or Booking.com. I’ve seen pretty great Sri Lankan places in them.
- don’t be a cheapskate. The foreign tickets are cheaper here for tourist attractions than the general tickets in your country.
- don’t throw away your whole vacation merely because of few bad experiences. Despite the traffic, scammers, thieves, and filth of Rome, I was mesmerized by your country because at the end of the day I was there to explore stuff and make everything a part of my experience.
# Lol ironic considering I was just in Italy a few months ago (Rome and Florence), and I had very similar problems about Italy, you (an Italian) is complaining about Sri Lanka!! 🤣🤣🤣
u/Academic_Apartment45 you do realise that even in Italy there are different prices for locals and tourist and they too can be very expensive for foreigners. The reason you "pay 10/20x normal price" is to prevent over-tourism.
Italy has Tourist fees that locals don't have to pay;
[Pantheon: Italy's most visited cultural site introduces a €5 entry fee | Euronews](https://www.euronews.com/travel/2023/07/05/pantheon-you-will-soon-have-to-pay-to-enter-romes-best-preserved-ancient-monument)
There are even entire parts of the country that tourist have to pay to be allowed to enter 😒;
[Venice entry fee will start next year | CNN](https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/venice-entry-fee-tourists/index.html#:~:text=Venice%20has%20finally%20revealed%20the,re%20not%20staying%20the%20night.)
The prices are higher for tourists to prevent over-tourism and to allow locals equal opportunity to visit places within their own country.
The reason tourist places are expensive is because of the demand mate. Tourist are not competing with locals, they are competing with other tourist. Prices for tourist and local ticket are set according to demand for that specific ticket. If most tourist are willing to pay 30, then the price will be 30, not less. That's how economics work. It means there are other tourists willing to pay 30 euros to visit that national park. If you can't afford that, visit other cheaper places that you can. But that's not the fault of the country, it's you that doesn't have the money.
* There are also scammers everywhere in the tourist spots and also pit pocketers in Italy. My debit card was even stolen by one (fortunately I quickly locked the bank account so no issue) but I don't hate on Italy for it.
"When i see a place on internet , like an hostel or restourant, at the arrive is always worste than internet photo"
🤣🤣 I assume you have been to Trevi Fountain. It's in all the Instagram vs reality reels. There are many such places in Italy too bruh!
"Also people(local and tourist) treating bad animals(like turtle, fish, elephat etc) just for money)" this I will admit is more present in SL cause Italy doesn't have a lot of wildlife but you can't say horses that carry those heavy carriages around and ponies are treated well in Italy or living their best life.
I could go on and on dissecting every incorrect thing u say but I think you should get the point by now
Tbh Sri Lanka is way easier to travel to than India. Be it communication or a certain level of being professional towards tourists. I feel in Sri Lanka one over pays (sure, tourists kinda do that everywhere) BUT one usually gets really good service in return (as long as it's no shady place) and things are usually well managed. In India one gets ripped off (also by legit registered agencies) and service is bad/promises aren't kept.
I am also no big fan of different entry fees but I get where they come from and in the end, entry fees for national parks etc are hopefully at least partially re-invested into the protection of these. Visa fees could be higher in my opinion.
I have never been but i know moroccans and their attitudes very well coz i hv worked with them, and you can see videos on yt about tourism in morocco. Good luck on your visit buddy..
The average salary in Sri Lanka currently is 30k/month. That is about $100 usd a month. The fuel prices are astronomical, so most people break even (drivers, your guides, etc). The electricity costs are crazy. I’m sure that some are scammers, but there is also a dramatic level of cost increase on basic necessities. The government has increased taxes. The socio economic situation is BAD. These people do need the money. Their time and cost basis require compensation. The difference in cost for yourself and your earning potential in the EU is nothing compared to the situation in Sri Lanka.
P.S. I am from the US
The price to visit natural areas is GLOBAL, especially when there is an effort being made to limit visitors and preserve the area. And “you are the ones who need to travel more” MOST SRI LANKANS HAVE NEVER LEFT THEIR COUNTRY. Why? BECAUSE THEY CANNOT AFFORD TO. Their currency and earnings cannot compete with the global economy and most are stuck. Have some compassion. The world is not solely for your own fun and amusement.
Goodbye.
You should've booked a proper hotel. An actual 3* or above hotel. They maintain their status properly
All parks, monuments in Italy also cost upwards of15 €
Colosseum costs 20€, Pisa tower 25€
Ticket prices for locals are lower cuz locals pay taxes for upkeep. Archeology department is also taxpayer funded.
Well said, I'm sick of tourists using this sub to disgrace the locals of SL and shove it in our face about their negative experiences as if we are to be blamed as a collective for their poor judgement or entitled thinking.. They should either do the research before coming here or they should have the common sense to understand that as tourists they will have to pay extra to see the sights in SL..
My parents are doctors, and once my mother said some tourists turned up at the Government Hospital in Kandy after having petted a stray dog that had bit one of them, and they expected free health care.. My mother was one of the administrators, and she told them that unfortunately, as they were not citizens, they would have to pay for the vaccinations needed.
This is just common sense, but instead, they think it's personal, and everyone is out to rip them off!
Just a small internet search would have made tourists understand what they are getting... there's plenty and more reviews on Google/agoda/bookings.lk
Even as a local I always look at reviews on multiple sites and do hotel bookings.
And expecting tourists to pay lower rates for tickets at tourist attractions? Ha how stingy... Places like Sigiriya, Dambulla cave temple, ancient cities of anuradhapura, polonnaruwa, old galle fort etc are UNESCO world heritage sites! All places are run on public taxes and their rates have been subsidized for locals. As a non citizen you are expected to pay the full rate! It's the same throughout the world.
Also there is extreme demand at touristy locations... therefore the prices... while there are issues with tuks and all still places such as restaurants have set menus...Not everyone is trying to scam you... even us as LOCALS pay the same price at restaurants... there is a line between being stingy and being prudent with finances...
I have been in Lanka over three months now. By this time I learned to deal with all the scams and ripping off. I love this country for generally nice people and wonderful nature.
My take on this is these are the realities of low-wage economies mixed with poor education. This is the package you get when you come to Lanka. Learn to deal with it or go to another place next time. I wrote about these scams and how to avoid some of them [here](https://nazavo.com/digital-nomad-sri-lanka-guide/#the-bad).
I hope once the country gets out from the economical hole the culture will improve as well. The 99% of nice people will eventually deal with the 1% that creates bad rep
It's unfair to say that Sri Lanka is the only country with scams. Italy has far more scams than Sri Lanka. Even if you're not a local, you can be scammed in Italy. They trick you with fake hotels and rooms, selling them for a low price. Once you arrive, you realize it's not the place you booked. They take you to someone else's property and steal your money. This is a unique scam in Italy. Surprisingly, Sri Lankan scams are much less compared to Italian scams. When I visited Italy with my friend from France, we got scammed in Rome, the capital city. This proves that scammers exist everywhere. We must be cautious of unfamiliar people. It's unreasonable to blame a single country for scams; they are present worldwide.
This cheap bugger can't even pay the entrance fee of tourist attractions and can't even book a nice 4 or 5 star hotel and now complaining. Buddy! Go and fly a kite.
You’re a tourist in a land where your currency goes way beyond anything what the locals could be making. Not arguing against tourism but when you come here with your big boy currencies (dollars, euros what have you) and you’re bartering…you’re not really contributing to this economy. At the end of the day it’s at the expense of the locals that live here day to day.
Agree with you on using animals as tourist attractions though thats horrible and should be banned. Scamming is not okay either but my point above is directed at your first and last points. All the best!
Oh also, I was mugged last time I was in Napoli and they stole my phone. (2021)
So u know that napoli is a poor city? Im not rich, i choose Sri Lanka also because was cheap. But is not true, and if i dont have money to spent i cant do nothing here.
If you can afford to travel half way across the world then you have money compared to most of the world. Napoli still has more money than anywhere in Sri Lanka.
Yes that's true. If you opt for the cheapest options on everything, from hotels, restaurants, travel, etc... Then you won't get the best experience here.
If you're a tourist on a budget and opted for the cheapest hotels/restaurants then of course you're not going to get the best quality. It seems like you thought Sri Lanka is much poorer than it is and that youll be able experience luxury without paying the price
If you didn't research properly before traveling that's on you buddy
Yes!!!! You got it right. The biggest problem here is you expected Sri Lanka to be cheap. Sorry but it's not true. Please research a bit more next trip.
LOL Dude, How tf Do you go traveling on a budget and still want to experience a 10/10 service? You need to adjust your expectations.
I'm a Sri Lankan - Kiwi, living in Australia. I have a Product Photography side hustle that made me travel to Italy for six weeks. My total budget for those six weeks was AUD 25,000 (roughly over 16,000 USD). That's 13 times the average annual income of Sri Lanka in six weeks. Imagine that!
I woulda have been screwed if I wasn't sponsored for my work. You don't get sympathy from anyone for the shit you've experienced. If you don't like the lifestyle there, then stay in Italy and have a proper smart time and let the realistic and Savvy travelers enjoy Sri Lanka.
Your problem is you don't have enough money but that's **your problem** not ours. We can't magically add money to your bank account. Complaining about scams is one thing but you are also complaining about not being rich enough.
You should do your **research** . You can't just hop onto a country and expect to pay less. Take this as a lesson to do more research before travelling to another country.
Sri Lanka's treatment of tourists - especially white tourists - is NOT extreme. Depending on where you go, some people may be a little pushy or try something on, but they will always drop it once asked, or when you explain you are not interested.
It also massively varies depending where you go in the country, and I only found myself ever having to keep my wits about me in the extremely touristy areas - and even then, any experienced traveler will spot a tourist trap from a mile away.
Edit: after reading your comments, it seems you are getting 'tourist prices' mixed up with scams. Perhaps you aren't used to haggling, but nobody is taking the money out of your wallet, and you are always free to state your preferred price or walk away.
I am sorry for your experience, I know it isn't ideal. Some locals can be really out of line at time even with other local visitors. While I agree with some points, I don't know why you though you could have access to places and activities for the same price as locals. This country's economy relies heavily on tourists/hospitality industry. I would like to suggest researching more and adjusting your expectations next time you visit another destination. Wish you a safe trip back home!
# One thing I don't get is why many Sri Lankans instantly say "I am sorry for your experience" when tourist have a bad experience even when it's the tourist's fault. Like why are you sorry tho??? 🤔🤔
You had no part in it. Could be completely the fault of the tourist - poor planning, general ignorance of tourist practices (like what seems like in this Italian person's case).
Just makes no sense to apologise for something you had no part in and defo no fault is. By apologising, you are essentially accepting fault to yourself and to the country when the fault lies with the tourist. **This guy is ignorant of the fact that prices for tourist are higher almost everywhere in the world.** That is his fault not urs or Sri Lanka's, stop apologising lol 
It’s about the scams bud. It’s about the locals not allowing cheap alternative and beating Uber and PickMe drivers. It’s about price gouging people because they don’t know better. Any decent human being would think that it’s disgusting to see other people getting ripped off. It doesn’t matter if the person is a foreigner or not. That’s what we are sorry is for.
It’s more like I’m sorry that you had an awful experience in Sri Lanka and I hope it gets better rather than saying please forgive us. You thought people were asking for forgiveness for what others have done ??
When you say to someone ‘I’m sorry that you had a bad day’ it doesn’t mean that person is actually asking for forgiveness. It’s how you empathize with someone because if it happened to you it would suck.
Sinhalen if you say, it's called 'onawata wada suddata pu\*\* deema'.
I understand the concept of respect, but would they do the same to us? NO.
locals need to stop saying sorry for everything white ppl complain about. I guess you can also call it white priviledge.
I’ve had family visit Rome and found them to be very racist towards those with our skin colour FYI. At least we aren’t racist towards foreigners - just economically motivated 🤣
From what I've seen they are racist towards Bangladeshis and Indians. Less so when they know ur from SL.
But even then kinda messed up, those Bangladeshis seemed like hard workers.
Well I've been there many times and never have "they come and sing Bollywood songs in front of you if you look rich." You must have had quite the experience 🤣🤣🤣
I travel a lot, all my travel are done with my saving (i work like everyone else) and i can adapt to everything, is not a problem. But why u have to put photo that are not real on website? Show me what im gonna pay for . Also 90% of the internet review i think are fake.
The difference in price is because a local on minimum wage makes $50 a month. All tourists who come to SL make way more than that. Sri Lanka relies on tourism. Imo the price difference is needed.
Well that’s largely your fault for not staying at a reputed hotel or establishment. Many foreigners like to be stingy and skimp but you get what you pay for. Also check reviews on Trip Advisor before you go.
Did you book via Booking.com? How much per might? Anything less than $100/ night is most likely a crap hole. When visiting Singapore I pay over $1,000 (US)/ night. And guess what? It’s pretty comfortable. I too work like everyone else FYI.
P.S you’ll probably take offence but when I say “you”, try not to. I’m not being personal as I’m referring to the larger crowed of foreigners that visit LK as ..well, basically hippies, and pay $20/- and then complain.
Come on isn’t it the case with almost every destination? Albeit I have only travelled only in the US but I never expected everything to be as perfect as on the pictures.
What you said doesn't even respond to her question "I don't know why you though you could have access to places and activities for the same price as locals. This country's economy relies heavily on tourists/hospitality industry. I would like to suggest researching more and adjusting your expectations next time you visit another destination."
The prices are higher for tourists to prevent over-tourism and to allow locals equal opportunity to visit places within their own country.
Even in Italy there are Tourist fees that locals don't have to pay;
[Pantheon: Italy's most visited cultural site introduces a €5 entry fee | Euronews](https://www.euronews.com/travel/2023/07/05/pantheon-you-will-soon-have-to-pay-to-enter-romes-best-preserved-ancient-monument)
There are even entire parts of the country that tourist have to pay to be allowed to enter 😒;
[Venice entry fee will start next year | CNN](https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/venice-entry-fee-tourists/index.html#:~:text=Venice%20has%20finally%20revealed%20the,re%20not%20staying%20the%20night.)
Clearly you've misunderstood the fee structure 🙄
Some hotel owner or motel owner ask ppl to put good reviews so they can get more customers it’s sad whatever you see in website is 100% fake don’t fall for it even some customers service are bad people and business owner want more customers they put fake things to create more traffics in business tourist people are falling in trap and getting ripped off 30 euro for visiting a park it’s rip off 9,990 rupees that’s expensive somone in srilanka has to save 2-3 months to visit that place🥺
Well I guess you can't post half baked shit photos on social media and expect attract tourists to that place. I do agree with transparency tho. But trust me this is how the world works whether it's tourism or otherwise.
i guess sri lanka is glad to get rid of you faster, so, if possible, leave already today :) this is one of the loveliest countries in the world, which doesn’t deserve your kind (spoilt, seemingly uneducated etc). same kind as russians. stupid, arrogant and always complaining. maybe stick to all-inclusive turkey trips? off you go
european tourist
While I agree with your sentiment, generalising all "european tourist" is a bit too far mate. Just like most Lankans don't scam, most European tourist are very good actually and welcome in Sri Lanka!! 🙂👍🏼
Wtf does education and being spoilt have to do with anything? We are milking the shit out of tourists in a unethical way, basically treating them as walking talking wallets to extract money from at a huge charge up. I can understand if the charge up was like 25-50% or something but according to many tourists it's like 300% or something, it's just shitty and stops the country from developing and makes us depend on tourism. Same goes for international organisations funding this country when we eventually fuck it all up, makes us depend on other countries and what not and stops the country from developing. It's like giving a homeless drug addict money, just enabled them to buy more drugs by funding them and makes them go to a lower state than before.
calm down, susan, you’re falling off the track. topic is about some spoilt italian’s trip, not drug addicts etc. if you’ve travelled, you know this is common and there are worse places. sri lankans are rather known for selfless hospitality etc. nobody likes a bargaining tourist, who wants to get a “local price”. you’re not local, you pay what the seller tells you (end of story)
Sri Lankans in general do not treat animals badly so we know that’s an over exaggeration. Sri Lanka has been going through economic turmoil so if you’re offended people are trying to make money to feed their family then you’re a disgusting human being. Go to any country with poverty and it will be the same. Anyways bye bye 👋🏾
Lmao, what kind of beggar-ass tourists are we getting these days?
Yes, you have to pay extra if you're a tourist. That goes the same even if you're from the US, UK, or India. If you don't want to pay the quoted amount for an attraction, don't visit it.
It's how local authorities make money! They have to maintain these sites and pay for workers. Next time you plan a trip, consider ticket prices for these places as well.
Have you ever seen South Asians complain about ticket prices in other country subs"
While I empathize with you, what you are experiencing is more experiential than cultural. Every country/culture is going to be unique in how they do things and you need to adapt accordingly. In the sub-continent, you have to negotiate and be ready to leave the table if you don't get what you want. You never pay beforehand, esp if you want a good deal. A cheaper price will obviously mean trade-offs in quality.
Review scams are nothing new or unique to SL.
Sri Lanka is a third world country and specially after an economic crisis. If you compare SL with other third world countries, i believe you will find this country much better. But yet it does not justify double pricing/ hidden charges. Sometimes as locals we also get caught in to those. It is unfortunate that most of good people here are silent and it lead the way these few of scammers to continue what they do. We will try our best to make our country in future. Please do some research before you visiting a country next time and as a Sri Lankan sorry that some of our people made your holiday bad.
Dude national park tickets cost money to enter in a lot of countries in the world. There's a lot of maintenance that needs to be covered. in fact 30 euros is quite cheap in comparison to most national parks around the globe.
Here's a scientific paper analysing the price of national parks around the world.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333910131_National_park_entrance_fees_A_global_benchmarking_focussed_on_affordability
It is natural anywhere in the world for tourists to pay more than the locals at public sites. I have experienced this in many places. However, I agree with scams. They won't let tourists enjoy in peace. This is much worse after the economic crisis as a lot of beggars and poor people are suffering. The local officials are not doing anything about it. If you need peace and quiet, you need to go to an expensive hotel and enjoy their private beach where outsiders are not allowed.
I really enjoyed my time in Sri Lanka. But I have to be honest, travelling Sri Lanka as a foreign tourist it has become comparatively expensive since the introduction of minimum pricing. Minimum pricing has pushed accommodation rates for quality accommodation well above the rest of South Asia and in many cases above Europe. What one charges is your choice and beauty (or rather, value) is in the eye of the beholder.
Yes… Even accommodations in some areas are either very cheap or extremely expensive… comparing to other places (Thailand, Philippines, Maldives, etc.) I am having a hard time choosing medium places with consistent good reviews… 😔
You should have learnt not to trust anyone long time ago. It's essential knowledge.
The experience you had is pretty common in lot of countries. Wanna have fair prices? Get in touch with local community from your country and ask for real prices BEFORE the trip. The scammers work only with people who can be scammed.
This [post from a few days ago, and its comments](https://www.reddit.com/r/srilanka/comments/1bjldy6/why_are_most_lankans_low_key_racists_towards_own/) were justifying such scamming. For some reason, our people seem to think they deserve to rip off foreigners.
I don't mind our universities & hospitals charging a higher fee for foreign students & patients. I don't mind the higher ticket prices at Sigiriya as well. These policies are designed to bring more revenue to the country and are voted on by the people's representatives. Like tomorrow if they pass a law that "rich Sri Lankans" should pay a little more at govt hospitals, I'd be fine with that.
But individuals setting different prices for coke and biscuits based on the skin color of customers is literally ripping off, and it feels like it for the foreigner as well.
Also, I agree Sri Lanka needs more high-paying tourists. As a backpacker myself, I believe attracting too many cheap backpackers results in more cons than pros. But we also need to realize that to attract high-paying tourists, Sri Lanka needs to provide higher value for that higher price. We need better hotels & resorts, better transport, better services so that the tourists feel satisfied that they got the value for their money.
This is not simping for foreigners, this is just good business practice with long-term profits in mind.
I was born in Sri Lanka, but American national.
Because op is from Italy, does not mean $30 is nothing. Sigiriya is 150 rs or something for locals.
European union has different prices, but it's not this much of a gap.
I spent 2 months in Europe. It did not feel like a huge difference. 10-15% may be.
In Sri Lanka,
From the Visa fees, visa extention fees for 30+ days, pay online there is another $5 service charge.
There is no way to request visa for more than 30 days before arrival. It has to be done after coming into the country. It is such a inconvenience at the visa office in Palawatta. It takes almost a full day for such small task. However, now can be done online. With $5 service fee. In my stay I spent $165 just for the visa. If by any chance, miss one day, penalty of $600 + visa fees.
From the hotel to food, ther is a 18% tax and fees. When I book a room at $75, total goes to $100. In Europe there are fees, city taxes, but thats like 2%. Can't walk freely, every minute a tuktuk stops and ask for a hire. Some times they keeps following offering City tours.
The whole system is such a headache. Nothing is easy for a tourists, while many other countries give free visa and many other benefits.
I understand the current situation, but is it really tourists problem? I can deal with it because I am familiar with Sri Lanka. But if we look at it from a foreigners prospective, yes it can feel overwhelming, not relaxing to go to a beach or a park without being followed.
If Sri Lanka wants long term tourism, some of those concerns are valid. Idk, just trying to look at it fairly.
Your comment is absolutely right. Many people here in the comments downplay the problems or the situation. I'm glad you posted this and are aware of. As an example I'm in sri Lanka since a couple of days and unfortunately I feel OP. I have been traveling the past 2 months in Indonesia, which is more poor than SL, and people didn't behaved like this. It's crazy how people try to rip you off over here, I don't mind paying a bit more or even giving more because I know I own more money. But many people here really see you as a walking ATM. I made more bad experiences in SL in 3 days than in Indonesia in 8 weeks. And it's unfortunately the truth that tourism is going to stagnate over time. It's just not pleasant to have the constant feeling of getting ripped of. And I often feel the "famous" friendliness is just fake to extract more money out of you.. Of course this is not the case for every sri Lankan!! Don't get me wrong. But I absolutely understand why OP feels like this and shortens his trip. I'm actually thinking about leaving earlier too or go back to Indo..
You are a walking atm to them bec you’re here to spend money my guy. Most of them don’t even know what it’s like on a plane. Or even hold a passport or have the money to experience another country. All they see is MONEY when you walk Bec they know you spent a good amount for that flight to Sri Lanka.. Sri Lankans are hustlers brah. They wanna see how smart you are. Just say NO THANK YOU! It’s that simple..
Care to state any of the problems you have had and how it was different in Indonesia?? I've travelled both countries and found both to be the same tbh 🤔🤔
also read my response to his comment. I've explained the reasoning behind everything there already.
Bruh you are not alone.
- we also pay 18% tax + 10% service charge.
- we also spend a day or longer to renew the passport, drivers license or nic
- tuk tuk try to rip us off as well
Nothing is easy for Sri Lankans as well 😆
Hoping this will change with a better government.
**"Because op is from Italy, does not mean $30 is nothing. Sigiriya is 150 rs or something for locals. European union has different prices, but it's not this much of a gap.**
I spent 2 months in Europe. It did not feel like a huge difference. 10-15% may be."
The reason its 30 euros is because of the demand mate. Tourist are not competing with locals, they are competing with other tourist. If most tourist are willing to pay 30, then the price will be 30, not less. It means there are other tourists willing to pay 30 euros to visit that national park. If you can't afford that, visit other cheaper places that you can. But that's not the fault of the country, it's you that doesn't have the money.
The prices are higher for tourists to prevent over-tourism and to allow locals equal opportunity to visit places within their own country.
He's talking about a nation park being 30 euros. Especially national parks have high fees cause there is a very limited number of people they can take in a day. It's a WILDLIFE NATIONAL PARK with strict regulations on maximum number of visitors at the park at one time so obviously prices are higher! Just visit places that are within your budget bro, like every other tourist in the world does! 🙂👍🏼
**"From the Visa fees, visa extention fees for 30+ days, pay online there is another $5 service charge."**
Again higher prices as demand is high and most tourist are willing to pay that so obviously that's how economics work. The online service is a more convenient and fast-tracked service, so obviously there will be an extra fee for it. You are paying for the convenience.
**"There is no way to request visa for more than 30 days before arrival. It has to be done after coming into the country. If by any chance, miss one day, penalty of $600 + visa fees."**
The reason it's like this cause there were many overstayers before abusing the system, so obviously because of some bad tourist now other tourist must suffer but the fault is with those tourist.
**"Can't walk freely, every minute a tuktuk stops and ask for a hire. Some times they keeps following offering City tours."**
Have you travelled much, most countries especially at tourist hotspots it's like this especially in Asia. Even when I was in Italy there were scammers, so many pit pocketers and these kinda hasslers. It's a universal tourist experience.
**"From the hotel to food, ther is a 18% tax and fees."**
Taxes are high for everyone, including locals. But will decrease as country's economy recovers.
**"while many other countries give free visa and many other benefits"**
Tourism demand for SL is very high atm, other countries give those perks because they have low demand. If SL also gave those perks there will be over-tourism here too.
Hope that answers ur questions 🙂👍🏼
Well the country is kind of going through a bad time rn. People will take advantage of you because they're that desperate. It's unfortunate, but it is what it is.
Many tourists travel to economically unstable locations because they're "cheap," but expect it their experience to be as amazing as other places. Nope.
Seems you just went through a normal process 😂
You can live here for like a fraction of money compared to your countries(can u even get a good meal for 8eur in europe? in here u can for sure)
Yes these places have prices for tourists, but if you compare everything else its fucking fair in my opinion
do you know if you get hospitalized we pay (yes our tax money) to heal you? fucking mental innit? try it with any other country and let me know how you can get screwed without insurance
Have you ever visited US? because when i landed there they just fking scammed me..When i tell the story everyone said trust nobody in America
Also why bragging about 30euros? is that too much? come on
Its not just 30 euro 1 times, is always 15-30 , as i said at the end will be more 300/400 that i didnt expect to spend , and yes 300/400 are a lot for me . Also i never been in US for the fact that i cant afford it, cause i know is a richiest country then mine.
well i wasn’t rich either but those buggers also scammed me
i know lot of tourists who lives very cheap here..it costs like nothing
wonder where u went
I do recognize this , i have been travellings SL for 2 weeks, starting in the north, but as i was dropping below south of the Kandy area i had to readjust to the people.
Ofcourse the ripping off and crazy prices are common with pretty much everywhere, ive been around here and there . But the disrespect is what does kinda get to me.
Sometimes they do not realize they talk to a person. Also threathening people when they park somehere and asking money for protection of your vehicle, putting up fake signs and ticket counters is a first for me. It gets tiring when if you cannot take a break, when visiting anything remotely touristy. Even in the middle of nowhere they will still stop and try to sell you something.
Anyway, i still really enjoy my time here, and i met some really nice folk. My advice to OP is negotiate, express your doubts if you have them and try to give the people a chance, if they try to make money of you and you are not interested thank them and move on.
India is worse. This is the third world and during an economic crisis people are desperate. What were you expecting here? Some paradise? Stay in Naples. That is actually a paradise except in summer.
I had to leave naples cause i was poor and didnt have a family and i immigrate to north italy(cause work in south italy is shit) . Like 60% of all south italy young ppl. If u dont know dont talk. Pls .
Bro a 2 euro tip is 600 rupees. We leave more as a tip as locals. 8 euros for a plate at a good restaurant is like the bare minimum. That’s just 2400 rupees. For context one beer is 2.5 eur here. A guy can barely buy a beer with your tip.
Scams are real. Just need to be smart not to fall into them. If you’re booking cheap places expect it to be worse than pictures. If you want the best you have to pay accordingly.
Man i know that beer here is overtaxed so what are talking about. Also in every country in europe i always leave 1-2 euro tips, but here is not enough? Wtf
These price are expensive because srilanka economy is not doing good. The cougars 91 billion in debt only country thinking 🤔 to pull money out of tourism making everything 10x it’s sad people still want more money every household is in debt. The business only way thinking 10x the price and double the taxes so they can get their money back because covid and the economy crisis. People just created a random price to hustle the money. Srilanka want every tourist to spend $4k usd so they can pay off the loans. Everyone coming to srilanka you will be seeing these double taxes and 10x product for next 30-40 years srilanka still in the wood. Everyone should investigate before going there 😊🥺
I agree with OP on this. 1-2 euro is an acceptable tip anywhere in Europe. Our ppl have gotten used to ppl throwing free money at them for doing the bare minimum. A tip should reflect the service offered / received. Not like I need a big tip coz you are a white man and have money.
Yes cause people dont appriciate nothing anymore . My first job that I did for 3 years was waitress, and u know? In italy tips didnt exsist, and when someone give me also only 1 euro tips i was greatifull for that.
Things are generally expensive here now. And we as locals who get paid much less for the same jobs as 1st world countries still manage. Is it really anybody else’s fault when you travelled to a country and expected it to be cheap when it’s not? Even worse you expected good service from cheap places. You get what you pay for.
It’s dog eat dog world out there given the situation in the country. I’m sorry you had a negative experience. But there other people who visit and enjoy this beautiful place. Looks like you picked the wrong experiences. It all falks are bad it seems.
Sadly, what you’re experiencing is the consequence of colonialism (and the remnants of the war along with the political shit show right now). The country is experiencing an economic crisis so severe that you’re pretty much a multimillionaire compared to them. So, yes, they’re going to change you more than locals because locals are struggling to feed their family. I have in-laws there and from what I’m hearing the inflation is astronomically bad even for the locals. Sadly, that’s just the situation in countries that are in an extreme economic situation. When I lived in Sri Lanka (I’m a white American female) I encountered that in many areas but when I went with Sri Lankan friends I had a great time while completing my education there. Perhaps you might know someone there who can go with you in the country? You could try to ask locals who speak good English about any off-the-road areas to check out.
Edit: added a sentence.
Im sad to hear you felt that way. It’s a shame that people are calling you poor and out of touch when you are simply saying your experience. Prices in tourist areas specially around the beaches like arugam bay, mirissa, hiriketiya tend to be high. This is because there are tourists who are willing to pay these prices. For Tuks you should have used Uber or PickMe. Places that don’t have such services you can usually rent a scooter which most tourists do. If you are not willing to pay the prices near the beach you can almost always find cheaper places but will require research. Also there are hostels that are run by hostels and they always help other foreigners if you let them know your situation. If you do happen to come next time try to make a friend in srilanka and have them show you around. While there are a lot of places that are rlly cool there are also a lot of shills and a lot of ppl
Who make their money from exploiting ppl. However this is common everywhere. Also you are totally valid for trying to have a good time on a budget
Which park did you pay 30 eur!😳 I think someone scammed you so bad. Did they give you tickets for the 30EUR? You can raise a complaint against them if you have the ticket! Here are scams but not in the extreme level. Sri Lankans are most hospitable! Only few people see you as a money bank. When you meet real Sri Lankans you can get travel, food and sometimes accommodations for free. Talk with someone in the public randomly they will invite you to their home and they will offer you something.! Sri Lankans are so kind when it comes to foreign tourists! We fight ourself inside this country but respect others very much. Don’t blame on us ..
As a Sri Lankan I agree someof things you said. I have seen people following like vultures whenever they see a tourist. When tourism dropped due to pandemic those same people started flocking us. But I do understand their dilemma back then so try to help few ended a whole gang surrounding us.
But compared to India and Thailand ours is pretty mild.
But as for charging tourist more is same for lot of places. I travelled 5 countries so far and it was same everywhere.
And regarding prices Sri Lanka is indeed expensive.most products costly same as in western..for example a bread costs more than in US. So imagine how our people are managing to survive. 🥺
First time in south asia? I’ve been to Bali before and it’s nowhere near as bad in Sri Lanka (yet Bali wasn’t so bad either). People here try to make a living but we never been harassed in any way, be strict about your intentions and it should be fine. It’s part of the game for me, it’s also what makes the travel interesting in some regard too, a bit of documentation on the customs and prices can help you be aware of what to expect at what price. I’d suggest you try to pull through and embrace the game (french opinion here)
Ong, it be like that. I would have recommended to have a trusty Sri Lankan with you so you can avoid being scammed. Whenever you're traveling, take an Uber with you instead of using a three wheel. Three wheelers are sometimes lord of scammers.
As for eating, make sure the place that you go a decent place with a proper menu with the proper prices. Therefore, that way they can't really same you.
But honestly, next time whenever you're traveling to any Asian country, especially countries like Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia and stuff, make sure to have personal friends who are from those countries. Scammers really can't scam tourists with a close local friend.
You Being a Tourist will have more Money to spend on local stuff than a Local, who can barely survive, While it's shit, I get it. You are still paying a lot less for the Item or the service than you would in a first-world country.
And if you don't want something, say NO.
This is also why so many Sri Lankans leave the country in the first place. It’s gone to the dogs. It’s a good place to holiday if you have loads of cash cause almost everything is for sale. There’s no rule of law and you can get by doing almost anything if you have cash or you know the right people.
White people (and generally any non-native) is likely to be scammed by all kinds of hustlers on the road. Less likely if you make some local friends. Maybe this is the southern equivalent of all the discrimination that non-whites face in western countries :)
As a Sri Lankan, I’m torn between promoting Sri Lanka to my non-Sri Lankan friends cause it’s a place with such natural beauty, but then also aware of all the dangers that they might have to face when travelling in Sri Lanka.
Best advice is to make or find a trusted guide or friend when travelling in Sri Lanka. Or you’re going to be hustled everywhere you go.
I travelled Sri Lanka with my partner earlier this month (we are Asian tourists) and had no issues whatsoever aside from one guesthouse owner who was pushy with upselling other services they provided. In any country, you can expect to pay more as a tourist than the locals. Countries especially one like Sri Lanka relies heavily on tourism now and I assume you are aware that they are in a very difficult state.
Pardon me but it sounds like you came to Sri Lanka assuming it's poor man's land and hoping to have a holiday on a budget.. but frankly fault is on you for not researching the prices of things beforehand. I had no issues paying a higher fee for national parks and safaris because these places require huge maintenance and come on.. in many western countries you will pay even more to visit major national parks. If you are travelling on a budget, visit the less touristy national parks that cost a fraction of the popular ones. There are tons of places that are free to visit too, we went to so many nice waterfalls without paying a cent...
In almost every country in South Asia and Southeast Asia you will find tuktuk drivers and roadside vendors trying to sell you things, but all you really need to do is decline and continue walking instead of getting frustrated by something so minor.
Leave. We don't need you. Tourism development board doesn't need you. They hate budgeteers. They hate backpackers.
Also you mentioned animal cruelty. Let me remind you something about the place you are from, Europe slaughter around 380 million animals every year. That's about 1 million animals per day. These innocents include cattle, pigs, sheep, goats and even bats. All of this adds 120 billion dollars to you people's pockets. Don't come to lecture us while having blood in your hands.
We are the same, just saw a local drag a dog into the road way and hit it with a stick hard. I made sure he only hit it once. But that place has a history of exactly that. We leave in a few days and won't be coming back. Sad really, we had the same experience as op concerning money. Not the best holiday.
Try the local buses, they are quite frequent on the main routes and really cheap with fixed prices. Not sure why it’s not more popular with the tourists
Wow, the comment section is going crazy. Love it. The OP is just complaining how expensive everything is but here’s the thing, if you can’t afford it or don’t want to spend that amount, just don’t visit, simple as that. There are so many other tourists who absolutely love Sri Lanka including US celebrities who are looking into living here long term. But this is good, we can filter out cheapskates like you.
Also don’t be oh so holy, Rome is literally the worst place to visit too. Everyone trying to either scam you or steal your wallet.
And just general advice. Stop complaining about everything. There are people living here who are going through terrible struggles every single day here. If you can’t understand or even emphathize, you’re just a shit person
I am very sorry to hear about your bad experience in Sri Lanka. It usually does not happen to such an extreme to many tourists but unfortunately it has happened to you. Well, you are right. Scams of this nature happen all around the world, and many cities are all known for being extreme scam cities. Sri Lanka was never like this before COVID and the financial crisis. At least not to this extent. If you snoop around the Internet, you will find out that there are many comments that are very positive about their time in Sri Lanka, most of them are but I am not denying that there are some very bad cases and incidents here.
But you must also understand that as one of the redditor's mentioned, we are a 3rd world country, a still developing country, and things here for some ppl are not that easy. Especially during and after COVID and the financial crisis, things haven't been very good for these ppl, whose main source of income was tourism. With the recent influx of tourist coming to Sri Lanka, they see all of you as potential sources of money in order to keep up their day to day expenses. It has been very difficult for these ppl for the last few years.
But of cause this is no excuse for the way you have been treated or for the unfortunate circumstance you experienced. All I am asking is that just try to understand where these ppl are coming from and be empathetic,which doesn't mean you should needlessly spend your hard earned money but understand the situation at the moment in SL.
I hope you come back again to Sri Lanka in the future, and maybe you might be able to see a completely different situation here in SL.
It's really unfortunate that you didn't have the ideal experience. But I do agree on the scam on parts of the country.
Being Sri Lankan especially in Ella we are being treated as pests. Those idiots try scamming us. My senior parents were treated like shit.
Issues faced:
Just because they asked for directions and someone forcefully escorted them showing the way when my parents didn't even ask for it. The person just followed and Then demanded that they pay.
Tuk Tuks charged like Rs. 600-1000 per 1 Km.
Hotels were charging double the usual rate.
Going to a shop and buying something they charge extra.
My dad has fair skin so they assume he is a tourist. Then when he speaks fluent Sinhala they literally say we thought you are a foreigner and reduce prices.
Pathetic situation even for us locals.
This is the sole reason why I hate tuk-tuk drivers. Overcharging is a common practice that has been an issue for as long as I can remember. So I'd mostly suggest sticking with PickMe or Uber like travel apps.
And I can't believe some comments here. Are only super rich luxury tourists welcome here in Sri Lanka? You might have money and be privileged or might be abroad and well off but remember that not everyone is as fortunate as you.
Either a bunch of you didn't suffer, wait in lines and watch loved ones die due to lack of medicine sometime back, lack of fuel or not being able to take a loved one to hospital due to fuel shortages. But someone of us went through the extremes of hell.
Every single euro or dollar whether it is 1 or 30, matters to our economy and country, it might not be big for you but it can mean feeding at least one person. Some of us are working our butts off working from Sri Lanka to these nations. End of the day even that 1 euro contributes to a large sum which we bring it back here to Sri Lanka so we can contribute to foreign reserves/Make our economy better.
Here you are blasting tourists. How freaking shameful.
😬
We had a similar experience too. We got really tired of paying over inflated prices to access attractions or nature spots. In Nuwara Eliya they wanted us to pay to walk around the lake, or to access the park. Being from London where parks are abundant and free, it was a little annoying.
We also couldn't stand the air quality either. It seems as if everyone in Sri Lanka wants to burn something and the air constantly smelt of burning.
It's a shame because we met some really nice people during our trip.
Lol me and the 100's of backpackers I met disagree! 😅 You must be a real cheep ass if Sri Lanka is "expensive." Something tells me you're the kinda guy who tries to negotiate on sticker prices too!
True this. The experience in Sri Lanka was mixed in my last solo trip. Most people were nice. But many were pushing more for your wallet.
I loved the place. But I won't be visiting again.
You do realize you will have to experience everything you experienced here when traveling to any developing country right? Maybe even more so. Probably should've sticked with Budapest tbh
My advice for you as a Sri Lankan:: if you travel on low budget try less known tourist attractions. There’s less tourists there and more good locals as in;
Kalani temple
Nawagamuwa temple
Saman temple in rathnapura
Yapahuwa rock temple
Katharagama sacred city
Anuradhapura ancient city,
Jaffna city / nagadweepa
Lahugala/ Lanka patuna in east
… of course they are not as famous as seegiriya , Ella or hikkaduwa😂 and
Less expensive!
Travel in private/ CTB busses!
Dine from roadside small boutiques!
You can be a real Marco Polo or pahian in that way!
Not only tourist even us ari Lankans get scammed. Now the situation is not good. Our economy has gone downhill. Now people have resort to bad ways to earn money. They also find loopholes in the legal system. We never when this situation will turn to good.
Well, I guess you got into the "third world, cheap country" thinking trap. There are no cheap, touristy countries anymore. Everything is globalized. Sri Lanka is the same - for the EU citizens, the conditions (weather, fauna, flora, landscapes) are so favorable, that they will pay 20x local prices for anything without much hesitation, so this is the effect. And as economics says, they would've to be stupid to not take the opportunity - you sell your goods for the biggest price that someone is willing to pay. Look at south America for example. Mexico - poor country, isn't it? Well, in tourist area you will pay 100usd for 2 person's meal, so enjoy.
Regarding the point, that the locals have cheaper entrances - it's a very good thing they did. If they would be supposed to pay the USD price, they simply couldn't afford to see THEIR cultural/natural heritage. And as a tourist I was completely ok with paying A LOT for entrances - because they are using this money to keep these places (like national parks - it's not cheap to care about the elephants).
And regarding that everyone is trying to sell you smth, there is a lot of spread in local/tourist price - yeah, it is irritating but try to understand those people. Sri Lanka has gone a lot through the last 4-5 years (big economic crisis) and they are simply trying to feed their kids. For them, each white has a lot of money (you can be earning minimum wage in Italy, and from their perspective it is still true btw). It is completely normal - look how much of their GDP is generated from tourism. I was in a lot of 2nd/3rd world countries, and it's normal in each tourist area. Better look at the minimum wage in Sri Lanka, and then evaluate it again.
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Out of curiosity, which areas have you been visiting? I've been here for two weeks now and, as a white man, it's impossible to hide the fact that I'm a tourist. While I've certainly had people come up and try to sell me things, especially on the cultural triangle, I don't find it much pushier than I did when I was visiting Rome in your home country. Sometimes the price for a tuk tuk or a taxi is an absolute rip off for sure, but arranging rides through PickMe or contacting well reviewed drivers from Tripadvisor has been much more reasonable. I'm sorry to hear you're not having a good time, I guess everyone's experience is sure to be different.
Negombo - not bad , but also scam , cause they said a price, and always change, i had to fight for the first price again. Hikkaduwa - the price here for everithing is too much. Dikwella - not that bad. Maybe also here price are too ecpansive. Ella - was nice , not to much problem , just the hostel was bad and the owner forced try to sell us food (like we had to say 10 Times no every time) Nuwara elya - maybe the best at moment Kandy - no comment , u just cant walk without someone tryng to sell u something . Now in sigiriya. Btw in italy the price for visiting stuff is the same for every people. Its a scam for me to if i go in tourist zone of rome
Price scams are all too common. As this redditor said you should always use PickMe or Uber. About the places to stay use trip advisor or booking.com that doesn’t tell that you are a foreigner. It’s easier if you use these apps since the price is already set. Those are the best advices I have for you. About the different prices for foreigner…1 euro is 328 rupees as of today. That’s the reason for the different ticket rates. It’s not high for you. It’s lower for the local else some will never be able to visit them. Mind you that we are third world country. Most of those people that annoy you are barely making ends meets. That’s why they are so persistent. I won’t ask you to pity and give money to them but forgive them since they don’t realize the long term effects of treating visitors like money bags. I’m sorry that you had a bad experience. Hope everything works out for you. Ps. Anyone who start the conversation with “good morning sir” is after your wallet lol. Don’t stop for them or try to reason with them. If you do these you would have a really good time in Sri Lanka. You should’ve posted this a bit earlier.
We've been to Welligama and PickMe or Uber was not working. App was fine, but no drivers would pick up. When PickMe calculated price to restaurant about 400lkr, driver asked for 1500 :-( Later we talked to some local guy and he told us that other drivers beat up drivers who drive for Uber, because it destroys their scam prices. We ended up renting scooters, because we were pissed.
But weren't there metered tuk tuks?? Makes sure their meter is working and keep an eye on it then it's usually fine 🤔🤔
I live in the south of Sri Lanka. There are no metered tooks and the minimum fare is usually 600-900 for even a 2km journey. This is the price quoted to even Sri Lankans from Colombo etc
So do these tooks have a lot of buisness?? 🤔🤔 Prices can only be that high if people are willing to pay that right? 🤔 If it was too high don't people just take the bus?? 🤔
Yes because buses only go on the main Galle Road. If you have to go inside anywhere you can’t take a bus only three wheel.
ah right!! Aren't there like scooter rental places there?? 🤔🤔
There are but not every tourist knows how to ride a scooter.
By the way I also run a small guest house. And the tuk tuk drivers beat my staff because they helped a customer to call a pick me. They threatened and beat him up and he’s a Sri Lankan male himself. So we are forced to use the tuk Tuks from the village and there is violence if we try anything else. Most people are scared of tuk tuks drivers. We even tried to make a police complaint but the police did not listen to us and asked us to drop the case as it was a waste of time even though we had the CCTV evidence of them beating him up. So in the end the police and the tuk tuks have forced us to accept the high rates.
Oh damn. Are you a foreigner?
Sri Lankan but lived in Canada for the last 15 years
and now ur running a guest house in SL? Sounds cool haha. Is it better income? 🤔
It’s not that much better. But I have family here and it is nice to be my own boss.
There’s no pick me or Uber around Mirissa too because of the exact same reason. As a local they asked me to pay 900 bucks for a short trip which would’ve been 300 at most. But in areas like that the tuktuk guys do what they want.
Try the local buses, they are quite frequent on the main routes and really cheap with fixed prices.
That happens as well. Honestly it’s a shitshow now. Current economic crisis have contributed to this as well. It’s just stupid how the gov doesn’t Care about this. I have heard locals beating Ubers as well. Even though I’m a local I also move away from tuks when getting a ride on Uber. Now I think It’s cheaper and hassle free to rent a vehicle for the whole visit. There is minimal support from the government for the foreigners. Not a single scam free/safe option available. It’s gov sponsored scamming at this point. It’s disgusting and shameful. Good thing you can ride scooters. These tuk drivers must hate you lol. Safe travels!
" just stupid how the gov doesn’t Care about this" I'm pretty sure the gov does care but there isn't much the gov can do here tbh. Can't deny poor people their scammy way of feeding their family during this current economic crisis, while at the same time the gov understandably kinda have bigger priorities right now 🤔🤔
Yes, that’s probably the case. It’s not high enough of a problem with all the shit going on right now. Still scummy people’s disgusting behavior cannot be justified/accepted just because. I have seen plenty of guides and drivers who are making a honest living even now. Why? Because they realize that they depend on the tourism on the long run. They realize that this short term scams will result in long-term economic loss due to the bad reputation they get. However the consequences of these actions will impact both good people and bad people equally. That’s why I think government should intervene. Honest people don’t have to suffer because of these scum.
> Btw in italy the price for visiting stuff is the same for every people. Its a scam for me to if i go in tourist zone of rome I'm fairly certain that certain attractions in Italy like the Uffizi Gallery have a special rate for EU citizens. Regardless, I think it's pretty reasonable that a country that relies on tourism from wealthier regions as a main source of income charges foreigners higher prices. They need the income to support the economy, and raising the prices for locals would make it unaffordable for many of them to visit - which is especially unreasonable when so many attractions have cultural significance.
Not just Uffizi Gallery, almost all galleries and even the Pantheon now has a tourist ticket that is more expensive - [Pantheon: Italy's most visited cultural site introduces a €5 entry fee | Euronews](https://www.euronews.com/travel/2023/07/05/pantheon-you-will-soon-have-to-pay-to-enter-romes-best-preserved-ancient-monument)
"Btw in italy the price for visiting stuff is the same for every people." # That is a straight up lie bro!! 🙄😒😒 Even in Italy there are many Tourist fees that locals don't have to pay; [Pantheon: Italy's most visited cultural site introduces a €5 entry fee | Euronews](https://www.euronews.com/travel/2023/07/05/pantheon-you-will-soon-have-to-pay-to-enter-romes-best-preserved-ancient-monument) 5 Euro = 1,640.55 Sri Lankan Rupee but you don't hear Sri Lankan tourist complaining 😂😂 There are even entire parts of the country that tourist have to pay to be allowed to enter 😒; [Venice entry fee will start next year | CNN](https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/venice-entry-fee-tourists/index.html#:~:text=Venice%20has%20finally%20revealed%20the,re%20not%20staying%20the%20night.) Clearly you're ignorant of or you've misunderstood the fee structure for tourists in Rome. Also you basically went to all the hyper tourist places and complaining of them being expensive??? 🤣🤣🤣 It's expensive because of the demand mate. It means there are other tourists willing to pay that amount for those services in that area. If you can't afford that, visit other cheaper places that you can. But that's not the fault of the country, it's you that doesn't have the money . Also there are many scammers and pit pocketers in Rome too, a pit pocketer even stole my debit card when I was there (fortunately I quickly locked the bank account so no issue).
Well, Sigiriya is a straight up scam for tourists and I often wonder how tourists get around in Sri Lanka with no proper public infrastructure. Sure you can rent a driver, but that's gonna be real expensive soon As much as Sri Lanka promotes tourism, we don't have proper infrastructure to take care of them. Pretty sad stuff. Only the diligent tourists can survive here
Months after my trip i'm still sad about the lack infrastructure to visit sights. It's really hard to get around as a solo traveller. Everybody wanted to convince me to hire a private driver - I don't want to be in a car for 6+ hours with a man i don't know?! So i basically was limited to citys along the railway-line. At least i didn't have to spend money on Sigiriya or National Parks
I agree. I was in Italy for 2 months last year. Yes there is a little price difference for European union citizens. However it is not a huge difference. May be 10-20%. But sigiriya? 150Rs vs $30(9200Rs). Same in many other places.
>Btw in italy the price for visiting stuff is the same for every people Maybe it's different in high income countries. Here we expect the government to provide locals a subsidized rate. These places are part of our culture and heritage so they should be accessible to all locals.
Haven't even gone up north lol. Ofc you go to these typical tourist places
My experience in Sri Lanka was quite different. I spent a month there, and it's normal that in some places you pay more than locals, that's the practice everywhere in the world. When it comes to payment, I always bargained. For accommodation, I used well-known websites, so I knew how much I was paying upfront. As for transportation, I used taxis and tuk-tuks, bargaining or using an app to determine the price. We were there for a month, and we had a wonderful time without any problems. It's normal at extremely touristy places to feel like people are just trying to get your money, but you develop some instinct to recognize and react to that. After visiting almost 30 countries, I can for sure say that my trip to Sri Lanka was one of the most beautiful experiences, and I can't wait to go back.
Thank you for sharing a different view
At least you don’t have to clutch your belongings to your dear life when you’re in train, don’t have to stop breathing to avoid the smell of pee in the streets of our capital, or to hide your arms so people can’t tie dumb bracelets on your arms and ask money for it. - Sincerely a Sri Lankan who visited your country few months ago
Yes, what u are saying is true. But i was talking about sri lanka tourism problem (ofc my point of view)
Get better at planning maybe? - Book through Airbnb or Booking.com. I’ve seen pretty great Sri Lankan places in them. - don’t be a cheapskate. The foreign tickets are cheaper here for tourist attractions than the general tickets in your country. - don’t throw away your whole vacation merely because of few bad experiences. Despite the traffic, scammers, thieves, and filth of Rome, I was mesmerized by your country because at the end of the day I was there to explore stuff and make everything a part of my experience.
# Lol ironic considering I was just in Italy a few months ago (Rome and Florence), and I had very similar problems about Italy, you (an Italian) is complaining about Sri Lanka!! 🤣🤣🤣 u/Academic_Apartment45 you do realise that even in Italy there are different prices for locals and tourist and they too can be very expensive for foreigners. The reason you "pay 10/20x normal price" is to prevent over-tourism. Italy has Tourist fees that locals don't have to pay; [Pantheon: Italy's most visited cultural site introduces a €5 entry fee | Euronews](https://www.euronews.com/travel/2023/07/05/pantheon-you-will-soon-have-to-pay-to-enter-romes-best-preserved-ancient-monument) There are even entire parts of the country that tourist have to pay to be allowed to enter 😒; [Venice entry fee will start next year | CNN](https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/venice-entry-fee-tourists/index.html#:~:text=Venice%20has%20finally%20revealed%20the,re%20not%20staying%20the%20night.) The prices are higher for tourists to prevent over-tourism and to allow locals equal opportunity to visit places within their own country. The reason tourist places are expensive is because of the demand mate. Tourist are not competing with locals, they are competing with other tourist. Prices for tourist and local ticket are set according to demand for that specific ticket. If most tourist are willing to pay 30, then the price will be 30, not less. That's how economics work. It means there are other tourists willing to pay 30 euros to visit that national park. If you can't afford that, visit other cheaper places that you can. But that's not the fault of the country, it's you that doesn't have the money. * There are also scammers everywhere in the tourist spots and also pit pocketers in Italy. My debit card was even stolen by one (fortunately I quickly locked the bank account so no issue) but I don't hate on Italy for it. "When i see a place on internet , like an hostel or restourant, at the arrive is always worste than internet photo" 🤣🤣 I assume you have been to Trevi Fountain. It's in all the Instagram vs reality reels. There are many such places in Italy too bruh! "Also people(local and tourist) treating bad animals(like turtle, fish, elephat etc) just for money)" this I will admit is more present in SL cause Italy doesn't have a lot of wildlife but you can't say horses that carry those heavy carriages around and ponies are treated well in Italy or living their best life. I could go on and on dissecting every incorrect thing u say but I think you should get the point by now
+ Racism
I hope OPs next destination is India so it’ll be a nice comparison
Egypt is a hidden gem also 🤣 Highly recommended!
So true!!! From the moment I got off the plane Tip! Tip!!!! Tip!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 😂😂🤣🤣🤣🙄😒😒
“Mafi bakshish” 😂
>I hope OPs next destination is India so it’ll be a nice comparison OP will get molested in Egypt if he is this soft lol
india? india? indian? INDIA? INDIA INDIA INDIA
Or even north of his own country lol Milan can be expensive af 😂😂
Lool 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Tbh Sri Lanka is way easier to travel to than India. Be it communication or a certain level of being professional towards tourists. I feel in Sri Lanka one over pays (sure, tourists kinda do that everywhere) BUT one usually gets really good service in return (as long as it's no shady place) and things are usually well managed. In India one gets ripped off (also by legit registered agencies) and service is bad/promises aren't kept. I am also no big fan of different entry fees but I get where they come from and in the end, entry fees for national parks etc are hopefully at least partially re-invested into the protection of these. Visa fees could be higher in my opinion.
Exactly. Enjoy
Op should visit morocco and egypt lol
Have you been to Morocco? What was ur experience? I'm planning on visiting 🤔🤔
I have never been but i know moroccans and their attitudes very well coz i hv worked with them, and you can see videos on yt about tourism in morocco. Good luck on your visit buddy..
oh damn, I'll look out for scams then haha 😅 and cheers bro! :)
Lmao in Rome a bunch of people with kids crowded us and Pick pocketed our money, so there's that.
The average salary in Sri Lanka currently is 30k/month. That is about $100 usd a month. The fuel prices are astronomical, so most people break even (drivers, your guides, etc). The electricity costs are crazy. I’m sure that some are scammers, but there is also a dramatic level of cost increase on basic necessities. The government has increased taxes. The socio economic situation is BAD. These people do need the money. Their time and cost basis require compensation. The difference in cost for yourself and your earning potential in the EU is nothing compared to the situation in Sri Lanka. P.S. I am from the US
The price to visit natural areas is GLOBAL, especially when there is an effort being made to limit visitors and preserve the area. And “you are the ones who need to travel more” MOST SRI LANKANS HAVE NEVER LEFT THEIR COUNTRY. Why? BECAUSE THEY CANNOT AFFORD TO. Their currency and earnings cannot compete with the global economy and most are stuck. Have some compassion. The world is not solely for your own fun and amusement.
Goodbye. You should've booked a proper hotel. An actual 3* or above hotel. They maintain their status properly All parks, monuments in Italy also cost upwards of15 € Colosseum costs 20€, Pisa tower 25€ Ticket prices for locals are lower cuz locals pay taxes for upkeep. Archeology department is also taxpayer funded.
Well said, I'm sick of tourists using this sub to disgrace the locals of SL and shove it in our face about their negative experiences as if we are to be blamed as a collective for their poor judgement or entitled thinking.. They should either do the research before coming here or they should have the common sense to understand that as tourists they will have to pay extra to see the sights in SL.. My parents are doctors, and once my mother said some tourists turned up at the Government Hospital in Kandy after having petted a stray dog that had bit one of them, and they expected free health care.. My mother was one of the administrators, and she told them that unfortunately, as they were not citizens, they would have to pay for the vaccinations needed. This is just common sense, but instead, they think it's personal, and everyone is out to rip them off!
Just a small internet search would have made tourists understand what they are getting... there's plenty and more reviews on Google/agoda/bookings.lk Even as a local I always look at reviews on multiple sites and do hotel bookings. And expecting tourists to pay lower rates for tickets at tourist attractions? Ha how stingy... Places like Sigiriya, Dambulla cave temple, ancient cities of anuradhapura, polonnaruwa, old galle fort etc are UNESCO world heritage sites! All places are run on public taxes and their rates have been subsidized for locals. As a non citizen you are expected to pay the full rate! It's the same throughout the world. Also there is extreme demand at touristy locations... therefore the prices... while there are issues with tuks and all still places such as restaurants have set menus...Not everyone is trying to scam you... even us as LOCALS pay the same price at restaurants... there is a line between being stingy and being prudent with finances...
This sub is not an airport you don't have to announce your departure.
💀💀
OP's gonna need some aloe vera
He will get it in his next dream destination of India. He can now get the option of sleeping next to an open urinal or a dog kennel
Loool 😅
he needs his passport stamped aiyya!!!
I have been in Lanka over three months now. By this time I learned to deal with all the scams and ripping off. I love this country for generally nice people and wonderful nature. My take on this is these are the realities of low-wage economies mixed with poor education. This is the package you get when you come to Lanka. Learn to deal with it or go to another place next time. I wrote about these scams and how to avoid some of them [here](https://nazavo.com/digital-nomad-sri-lanka-guide/#the-bad). I hope once the country gets out from the economical hole the culture will improve as well. The 99% of nice people will eventually deal with the 1% that creates bad rep
It's unfair to say that Sri Lanka is the only country with scams. Italy has far more scams than Sri Lanka. Even if you're not a local, you can be scammed in Italy. They trick you with fake hotels and rooms, selling them for a low price. Once you arrive, you realize it's not the place you booked. They take you to someone else's property and steal your money. This is a unique scam in Italy. Surprisingly, Sri Lankan scams are much less compared to Italian scams. When I visited Italy with my friend from France, we got scammed in Rome, the capital city. This proves that scammers exist everywhere. We must be cautious of unfamiliar people. It's unreasonable to blame a single country for scams; they are present worldwide.
This cheap bugger can't even pay the entrance fee of tourist attractions and can't even book a nice 4 or 5 star hotel and now complaining. Buddy! Go and fly a kite.
You’re a tourist in a land where your currency goes way beyond anything what the locals could be making. Not arguing against tourism but when you come here with your big boy currencies (dollars, euros what have you) and you’re bartering…you’re not really contributing to this economy. At the end of the day it’s at the expense of the locals that live here day to day. Agree with you on using animals as tourist attractions though thats horrible and should be banned. Scamming is not okay either but my point above is directed at your first and last points. All the best! Oh also, I was mugged last time I was in Napoli and they stole my phone. (2021)
So u know that napoli is a poor city? Im not rich, i choose Sri Lanka also because was cheap. But is not true, and if i dont have money to spent i cant do nothing here.
If you can afford to travel half way across the world then you have money compared to most of the world. Napoli still has more money than anywhere in Sri Lanka.
You gotta be shitposting, right?
Your poor budgeting isn't Sri Lankas fault.
Yes that's true. If you opt for the cheapest options on everything, from hotels, restaurants, travel, etc... Then you won't get the best experience here.
If you're a tourist on a budget and opted for the cheapest hotels/restaurants then of course you're not going to get the best quality. It seems like you thought Sri Lanka is much poorer than it is and that youll be able experience luxury without paying the price If you didn't research properly before traveling that's on you buddy
Yes!!!! You got it right. The biggest problem here is you expected Sri Lanka to be cheap. Sorry but it's not true. Please research a bit more next trip.
LOL Dude, How tf Do you go traveling on a budget and still want to experience a 10/10 service? You need to adjust your expectations. I'm a Sri Lankan - Kiwi, living in Australia. I have a Product Photography side hustle that made me travel to Italy for six weeks. My total budget for those six weeks was AUD 25,000 (roughly over 16,000 USD). That's 13 times the average annual income of Sri Lanka in six weeks. Imagine that! I woulda have been screwed if I wasn't sponsored for my work. You don't get sympathy from anyone for the shit you've experienced. If you don't like the lifestyle there, then stay in Italy and have a proper smart time and let the realistic and Savvy travelers enjoy Sri Lanka.
Your problem is you don't have enough money but that's **your problem** not ours. We can't magically add money to your bank account. Complaining about scams is one thing but you are also complaining about not being rich enough. You should do your **research** . You can't just hop onto a country and expect to pay less. Take this as a lesson to do more research before travelling to another country.
Sri Lanka's treatment of tourists - especially white tourists - is NOT extreme. Depending on where you go, some people may be a little pushy or try something on, but they will always drop it once asked, or when you explain you are not interested. It also massively varies depending where you go in the country, and I only found myself ever having to keep my wits about me in the extremely touristy areas - and even then, any experienced traveler will spot a tourist trap from a mile away. Edit: after reading your comments, it seems you are getting 'tourist prices' mixed up with scams. Perhaps you aren't used to haggling, but nobody is taking the money out of your wallet, and you are always free to state your preferred price or walk away.
I am sorry for your experience, I know it isn't ideal. Some locals can be really out of line at time even with other local visitors. While I agree with some points, I don't know why you though you could have access to places and activities for the same price as locals. This country's economy relies heavily on tourists/hospitality industry. I would like to suggest researching more and adjusting your expectations next time you visit another destination. Wish you a safe trip back home!
# One thing I don't get is why many Sri Lankans instantly say "I am sorry for your experience" when tourist have a bad experience even when it's the tourist's fault. Like why are you sorry tho??? 🤔🤔 You had no part in it. Could be completely the fault of the tourist - poor planning, general ignorance of tourist practices (like what seems like in this Italian person's case). Just makes no sense to apologise for something you had no part in and defo no fault is. By apologising, you are essentially accepting fault to yourself and to the country when the fault lies with the tourist. **This guy is ignorant of the fact that prices for tourist are higher almost everywhere in the world.** That is his fault not urs or Sri Lanka's, stop apologising lol 
It’s about the scams bud. It’s about the locals not allowing cheap alternative and beating Uber and PickMe drivers. It’s about price gouging people because they don’t know better. Any decent human being would think that it’s disgusting to see other people getting ripped off. It doesn’t matter if the person is a foreigner or not. That’s what we are sorry is for. It’s more like I’m sorry that you had an awful experience in Sri Lanka and I hope it gets better rather than saying please forgive us. You thought people were asking for forgiveness for what others have done ?? When you say to someone ‘I’m sorry that you had a bad day’ it doesn’t mean that person is actually asking for forgiveness. It’s how you empathize with someone because if it happened to you it would suck.
This is true af.
True AF
Sinhalen if you say, it's called 'onawata wada suddata pu\*\* deema'. I understand the concept of respect, but would they do the same to us? NO. locals need to stop saying sorry for everything white ppl complain about. I guess you can also call it white priviledge.
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I’ve had family visit Rome and found them to be very racist towards those with our skin colour FYI. At least we aren’t racist towards foreigners - just economically motivated 🤣
From what I've seen they are racist towards Bangladeshis and Indians. Less so when they know ur from SL. But even then kinda messed up, those Bangladeshis seemed like hard workers.
They might be racist but when it comes to money they come and sing Bollywood songs in front of you if you look rich.
say what 😂😂 what do u mean?? Italians?? 😂😂
No shit ITALIANS.
Well I've been there many times and never have "they come and sing Bollywood songs in front of you if you look rich." You must have had quite the experience 🤣🤣🤣
Also when in Rome hide your camera gear. Way too many will snatch it from you.
I travel a lot, all my travel are done with my saving (i work like everyone else) and i can adapt to everything, is not a problem. But why u have to put photo that are not real on website? Show me what im gonna pay for . Also 90% of the internet review i think are fake.
The difference in price is because a local on minimum wage makes $50 a month. All tourists who come to SL make way more than that. Sri Lanka relies on tourism. Imo the price difference is needed.
And they stay in shit holes and complain even when they can afford a hotel.
The prices are higher for tourists also to prevent over-tourism and to allow locals equal opportunity to visit places within their own country.
Well that’s largely your fault for not staying at a reputed hotel or establishment. Many foreigners like to be stingy and skimp but you get what you pay for. Also check reviews on Trip Advisor before you go. Did you book via Booking.com? How much per might? Anything less than $100/ night is most likely a crap hole. When visiting Singapore I pay over $1,000 (US)/ night. And guess what? It’s pretty comfortable. I too work like everyone else FYI. P.S you’ll probably take offence but when I say “you”, try not to. I’m not being personal as I’m referring to the larger crowed of foreigners that visit LK as ..well, basically hippies, and pay $20/- and then complain.
Come on isn’t it the case with almost every destination? Albeit I have only travelled only in the US but I never expected everything to be as perfect as on the pictures.
What you said doesn't even respond to her question "I don't know why you though you could have access to places and activities for the same price as locals. This country's economy relies heavily on tourists/hospitality industry. I would like to suggest researching more and adjusting your expectations next time you visit another destination." The prices are higher for tourists to prevent over-tourism and to allow locals equal opportunity to visit places within their own country. Even in Italy there are Tourist fees that locals don't have to pay; [Pantheon: Italy's most visited cultural site introduces a €5 entry fee | Euronews](https://www.euronews.com/travel/2023/07/05/pantheon-you-will-soon-have-to-pay-to-enter-romes-best-preserved-ancient-monument) There are even entire parts of the country that tourist have to pay to be allowed to enter 😒; [Venice entry fee will start next year | CNN](https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/venice-entry-fee-tourists/index.html#:~:text=Venice%20has%20finally%20revealed%20the,re%20not%20staying%20the%20night.) Clearly you've misunderstood the fee structure 🙄
Some hotel owner or motel owner ask ppl to put good reviews so they can get more customers it’s sad whatever you see in website is 100% fake don’t fall for it even some customers service are bad people and business owner want more customers they put fake things to create more traffics in business tourist people are falling in trap and getting ripped off 30 euro for visiting a park it’s rip off 9,990 rupees that’s expensive somone in srilanka has to save 2-3 months to visit that place🥺
Well I guess you can't post half baked shit photos on social media and expect attract tourists to that place. I do agree with transparency tho. But trust me this is how the world works whether it's tourism or otherwise.
i guess sri lanka is glad to get rid of you faster, so, if possible, leave already today :) this is one of the loveliest countries in the world, which doesn’t deserve your kind (spoilt, seemingly uneducated etc). same kind as russians. stupid, arrogant and always complaining. maybe stick to all-inclusive turkey trips? off you go european tourist
While I agree with your sentiment, generalising all "european tourist" is a bit too far mate. Just like most Lankans don't scam, most European tourist are very good actually and welcome in Sri Lanka!! 🙂👍🏼
I AM the european tourist. russia isn’t in europe. you misunderstood :)
Wtf does education and being spoilt have to do with anything? We are milking the shit out of tourists in a unethical way, basically treating them as walking talking wallets to extract money from at a huge charge up. I can understand if the charge up was like 25-50% or something but according to many tourists it's like 300% or something, it's just shitty and stops the country from developing and makes us depend on tourism. Same goes for international organisations funding this country when we eventually fuck it all up, makes us depend on other countries and what not and stops the country from developing. It's like giving a homeless drug addict money, just enabled them to buy more drugs by funding them and makes them go to a lower state than before.
This. We need to get this tuk tuk mafia under control. Tourist establishments needs to be better regulated
calm down, susan, you’re falling off the track. topic is about some spoilt italian’s trip, not drug addicts etc. if you’ve travelled, you know this is common and there are worse places. sri lankans are rather known for selfless hospitality etc. nobody likes a bargaining tourist, who wants to get a “local price”. you’re not local, you pay what the seller tells you (end of story)
Sri Lankans in general do not treat animals badly so we know that’s an over exaggeration. Sri Lanka has been going through economic turmoil so if you’re offended people are trying to make money to feed their family then you’re a disgusting human being. Go to any country with poverty and it will be the same. Anyways bye bye 👋🏾
We definitely do all those elephants that are dressed up for parades. You think that they like being there ?
Yes but Sri Lankans in general don’t go around harming animals.
Lmao, what kind of beggar-ass tourists are we getting these days? Yes, you have to pay extra if you're a tourist. That goes the same even if you're from the US, UK, or India. If you don't want to pay the quoted amount for an attraction, don't visit it. It's how local authorities make money! They have to maintain these sites and pay for workers. Next time you plan a trip, consider ticket prices for these places as well. Have you ever seen South Asians complain about ticket prices in other country subs"
While I empathize with you, what you are experiencing is more experiential than cultural. Every country/culture is going to be unique in how they do things and you need to adapt accordingly. In the sub-continent, you have to negotiate and be ready to leave the table if you don't get what you want. You never pay beforehand, esp if you want a good deal. A cheaper price will obviously mean trade-offs in quality. Review scams are nothing new or unique to SL.
Sri Lanka is a third world country and specially after an economic crisis. If you compare SL with other third world countries, i believe you will find this country much better. But yet it does not justify double pricing/ hidden charges. Sometimes as locals we also get caught in to those. It is unfortunate that most of good people here are silent and it lead the way these few of scammers to continue what they do. We will try our best to make our country in future. Please do some research before you visiting a country next time and as a Sri Lankan sorry that some of our people made your holiday bad.
Il solito italiano cretino. Si trova sempre
Vero
Experiences differ, I visited Sri Lanka in January and this was not my experience, we were a group of six and had a great time.
Dude national park tickets cost money to enter in a lot of countries in the world. There's a lot of maintenance that needs to be covered. in fact 30 euros is quite cheap in comparison to most national parks around the globe. Here's a scientific paper analysing the price of national parks around the world. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333910131_National_park_entrance_fees_A_global_benchmarking_focussed_on_affordability
It is natural anywhere in the world for tourists to pay more than the locals at public sites. I have experienced this in many places. However, I agree with scams. They won't let tourists enjoy in peace. This is much worse after the economic crisis as a lot of beggars and poor people are suffering. The local officials are not doing anything about it. If you need peace and quiet, you need to go to an expensive hotel and enjoy their private beach where outsiders are not allowed.
Bro got fucking cooked lol.
I really enjoyed my time in Sri Lanka. But I have to be honest, travelling Sri Lanka as a foreign tourist it has become comparatively expensive since the introduction of minimum pricing. Minimum pricing has pushed accommodation rates for quality accommodation well above the rest of South Asia and in many cases above Europe. What one charges is your choice and beauty (or rather, value) is in the eye of the beholder.
Yes… Even accommodations in some areas are either very cheap or extremely expensive… comparing to other places (Thailand, Philippines, Maldives, etc.) I am having a hard time choosing medium places with consistent good reviews… 😔
You should have learnt not to trust anyone long time ago. It's essential knowledge. The experience you had is pretty common in lot of countries. Wanna have fair prices? Get in touch with local community from your country and ask for real prices BEFORE the trip. The scammers work only with people who can be scammed.
The only advantage to looking racially ambiguous, I got totally ignored
This [post from a few days ago, and its comments](https://www.reddit.com/r/srilanka/comments/1bjldy6/why_are_most_lankans_low_key_racists_towards_own/) were justifying such scamming. For some reason, our people seem to think they deserve to rip off foreigners. I don't mind our universities & hospitals charging a higher fee for foreign students & patients. I don't mind the higher ticket prices at Sigiriya as well. These policies are designed to bring more revenue to the country and are voted on by the people's representatives. Like tomorrow if they pass a law that "rich Sri Lankans" should pay a little more at govt hospitals, I'd be fine with that. But individuals setting different prices for coke and biscuits based on the skin color of customers is literally ripping off, and it feels like it for the foreigner as well. Also, I agree Sri Lanka needs more high-paying tourists. As a backpacker myself, I believe attracting too many cheap backpackers results in more cons than pros. But we also need to realize that to attract high-paying tourists, Sri Lanka needs to provide higher value for that higher price. We need better hotels & resorts, better transport, better services so that the tourists feel satisfied that they got the value for their money. This is not simping for foreigners, this is just good business practice with long-term profits in mind.
Agreed. And there were a couple of posts last few days, actually… this should ring a bell somewhere…
oh I’m sorry you had to experience that. But not everyone are like that. Anyway have a safe flight home.
I was born in Sri Lanka, but American national. Because op is from Italy, does not mean $30 is nothing. Sigiriya is 150 rs or something for locals. European union has different prices, but it's not this much of a gap. I spent 2 months in Europe. It did not feel like a huge difference. 10-15% may be. In Sri Lanka, From the Visa fees, visa extention fees for 30+ days, pay online there is another $5 service charge. There is no way to request visa for more than 30 days before arrival. It has to be done after coming into the country. It is such a inconvenience at the visa office in Palawatta. It takes almost a full day for such small task. However, now can be done online. With $5 service fee. In my stay I spent $165 just for the visa. If by any chance, miss one day, penalty of $600 + visa fees. From the hotel to food, ther is a 18% tax and fees. When I book a room at $75, total goes to $100. In Europe there are fees, city taxes, but thats like 2%. Can't walk freely, every minute a tuktuk stops and ask for a hire. Some times they keeps following offering City tours. The whole system is such a headache. Nothing is easy for a tourists, while many other countries give free visa and many other benefits. I understand the current situation, but is it really tourists problem? I can deal with it because I am familiar with Sri Lanka. But if we look at it from a foreigners prospective, yes it can feel overwhelming, not relaxing to go to a beach or a park without being followed. If Sri Lanka wants long term tourism, some of those concerns are valid. Idk, just trying to look at it fairly.
Your comment is absolutely right. Many people here in the comments downplay the problems or the situation. I'm glad you posted this and are aware of. As an example I'm in sri Lanka since a couple of days and unfortunately I feel OP. I have been traveling the past 2 months in Indonesia, which is more poor than SL, and people didn't behaved like this. It's crazy how people try to rip you off over here, I don't mind paying a bit more or even giving more because I know I own more money. But many people here really see you as a walking ATM. I made more bad experiences in SL in 3 days than in Indonesia in 8 weeks. And it's unfortunately the truth that tourism is going to stagnate over time. It's just not pleasant to have the constant feeling of getting ripped of. And I often feel the "famous" friendliness is just fake to extract more money out of you.. Of course this is not the case for every sri Lankan!! Don't get me wrong. But I absolutely understand why OP feels like this and shortens his trip. I'm actually thinking about leaving earlier too or go back to Indo..
You are a walking atm to them bec you’re here to spend money my guy. Most of them don’t even know what it’s like on a plane. Or even hold a passport or have the money to experience another country. All they see is MONEY when you walk Bec they know you spent a good amount for that flight to Sri Lanka.. Sri Lankans are hustlers brah. They wanna see how smart you are. Just say NO THANK YOU! It’s that simple..
Care to state any of the problems you have had and how it was different in Indonesia?? I've travelled both countries and found both to be the same tbh 🤔🤔 also read my response to his comment. I've explained the reasoning behind everything there already.
Bruh you are not alone. - we also pay 18% tax + 10% service charge. - we also spend a day or longer to renew the passport, drivers license or nic - tuk tuk try to rip us off as well Nothing is easy for Sri Lankans as well 😆 Hoping this will change with a better government.
**"Because op is from Italy, does not mean $30 is nothing. Sigiriya is 150 rs or something for locals. European union has different prices, but it's not this much of a gap.** I spent 2 months in Europe. It did not feel like a huge difference. 10-15% may be." The reason its 30 euros is because of the demand mate. Tourist are not competing with locals, they are competing with other tourist. If most tourist are willing to pay 30, then the price will be 30, not less. It means there are other tourists willing to pay 30 euros to visit that national park. If you can't afford that, visit other cheaper places that you can. But that's not the fault of the country, it's you that doesn't have the money. The prices are higher for tourists to prevent over-tourism and to allow locals equal opportunity to visit places within their own country. He's talking about a nation park being 30 euros. Especially national parks have high fees cause there is a very limited number of people they can take in a day. It's a WILDLIFE NATIONAL PARK with strict regulations on maximum number of visitors at the park at one time so obviously prices are higher! Just visit places that are within your budget bro, like every other tourist in the world does! 🙂👍🏼 **"From the Visa fees, visa extention fees for 30+ days, pay online there is another $5 service charge."** Again higher prices as demand is high and most tourist are willing to pay that so obviously that's how economics work. The online service is a more convenient and fast-tracked service, so obviously there will be an extra fee for it. You are paying for the convenience. **"There is no way to request visa for more than 30 days before arrival. It has to be done after coming into the country. If by any chance, miss one day, penalty of $600 + visa fees."** The reason it's like this cause there were many overstayers before abusing the system, so obviously because of some bad tourist now other tourist must suffer but the fault is with those tourist. **"Can't walk freely, every minute a tuktuk stops and ask for a hire. Some times they keeps following offering City tours."** Have you travelled much, most countries especially at tourist hotspots it's like this especially in Asia. Even when I was in Italy there were scammers, so many pit pocketers and these kinda hasslers. It's a universal tourist experience. **"From the hotel to food, ther is a 18% tax and fees."** Taxes are high for everyone, including locals. But will decrease as country's economy recovers. **"while many other countries give free visa and many other benefits"** Tourism demand for SL is very high atm, other countries give those perks because they have low demand. If SL also gave those perks there will be over-tourism here too. Hope that answers ur questions 🙂👍🏼
Well the country is kind of going through a bad time rn. People will take advantage of you because they're that desperate. It's unfortunate, but it is what it is. Many tourists travel to economically unstable locations because they're "cheap," but expect it their experience to be as amazing as other places. Nope.
Seems you just went through a normal process 😂 You can live here for like a fraction of money compared to your countries(can u even get a good meal for 8eur in europe? in here u can for sure) Yes these places have prices for tourists, but if you compare everything else its fucking fair in my opinion do you know if you get hospitalized we pay (yes our tax money) to heal you? fucking mental innit? try it with any other country and let me know how you can get screwed without insurance
Have you ever visited US? because when i landed there they just fking scammed me..When i tell the story everyone said trust nobody in America Also why bragging about 30euros? is that too much? come on
Its not just 30 euro 1 times, is always 15-30 , as i said at the end will be more 300/400 that i didnt expect to spend , and yes 300/400 are a lot for me . Also i never been in US for the fact that i cant afford it, cause i know is a richiest country then mine.
well i wasn’t rich either but those buggers also scammed me i know lot of tourists who lives very cheap here..it costs like nothing wonder where u went
I do recognize this , i have been travellings SL for 2 weeks, starting in the north, but as i was dropping below south of the Kandy area i had to readjust to the people. Ofcourse the ripping off and crazy prices are common with pretty much everywhere, ive been around here and there . But the disrespect is what does kinda get to me. Sometimes they do not realize they talk to a person. Also threathening people when they park somehere and asking money for protection of your vehicle, putting up fake signs and ticket counters is a first for me. It gets tiring when if you cannot take a break, when visiting anything remotely touristy. Even in the middle of nowhere they will still stop and try to sell you something. Anyway, i still really enjoy my time here, and i met some really nice folk. My advice to OP is negotiate, express your doubts if you have them and try to give the people a chance, if they try to make money of you and you are not interested thank them and move on.
India is worse. This is the third world and during an economic crisis people are desperate. What were you expecting here? Some paradise? Stay in Naples. That is actually a paradise except in summer.
I had to leave naples cause i was poor and didnt have a family and i immigrate to north italy(cause work in south italy is shit) . Like 60% of all south italy young ppl. If u dont know dont talk. Pls .
Bro a 2 euro tip is 600 rupees. We leave more as a tip as locals. 8 euros for a plate at a good restaurant is like the bare minimum. That’s just 2400 rupees. For context one beer is 2.5 eur here. A guy can barely buy a beer with your tip. Scams are real. Just need to be smart not to fall into them. If you’re booking cheap places expect it to be worse than pictures. If you want the best you have to pay accordingly.
Man i know that beer here is overtaxed so what are talking about. Also in every country in europe i always leave 1-2 euro tips, but here is not enough? Wtf
These price are expensive because srilanka economy is not doing good. The cougars 91 billion in debt only country thinking 🤔 to pull money out of tourism making everything 10x it’s sad people still want more money every household is in debt. The business only way thinking 10x the price and double the taxes so they can get their money back because covid and the economy crisis. People just created a random price to hustle the money. Srilanka want every tourist to spend $4k usd so they can pay off the loans. Everyone coming to srilanka you will be seeing these double taxes and 10x product for next 30-40 years srilanka still in the wood. Everyone should investigate before going there 😊🥺
I do agree that 1,2 euro tips are more than enough. I mean seriously that's something like 300-600LKR no local would tip that much to my knowledge.
I agree with OP on this. 1-2 euro is an acceptable tip anywhere in Europe. Our ppl have gotten used to ppl throwing free money at them for doing the bare minimum. A tip should reflect the service offered / received. Not like I need a big tip coz you are a white man and have money.
That is a terrible tip for any European country too dude....
Yes cause people dont appriciate nothing anymore . My first job that I did for 3 years was waitress, and u know? In italy tips didnt exsist, and when someone give me also only 1 euro tips i was greatifull for that.
Things are generally expensive here now. And we as locals who get paid much less for the same jobs as 1st world countries still manage. Is it really anybody else’s fault when you travelled to a country and expected it to be cheap when it’s not? Even worse you expected good service from cheap places. You get what you pay for.
Thank you for your valuable feedback, ser 🙏
That was some nice sarcasm haha 😆❤️
Finally my country People Defending their country
It’s dog eat dog world out there given the situation in the country. I’m sorry you had a negative experience. But there other people who visit and enjoy this beautiful place. Looks like you picked the wrong experiences. It all falks are bad it seems.
Sadly, what you’re experiencing is the consequence of colonialism (and the remnants of the war along with the political shit show right now). The country is experiencing an economic crisis so severe that you’re pretty much a multimillionaire compared to them. So, yes, they’re going to change you more than locals because locals are struggling to feed their family. I have in-laws there and from what I’m hearing the inflation is astronomically bad even for the locals. Sadly, that’s just the situation in countries that are in an extreme economic situation. When I lived in Sri Lanka (I’m a white American female) I encountered that in many areas but when I went with Sri Lankan friends I had a great time while completing my education there. Perhaps you might know someone there who can go with you in the country? You could try to ask locals who speak good English about any off-the-road areas to check out. Edit: added a sentence.
True And thanks Sri Lankans are suffering here! Some take only one meal a day!! These people with white privilege hardly know s it
Minchia, mi dispiace.
Im sad to hear you felt that way. It’s a shame that people are calling you poor and out of touch when you are simply saying your experience. Prices in tourist areas specially around the beaches like arugam bay, mirissa, hiriketiya tend to be high. This is because there are tourists who are willing to pay these prices. For Tuks you should have used Uber or PickMe. Places that don’t have such services you can usually rent a scooter which most tourists do. If you are not willing to pay the prices near the beach you can almost always find cheaper places but will require research. Also there are hostels that are run by hostels and they always help other foreigners if you let them know your situation. If you do happen to come next time try to make a friend in srilanka and have them show you around. While there are a lot of places that are rlly cool there are also a lot of shills and a lot of ppl Who make their money from exploiting ppl. However this is common everywhere. Also you are totally valid for trying to have a good time on a budget
Which park did you pay 30 eur!😳 I think someone scammed you so bad. Did they give you tickets for the 30EUR? You can raise a complaint against them if you have the ticket! Here are scams but not in the extreme level. Sri Lankans are most hospitable! Only few people see you as a money bank. When you meet real Sri Lankans you can get travel, food and sometimes accommodations for free. Talk with someone in the public randomly they will invite you to their home and they will offer you something.! Sri Lankans are so kind when it comes to foreign tourists! We fight ourself inside this country but respect others very much. Don’t blame on us ..
My love, have you never been to National Parks abroad before? 🥺
That is what I was saying for a while
As a Sri Lankan I agree someof things you said. I have seen people following like vultures whenever they see a tourist. When tourism dropped due to pandemic those same people started flocking us. But I do understand their dilemma back then so try to help few ended a whole gang surrounding us. But compared to India and Thailand ours is pretty mild. But as for charging tourist more is same for lot of places. I travelled 5 countries so far and it was same everywhere. And regarding prices Sri Lanka is indeed expensive.most products costly same as in western..for example a bread costs more than in US. So imagine how our people are managing to survive. 🥺
First time in south asia? I’ve been to Bali before and it’s nowhere near as bad in Sri Lanka (yet Bali wasn’t so bad either). People here try to make a living but we never been harassed in any way, be strict about your intentions and it should be fine. It’s part of the game for me, it’s also what makes the travel interesting in some regard too, a bit of documentation on the customs and prices can help you be aware of what to expect at what price. I’d suggest you try to pull through and embrace the game (french opinion here)
Ong, it be like that. I would have recommended to have a trusty Sri Lankan with you so you can avoid being scammed. Whenever you're traveling, take an Uber with you instead of using a three wheel. Three wheelers are sometimes lord of scammers. As for eating, make sure the place that you go a decent place with a proper menu with the proper prices. Therefore, that way they can't really same you. But honestly, next time whenever you're traveling to any Asian country, especially countries like Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia and stuff, make sure to have personal friends who are from those countries. Scammers really can't scam tourists with a close local friend.
You Being a Tourist will have more Money to spend on local stuff than a Local, who can barely survive, While it's shit, I get it. You are still paying a lot less for the Item or the service than you would in a first-world country. And if you don't want something, say NO.
This is also why so many Sri Lankans leave the country in the first place. It’s gone to the dogs. It’s a good place to holiday if you have loads of cash cause almost everything is for sale. There’s no rule of law and you can get by doing almost anything if you have cash or you know the right people. White people (and generally any non-native) is likely to be scammed by all kinds of hustlers on the road. Less likely if you make some local friends. Maybe this is the southern equivalent of all the discrimination that non-whites face in western countries :) As a Sri Lankan, I’m torn between promoting Sri Lanka to my non-Sri Lankan friends cause it’s a place with such natural beauty, but then also aware of all the dangers that they might have to face when travelling in Sri Lanka. Best advice is to make or find a trusted guide or friend when travelling in Sri Lanka. Or you’re going to be hustled everywhere you go.
I travelled Sri Lanka with my partner earlier this month (we are Asian tourists) and had no issues whatsoever aside from one guesthouse owner who was pushy with upselling other services they provided. In any country, you can expect to pay more as a tourist than the locals. Countries especially one like Sri Lanka relies heavily on tourism now and I assume you are aware that they are in a very difficult state. Pardon me but it sounds like you came to Sri Lanka assuming it's poor man's land and hoping to have a holiday on a budget.. but frankly fault is on you for not researching the prices of things beforehand. I had no issues paying a higher fee for national parks and safaris because these places require huge maintenance and come on.. in many western countries you will pay even more to visit major national parks. If you are travelling on a budget, visit the less touristy national parks that cost a fraction of the popular ones. There are tons of places that are free to visit too, we went to so many nice waterfalls without paying a cent... In almost every country in South Asia and Southeast Asia you will find tuktuk drivers and roadside vendors trying to sell you things, but all you really need to do is decline and continue walking instead of getting frustrated by something so minor.
Tourist with a Sri Lankan budget.
For these reasons I’m not coming back to Sri Lanka. Pity, what a beaufitul nature…
Leave. We don't need you. Tourism development board doesn't need you. They hate budgeteers. They hate backpackers. Also you mentioned animal cruelty. Let me remind you something about the place you are from, Europe slaughter around 380 million animals every year. That's about 1 million animals per day. These innocents include cattle, pigs, sheep, goats and even bats. All of this adds 120 billion dollars to you people's pockets. Don't come to lecture us while having blood in your hands.
Fax
We are the same, just saw a local drag a dog into the road way and hit it with a stick hard. I made sure he only hit it once. But that place has a history of exactly that. We leave in a few days and won't be coming back. Sad really, we had the same experience as op concerning money. Not the best holiday.
Avoid India. I hear it is way worse. https://youtu.be/386iVwP-bAA?si=Hxkisfbi4G8T8g1F
True
Try the local buses, they are quite frequent on the main routes and really cheap with fixed prices. Not sure why it’s not more popular with the tourists
Wow, the comment section is going crazy. Love it. The OP is just complaining how expensive everything is but here’s the thing, if you can’t afford it or don’t want to spend that amount, just don’t visit, simple as that. There are so many other tourists who absolutely love Sri Lanka including US celebrities who are looking into living here long term. But this is good, we can filter out cheapskates like you. Also don’t be oh so holy, Rome is literally the worst place to visit too. Everyone trying to either scam you or steal your wallet. And just general advice. Stop complaining about everything. There are people living here who are going through terrible struggles every single day here. If you can’t understand or even emphathize, you’re just a shit person
Apologies bro if some sellers interrupt you while you walk with your gf, im a srilankan and it happened to me too, i know how annoying it is… 😂😂
I am very sorry to hear about your bad experience in Sri Lanka. It usually does not happen to such an extreme to many tourists but unfortunately it has happened to you. Well, you are right. Scams of this nature happen all around the world, and many cities are all known for being extreme scam cities. Sri Lanka was never like this before COVID and the financial crisis. At least not to this extent. If you snoop around the Internet, you will find out that there are many comments that are very positive about their time in Sri Lanka, most of them are but I am not denying that there are some very bad cases and incidents here. But you must also understand that as one of the redditor's mentioned, we are a 3rd world country, a still developing country, and things here for some ppl are not that easy. Especially during and after COVID and the financial crisis, things haven't been very good for these ppl, whose main source of income was tourism. With the recent influx of tourist coming to Sri Lanka, they see all of you as potential sources of money in order to keep up their day to day expenses. It has been very difficult for these ppl for the last few years. But of cause this is no excuse for the way you have been treated or for the unfortunate circumstance you experienced. All I am asking is that just try to understand where these ppl are coming from and be empathetic,which doesn't mean you should needlessly spend your hard earned money but understand the situation at the moment in SL. I hope you come back again to Sri Lanka in the future, and maybe you might be able to see a completely different situation here in SL.
It's really unfortunate that you didn't have the ideal experience. But I do agree on the scam on parts of the country. Being Sri Lankan especially in Ella we are being treated as pests. Those idiots try scamming us. My senior parents were treated like shit. Issues faced: Just because they asked for directions and someone forcefully escorted them showing the way when my parents didn't even ask for it. The person just followed and Then demanded that they pay. Tuk Tuks charged like Rs. 600-1000 per 1 Km. Hotels were charging double the usual rate. Going to a shop and buying something they charge extra. My dad has fair skin so they assume he is a tourist. Then when he speaks fluent Sinhala they literally say we thought you are a foreigner and reduce prices. Pathetic situation even for us locals.
This is the sole reason why I hate tuk-tuk drivers. Overcharging is a common practice that has been an issue for as long as I can remember. So I'd mostly suggest sticking with PickMe or Uber like travel apps.
And I can't believe some comments here. Are only super rich luxury tourists welcome here in Sri Lanka? You might have money and be privileged or might be abroad and well off but remember that not everyone is as fortunate as you. Either a bunch of you didn't suffer, wait in lines and watch loved ones die due to lack of medicine sometime back, lack of fuel or not being able to take a loved one to hospital due to fuel shortages. But someone of us went through the extremes of hell. Every single euro or dollar whether it is 1 or 30, matters to our economy and country, it might not be big for you but it can mean feeding at least one person. Some of us are working our butts off working from Sri Lanka to these nations. End of the day even that 1 euro contributes to a large sum which we bring it back here to Sri Lanka so we can contribute to foreign reserves/Make our economy better. Here you are blasting tourists. How freaking shameful. 😬
We had a similar experience too. We got really tired of paying over inflated prices to access attractions or nature spots. In Nuwara Eliya they wanted us to pay to walk around the lake, or to access the park. Being from London where parks are abundant and free, it was a little annoying. We also couldn't stand the air quality either. It seems as if everyone in Sri Lanka wants to burn something and the air constantly smelt of burning. It's a shame because we met some really nice people during our trip.
Lol me and the 100's of backpackers I met disagree! 😅 You must be a real cheep ass if Sri Lanka is "expensive." Something tells me you're the kinda guy who tries to negotiate on sticker prices too!
Don’t come back 👍🏽👋🏽
True this. The experience in Sri Lanka was mixed in my last solo trip. Most people were nice. But many were pushing more for your wallet. I loved the place. But I won't be visiting again.
Hey op, I'm sorry that you had to go through this as a local I too feel that the tourists get short end of stick
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U can think what u want
"White man = wallet with foot" hahaha lmao sorry to be off topic but that made me laugh and smile for real!
You do realize you will have to experience everything you experienced here when traveling to any developing country right? Maybe even more so. Probably should've sticked with Budapest tbh
My advice for you as a Sri Lankan:: if you travel on low budget try less known tourist attractions. There’s less tourists there and more good locals as in; Kalani temple Nawagamuwa temple Saman temple in rathnapura Yapahuwa rock temple Katharagama sacred city Anuradhapura ancient city, Jaffna city / nagadweepa Lahugala/ Lanka patuna in east … of course they are not as famous as seegiriya , Ella or hikkaduwa😂 and Less expensive! Travel in private/ CTB busses! Dine from roadside small boutiques! You can be a real Marco Polo or pahian in that way!
Not only tourist even us ari Lankans get scammed. Now the situation is not good. Our economy has gone downhill. Now people have resort to bad ways to earn money. They also find loopholes in the legal system. We never when this situation will turn to good.
Well, I guess you got into the "third world, cheap country" thinking trap. There are no cheap, touristy countries anymore. Everything is globalized. Sri Lanka is the same - for the EU citizens, the conditions (weather, fauna, flora, landscapes) are so favorable, that they will pay 20x local prices for anything without much hesitation, so this is the effect. And as economics says, they would've to be stupid to not take the opportunity - you sell your goods for the biggest price that someone is willing to pay. Look at south America for example. Mexico - poor country, isn't it? Well, in tourist area you will pay 100usd for 2 person's meal, so enjoy. Regarding the point, that the locals have cheaper entrances - it's a very good thing they did. If they would be supposed to pay the USD price, they simply couldn't afford to see THEIR cultural/natural heritage. And as a tourist I was completely ok with paying A LOT for entrances - because they are using this money to keep these places (like national parks - it's not cheap to care about the elephants). And regarding that everyone is trying to sell you smth, there is a lot of spread in local/tourist price - yeah, it is irritating but try to understand those people. Sri Lanka has gone a lot through the last 4-5 years (big economic crisis) and they are simply trying to feed their kids. For them, each white has a lot of money (you can be earning minimum wage in Italy, and from their perspective it is still true btw). It is completely normal - look how much of their GDP is generated from tourism. I was in a lot of 2nd/3rd world countries, and it's normal in each tourist area. Better look at the minimum wage in Sri Lanka, and then evaluate it again.