Question 1

What is the "Train Ticket Scalping (Kandy–Ella Route)" scam in Kandy?

Accepted Answer

The scenic train route from Kandy to Ella is one of the most popular tourist journeys in Asia, and organized scalping operations buy up all available first-class and observation deck tickets seconds after they open online, then resell them to tourists at 3–5 times the official fare. Tourists who cannot book directly through the Sri Lanka Railways website often encounter sellers on social media, WhatsApp groups, and through guesthouse staff who charge LKR 10,000–16,000 for seats that officially cost LKR 2,800–8,000. Sri Lankan authorities arrested a suspect in January 2025 and the Criminal Investigation Department has opened investigations into the organized network. Book train tickets only through the official Sri Lanka Railways website (eservices.railway.gov.lk) using your passport number as required for foreign nationals. Book as far in advance as possible—tickets open 30 days before departure. If first-class is unavailable, second-class observation carriages are also scenic and can sometimes be booked at the station on departure day.

Question 2

What is the "Tea Export Customs Fee Scam" scam in Kandy?

Accepted Answer

A well-dressed local, often posing as a tea planter or plantation family member, befriends tourists in Kandy cafes or near the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens and claims to offer 5 kilograms of premium Ceylon tea to be shipped to the tourist's home address for free. The tourist is told they only need to pay a small export tax or customs clearance fee upfront, which typically amounts to LKR 10,000–30,000. Once payment is made and the home address is provided, the contact disappears. No tea is shipped, and the personal address may be used for follow-up fraud. Never pay advance fees to a stranger for goods to be shipped home. Legitimate tea purchases can be made at established shops in Kandy's Dalada Veediya area or at factory gift shops on organized tours, with standard receipts and export paperwork handled by the retailer.

Other Tourist Scams in Kandy

Train Ticket Scalping (Kandy–Ella Route)

Tea Export Customs Fee Scam

Experienced a scam here?