Bring a Piece of Sri Lanka Home

The ultimate guide to authentic souvenirs, bustling markets, and smart shopping in the Pearl of the Indian Ocean.

Filter by Tags:

shopping_bag

Curated Finds: What to Buy

From world-famous Ceylon tea to intricate hand-carved masks, discover the treasures that define our island's craftsmanship.

Ceylon Tea

$5-20

Certified

Blue Sapphires

$200-5000+

Handloom & Batik

$25-150

Ceylon Spices

$4-20

Raksha Masks

$10-100

Ayurvedic Products

$5-60

Wooden Elephants

$5-80

Lacquerware

$12-100

map

Shopping Districts Map

Explore shopping locations across Sri Lanka. Click markers to view details.

Key Shopping Districts

Colombo 11

Pettah Market

A bustling open-air bazaar in downtown Colombo where locals shop for everything.

budgetBargaining OK

Galle

Galle Fort

Historic walled city with cobblestone streets lined with boutique shops and art galleries.

premium

Islandwide

Laksala

State-owned handicraft shops offering a broad range of authentic Sri Lankan crafts.

moderate

Colombo 07

Odel

Sri Lanka's premier lifestyle department store chain with multiple branches. Air-conditioned.

premium

Colombo & Galle

Barefoot

Founded in 1964 by Barbara Sansoni, featuring handwoven cloth and products.

premium

Colombo

Good Market

Weekly sustainable market featuring organic products, fair-trade items, and handmade goods.

moderate

Smart Shopping Assistant

Get personalized advice based on what and where you're buying

I'm buying:

Where are you shopping?

warning

High Scam Risk

Exercise extreme caution with this combination

fact_check

Authenticity Checklist

check_circle Demand gem certificate from NGJA, GIA, or IGI
check_circle Verify certificate online before leaving Sri Lanka
check_circle Real certificates have watermarked paper and unique numbering
check_circle Buy from licensed dealers recognized by National Gem and Jewelry Authority
cancel NEVER accept stone without certification - this is a red flag

psychology

Bargaining Strategy

Limited bargaining. You can try asking for 5-10% discount on high-value items, but most prices are firm.

error

Scam Risks to Watch For

warningEXTREME RISK: 90% of street gem offers are complete scams
warning Tuk-tuk drivers get 30-50% commission to bring you to "special" gem shops
warning Fake certificates that don't verify online
warning Heat-treated stones worth 10x less sold as premium
warning Colored glass sold as genuine sapphires
warning Pressure tactics: "Special price today only" or "My cousin owns the mine"

storefront

Recommended Safe Places

Galle Fort

Galle

Premium boutiques with verified quality

Barefoot

Colombo & Galle

Authentic handwoven textiles & art

Smart Shopping Guide

verified

Authentic Experience

check_circle Gems with a government certificate from the NGJA (National Gem and Jewelry Authority)
check_circle Tea packs bearing the "Lion Logo" of authenticity from Sri Lanka Tea Board
check_circle Fixed prices in government shops like Laksala
check_circle Spices with organic/ethically-sourced labels
check_circle Hand-carved masks from Kaduru wood with natural pigments
check_circle Certificates with online verification for high-value gems

warning

Common Shopping Scams

cancel
Tuk-Tuk Commission Gem Shop Scam Tuk-tuk drivers taking you to "special gem museums" for commission
cancel
Spice Garden Inflated Pricing Spice gardens with extremely inflated prices (3-5x markup)
cancel
Fake Certificates & Stone Swapping Street gem vendors with fake stones and certificates. 90% of street offers are scams.
cancel
Pickpocket Risk Crowded markets often harbor pickpockets. Stay alert.

handshake

Bargaining Tips

In street markets like Pettah, bargaining is expected and polite

In malls, supermarkets, and Laksala, prices are fixed

Start by offering 30-50% of the initial price

Be polite and friendly throughout - smile gets better prices

If price is too high, politely walk away - vendors often call you back

Always ask the price before buying

shopping_bag

Duty Free Info

Tea: Up to 3kg can be exported duty-free
Gems: Ensure you have an official receipt for customs
Currency: Retain exchange receipts to convert leftover Rupees at airport
VAT Refund: Available for tourists spending over LKR 50,000
Save all receipts for large purchases
Major shops can assist with VAT refund forms

receipt_long

VAT Refund for Tourists

Get 18% back on purchases over LKR 50,000 (excluding VAT)

18%

VAT Refund Rate

LKR 50,000

Minimum Spend (excl. VAT)

BIA

Claim at Airport

check_circle Who is Eligible?

check Non-citizens and non-residents of Sri Lanka

check Aged 18 or over

check Staying less than 90 days

check Purchases from authorized retailers

check Up to three invoices per day from the same retailer

list_alt Step-by-Step Refund Process

Spend over LKR 50,000 (excluding VAT) in one day at a single authorized shop

Obtain Tourist VAT Refund Invoice (TVRI) using receipts and passport

Keep goods in baggage or hand luggage (not consumed in Sri Lanka)

Fill out TVRS application form at airport

Present goods for physical verification at Customs point

Submit refund claim at TVRS Counter in departure lounge at BIA

Tourist VAT Refund Counter relaunched July 4th, 2025 at Bandaranaike International Airport

info Important Notes

arrow_right The spend threshold of LKR 50,000 is excluding VAT and must be at a single authorized shop in one day
arrow_right Goods must be available for physical verification at Customs - keep them in your carry-on or checked baggage
arrow_right The Tourist VAT Refund Counter is located in the departure lounge at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA)
arrow_right Service was relaunched on July 4th, 2025

cancel What's NOT Eligible for Refund

block Services

block Food and drinks

block VAT-free items

block Online purchases

block Restricted or prohibited goods

block Items consumed in Sri Lanka

bookmark Quick Reference Card

Quick Facts

Refund Rate: 18%

Min. Spend: LKR 50,000

Age Required: 18+

Stay Limit: <90 days

Before You Leave Sri Lanka

check_box Keep all receipts from authorized retailers

check_box Get Tourist VAT Refund Invoice (TVRI)

check_box Pack goods in carry-on or checked baggage (unused)

check_box Arrive early at airport for verification

check_box Visit TVRS Counter in departure lounge at BIA

Location: Tourist VAT Refund Counter, Departure Lounge
Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Colombo
Relaunched July 4th, 2025