Are tuk tuk meters reliable in Colombo.
2 Answers from travellers
Official digital meters installed in Colombo tuk tuks are generally highly reliable and strictly regulated by the government, so tampering is actually quite rare.
The much more common scam is a driver simply refusing to turn the meter on at all, claiming it is broken, and demanding a massively inflated flat fare. Always insist they switch it on before you sit down.
Scam Watch: colombo
Driver claims the meter is broken and quotes an inflated flat rate. Common on arrival at airport or railway stations when tourists are tired and disoriented.
Drivers wearing official-looking uniforms claim to be "government-approved" and charge 3-5x normal rates. They may have fake badges or ID cards.
Women with babies approach asking you to buy milk powder at a nearby shop (not cash). The shop is run by accomplices and charges 5-10x normal price.
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