Avoiding Pettah bus station tuktuk scams in Colombo
4 Answers from travellers
The tuktuk drivers directly outside the Pettah terminal operate as a cartel and refuse to use meters. Do not bother negotiating with them. Just walk 100 meters away from the terminal exits onto the main road and flag down a passing driver with a red "Metered" sign. Better yet, download the PickMe app and order a ride.
They try to grab your bags too to force you into their vehicles. Hold your bags tightly and keep walking.
If you use PickMe, set your pickup point slightly away from the buses so the local drivers do not harass your app driver.
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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