Avoiding tuktuk scams at Pettah market bus terminal in Colombo

Asked about 11 hours agoViewed 1724 times
B
Bhante S.10440 rep2
asked about 11 hours ago

We just arrived in Colombo Are the tuktuks waiting outside Pettah market going to use their meters or do we have to negotiate heavily

6
asked about 11 hours ago
B
Bhante S.10440 rep2

8 Answers

Accepted Answer

Never take the tuk-tuks parked directly outside the Pettah market exits. They operate as a local mafia and will refuse to use the meter, quoting triple the normal price. Walk 100 meters away from the chaos and flag down a moving tuk-tuk with a red "Metered" sign, or use the PickMe app to ensure fair pricing.

14
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answered about 11 hours ago
A
Amali D.13850 rep1

Keep your bags close to you in Pettah, it is pickpocket heaven.

34
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answered about 10 hours ago
N
Noah D.4025 rep2

If they physically block your path when you try to walk away, loudly say "Police". They will back off instantly.

31
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answered about 10 hours ago
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Noah D.4025 rep2

Great advice. PickMe sounds like the way to go.

31
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answered about 10 hours ago
B
Bhante S.10440 rep2

If you can, just catch a bus from Makumbura instead. Way cleaner and safer.

28
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answered about 10 hours ago
B
Bhante S.10440 rep2

I used Uber and it was so much easier. The driver just met me at a designated spot away from the crowd.

25
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answered about 11 hours ago
E
Emma L.4580 rep2

We ignored them and walked right into the station. The bus was waiting right there.

14
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answered about 10 hours ago
E
Emma L.4580 rep2

Also, do not listen to them if they say your bus is broken down. It is a lie to get you in their vehicle.

11
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answered about 10 hours ago
A
Amali D.13850 rep1

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