Avoiding tuktuk scams at Pettah market in Colombo
4 Answers from travellers
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.
If they physically block your path when you try to walk away, loudly say "Police". They will back off instantly.
I used Uber and it was so much easier. The driver just met me at a designated spot away from the crowd.
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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