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Avoiding tuktuk scams near Colombo Fort railway station

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E
Ethan J.•8130 rep•2

We are arriving at Colombo Fort. Are the tuk tuks parked right outside the station safe or do they run meter scams on tourists.

29
colombotransportationsafety

4 Answers from travellers

✓Accepted Answer

Do NOT take the tuk tuks parked directly at the station exit. They operate as a mafia, refuse to use meters, and will quote you 4x the normal price. Walk about 100 meters down the road away from the station and flag down a moving tuk tuk with a red "Metered" sign, or simply use the PickMe or Uber app.

40
A
Amali D.•8700 rep•1

Yes, PickMe drivers usually ask you to walk to a nearby landmark to pick you up safely.

33
K
Kamal P.•9250 rep•1

Thanks, we will walk to the floating market area and order a ride from there.

32
E
Ethan J.•8130 rep•2

We used PickMe and the driver called us to say he could not come to the station entrance because the mafia drivers would harass him.

11
M
Mia S.•7735 rep•2

Scam Watch: colombo

Broken Meter ScamVerified

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.

👍 67•by virajperera
Government TukTuk ScamVerified

Drivers wearing official-looking uniforms claim to be "government-approved" and charge 3-5x normal rates. They may have fake badges or ID cards.

👍 52•by virajperera
Milk Powder Beggar ScamVerified

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.

👍 25•by virajperera
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