Bus conductors overcharging for luggage and tuktuk mafia in Kandy
5 Answers from travellers
The bus conductor is NOT scamming you. It is standard CTB policy. Government buses do not have luggage compartments. If your bag takes up a physical seat or blocks the aisle, they legally charge you for an extra passenger seat. However, the tuk-tuk driver offering 5000 rupees IS scamming you. That is the Kandy station mafia capitalizing on your frustration. Pay the bus conductor his 200 LKR for the bag seat instead.
Try to sit near the front driver cabin. You can sometimes rest the bag on the hot engine cover for free.
If you keep your bag on your lap the entire ride, they cannot charge you anything.
Scam Watch: kandy
TukTuk or tour drivers take you to "gem museums" or "government-certified" gem shops. They receive huge commissions (up to 40%) on anything you buy. Prices are inflated 3-10x the actual value.
Men approach tourists near Temple of the Tooth offering to be guides. After the tour, they demand large "donations" or guide fees (5000-10000 LKR).
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