Getting a PickMe at Colombo Airport without dealing with the taxi mafia
I land at the Bandaranaike International Airport at 2 AM. I read that local rideshare drivers cannot enter the arrivals terminal due to the airport taxi mafia. Do I have to walk outside the gates with my luggage to get a normal rate.
3 Answers
Yes, the official airport taxi desk has a monopoly inside the terminal and charges highly inflated tourist rates. Uber and PickMe drivers are often harassed if they try to pick up passengers at the Arrivals curb. You need to walk about 500 meters out to the main road near the Avariwatta bus stand. Book your PickMe only after you reach the main road, and the driver will meet you there without issue.
If you have heavy bags and do not want to walk at 2 AM, the official airport taxi is admittedly safer and easier, just be prepared to pay double the app rate. It is a convenience tax.
Do not let anyone inside the terminal grab your bags and say they are taking you to your PickMe. They are touts who will walk you to their own overpriced van and demand a tip just for touching your luggage.
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