Getting a PickMe at Colombo Airport without dealing with the taxi mafia
3 Answers from travellers
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.
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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