My Uber driver keeps canceling at the Airport Arrivals! Where do I meet him?
I've been standing at the "Arrivals" porch for 20 minutes. Two Uber drivers accepted my ride and then canceled because they "couldn't find me."
Is Uber banned at the airport? The taxi touts are getting really aggressive. How do I get my app ride?
Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport
View on mapAirport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited, Canada Friendship Rd, Katunayake 11450, Sri Lanka
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3 Answers from travellers
They cancel because they don’t want short trips or they want you to cancel so they can charge a fee, or they want to negotiate outside the app.
If they ask “cash only” or try to change the price, cancel and report.
Uber is not banned, but they are banned from the Arrivals Porch. They cannot park where the official "Airport Taxis" park.
The "Secret" Spot: You need to walk out of the Arrivals terminal, cross the first zebra crossing past the exuberant families, and go to the Outer Lane (near the "Post Office" or the fence).
The Trick: Message your driver immediately: "I am at the Outer Lane / Post Office."
Airport Wi-Fi: Remember, the Wi-Fi cuts out once you leave the building. Screenshot the car number plate before you walk out to the curb!
Airport Uber in Sri Lanka is a coin toss. Pickups work, but drivers often don’t want to enter the airport queue or pay parking unless the fare is worth it.
Try PickMe as well. It’s often smoother here.
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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