Stranger at CMB Arrivals wants to share my PickMe to Negombo — polite no or am I overreacting?
Pre-booked PickMe to the Negombo hotel. While waiting, a friendly traveler-looking guy said he is going the same way and offered to split. Bags already matched to my pin. Feels awkward to refuse but also like every scam podcast I have ever heard. Is shared-stranger from Arrivals ever normal here, or do solo arrivals just keep the car to themselves?
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3 Answers from travellers
Keep the car to yourself. A stranger asking to join your app ride at Arrivals is not a local norm you owe anyone. Smile, say the seat is for luggage / hotel prepaid / not sharing, and get in when your matched plate arrives. Real cost-sharing happens between people who already know each other, not with someone who approached you at the kerb. If he persists, step back inside toward official desks or your driver. Paying the full Negombo fare once is cheaper than a bad story. Your instinct is not overreacting.
Said no thanks with a smile twice. He wandered to another queue. Solo PickMe felt boring and correct.
Driver arrived, I loaded alone, ignored the follow-up chat. Hotel in twenty-five minutes. Lesson learned.
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