Tuk tuk drivers offering free city tours in Colombo

Asked about 2 months agoSeen by 1,538 travellers4 found this helpful
M
Mia S.6685 rep2
asked about 2 months ago

A friendly tuk tuk driver outside our hotel offered us a totally free city tour because it is a Buddhist holiday today. What is the catch.

4
asked about 2 months ago
M
Mia S.6685 rep2

6 Answers from travellers

Accepted Answer

This is the most famous scam in Colombo. There is no free tour. They will drive you to a few free monuments, then insist on taking you to a "special gem exhibition" or a "spice garden" where they get massive kickbacks and lock you in until you buy overpriced souvenirs. Just firmly say no and only use metered rides via PickMe or Uber.

26
answered about 2 months ago
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Amali D.8860 rep1

The holiday excuse is always used. "Today is Poya so the tour is free!" It is always a lie.

30
answered about 2 months ago
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Kamal P.14190 rep1

They will literally offer to drive you to an ATM. Just walk away.

30
answered about 2 months ago
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Ethan J.5100 rep2

If you do get stuck in one, just tell them you do not have any cash or credit cards on you.

24
answered about 2 months ago
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Amali D.8860 rep1

Thank you so much. I thought it sounded way too good to be true.

13
answered about 2 months ago
M
Mia S.6685 rep2

We fell for this on our first day. Ended up wasting 3 hours looking at fake sapphires.

12
answered about 2 months ago
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Ethan J.5100 rep2

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