Tuk tuk drivers offering free city tours in Colombo

Asked about 15 hours agoViewed 1538 times
M
Mia S.2870 rep2
asked about 15 hours 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.

7
asked about 15 hours ago
M
Mia S.2870 rep2

6 Answers

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.

20
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answered about 15 hours ago
A
Amali D.3690 rep1

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

44
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answered about 15 hours ago
E
Ethan J.2260 rep2

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

40
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answered about 14 hours ago
E
Ethan J.2260 rep2

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

32
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answered about 14 hours ago
A
Amali D.3690 rep1

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

23
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answered about 14 hours ago
M
Mia S.2870 rep2

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

11
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answered about 14 hours ago
K
Kamal P.1400 rep1

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