Tuk tuk drivers offering free city tours in Colombo
6 Answers from travellers
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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.
The holiday excuse is always used. "Today is Poya so the tour is free!" It is always a lie.
If you do get stuck in one, just tell them you do not have any cash or credit cards on you.
We fell for this on our first day. Ended up wasting 3 hours looking at fake sapphires.
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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