Tuk-tuk drivers refusing to use the meter in Colombo/Galle. What is a fair price per km?
I just arrived in Colombo and practically every tuk-tuk driver I hail refuses to turn on the meter. They quote me 1500 LKR for a ride that Google Maps says is only 3km away.
Is this normal? How do I negotiate without being rude, and what is the actual going rate per kilometer right now so I don't get ripped off?
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2 Answers from travellers
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Welcome to Sri Lanka! Unfortunately, "meter broken" or flat-rate refusals are common near tourist hotspots and hotels.
The Real Rate: Currently, the market rate for a metered taxi is roughly 100–120 LKR for the first km and about 80–100 LKR per km after that. A 3km ride should cost you around 300–400 LKR, not 1500!
The Solution: Download the apps PickMe or Uber. They work excellently in Colombo, Kandy, and Negombo. You get a fixed price, and you can pay by card.
Outside the Apps: If you are in Galle or a beach town where apps are banned or scarce, ask your hotel/hostel what the price should be before you walk out. Agree on the price firmly before you get in. If they quote a crazy price, just smile, say "no thank you," and walk away. Usually, they will lower the price immediately.
bump
sometimes hotel prices will be much higher than local tuk tuk prices. better to check both options.specially in city hotels and at touist sites. Another thing is please understand, any of tuk tuks (local and app based ) cant do guided tours according to Sri Lankan tourism law. please mind about that too. otherwise tourist police may involve.
Negotiate the price before you take the ride.
you can take app based tuk tuk services at major cities. but if you have more stops, check the prices with waiting time and try to negotiate with local tuk tuk driver. (yes. if you want)
prices really depend on the area they ride. Specially if the ride is to a remote location and if there is no possible return ride as in cities, tuk tuk drivers may charge more than fixed price. this usually happens in mountain areas, also at night time
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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