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Tuktuk drivers demanding huge rates near Arugam Bay on the East Coast

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E
Ethan J.•7140 rep•2

We arrived in Pottuvil and the tuktuk drivers want 2000 rupees for a five minute drive to Arugam Bay Is this the normal east coast rate or a scam

22
beachestransportationsafety

4 Answers from travellers

✓Accepted Answer

It is a well known scam. The tuk-tuk drivers wait exactly where the long-distance buses drop tourists off in Pottuvil. They know you are exhausted and just want to get to your accommodation. The actual local rate for that short 4km drive into Arugam Bay is around 300 to 500 LKR. Haggle firmly or start walking down the road to flag a passing driver.

18
K
Kamal P.•17180 rep•1

We fell for this because we had heavy surfboards. If you have boards, they will charge you a premium, but 2000 is still way too high.

13
M
Mia S.•8160 rep•2

Good advice, we negotiated it down to 600 which felt fair enough with our bags.

12
E
Ethan J.•7140 rep•2

Just call your guesthouse in A-Bay. Most of them will send their own trusted driver to pick you up for a normal rate.

10
A
Amali D.•6670 rep•2

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