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

Asked about 2 months agoSeen by 1,632 travellers22 found this helpful
E
Ethan J.7140 rep2
asked about 2 months ago

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
asked about 2 months ago
E
Ethan J.7140 rep2

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
answered about 2 months ago
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Kamal P.17180 rep1

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
answered about 2 months ago
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Mia S.8160 rep2

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

12
answered about 2 months ago
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Ethan J.7140 rep2

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
answered about 2 months ago
A
Amali D.6670 rep2

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