Tuktuk meter scams at Colombo Pettah bus station
7 Answers from travellers
No, most drivers in Colombo are honest and use meters. However, the drivers parked directly outside the Pettah terminal (and Fort Railway Station) operate as a rogue mafia. They prey on exhausted tourists. Never negotiate with them. Keep a firm grip on your bags, walk 100 meters away from the terminal, and flag down a moving tuk-tuk with a red "Metered" sign, or use the PickMe app.
PickMe is a lifesaver in Colombo. It completely eliminates the haggling stress.
If they touch your bags, yell "Police" loudly. There is a tourist police post very close to the bus stand.
Sometimes they will try to say the meter is broken. Just get out and find another one.
No, the meter rate covers the ride regardless of your bags, as long as they fit safely in the back.
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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