OneCeylon
colombo
All questions

Tuktuk meter scams in Colombo during heavy rain

Seen by 2,045 travellers
Jump to the accepted answer
N
Noah D.•8830 rep•2

We were in Pettah when a monsoon downpour started. Every tuktuk driver refused to use the meter and demanded 2000 rupees for a 1km ride. How do you get a fair ride in the rain.

10
colombotransportationWeather

6 Answers from travellers

✓Accepted Answer

This is the oldest trick in the city. Rain equals instant extortion. The meters are not broken; they just know you are desperate. Do not negotiate with the parked drivers outside Pettah. Duck into a cafe or shop, open the PickMe or Uber app, and order a ride. The price is locked in. It might take 15 minutes for a driver to accept during a storm, but you will pay the fair local rate.

13
B
Bhante S.•10090 rep•1

Exactly. The apps protect you from the street mafia.

48
B
Bhante S.•10090 rep•1

If you threaten to walk over to the traffic police on the corner, they usually turn the meter on instantly.

43
D
Dr. Nimal.•9850 rep•1

PickMe was surging, but it was still only 500 rupees compared to the 2000 they asked for.

36
N
Noah D.•8830 rep•2

Also, make sure the tuktuk has the rain covers rolled down before you get in, otherwise you get soaked from the sides.

34
E
Emma L.•12345 rep•2

I just walked. You are going to get sweaty anyway, getting rained on in 30 degree heat is actually nice.

27
E
Emma L.•12345 rep•2

Scam Watch: colombo

Broken Meter ScamVerified

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.

👍 67•by virajperera
Government TukTuk ScamVerified

Drivers wearing official-looking uniforms claim to be "government-approved" and charge 3-5x normal rates. They may have fake badges or ID cards.

👍 52•by virajperera
Milk Powder Beggar ScamVerified

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.

👍 25•by virajperera
Report a scam →

You must be logged in to post an answer.

Log In to Answer

Related questions

Browse all questions