Tuktuk meter scams in Colombo during heavy rain
6 Answers from travellers
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.
Exactly. The apps protect you from the street mafia.
If you threaten to walk over to the traffic police on the corner, they usually turn the meter on instantly.
PickMe was surging, but it was still only 500 rupees compared to the 2000 they asked for.
Also, make sure the tuktuk has the rain covers rolled down before you get in, otherwise you get soaked from the sides.
I just walked. You are going to get sweaty anyway, getting rained on in 30 degree heat is actually nice.
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