3 Answers from travellers
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It is not necessarily a "scam" in price (15,000 is somewhat standard for a long distance private hire), but it is a terrible idea. A tuk-tuk ride to Kandy will take 4-5 hours, it is incredibly bumpy, you will breathe exhaust fumes the entire way, and they struggle up the mountain passes. Take the AC train for 2000 rupees or an AC taxi for slightly more than the tuk-tuk price.
Do not do this. You will arrive with a sore back and a headache. The train is beautiful.
If he insists, just say you already bought train tickets. They usually leave you alone after that.
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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