Scam in Sri LankaTaxis
Tuk-tuk rides without a running meter in Sri Lanka
How it works
Some tuk-tuks do not have their meters running. If you leave without a working meter or an agreed fare, you have less protection against an inflated price.
Warning signs
- The meter is off when the trip starts.
- The driver avoids confirming the fare.
- The tuk-tuk has no 'Metered Taxi' sign.
How to avoid it
- Check that the meter is running before setting off.
- If there is no working meter, agree on the full fare first.
- Use Uber or PickMe to reduce price haggling.
- Choose another driver if the price remains unclear.
If it happens to you
Ask to stop in a safe public place if the fare is unclear. Keep the trip details and use the app's support process if you booked through an app.
- Move to a safe public place. Avoid threats, arguments or chasing anyone.
- Record what happened while it is fresh. Save receipts, messages, trip details and any useful descriptions.
- Freeze missing cards immediately. Contact your card issuer about suspicious payments and secure affected accounts.
- Report theft, threats or fraud to police. Ask for a report number or written record.
- Contact the booking service, ride app or seller if relevant. Request a refund through its official support process.
- Contact your insurer if covered. If your passport is missing, contact your embassy or consulate.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- TripadvisorSri Lanka ForumAvoid srilanka at all cost - Sri Lanka ForumA visitor reported that nearly every tuk-tuk driver they encountered in Colombo claimed to have a broken meter or no meter.Read on Tripadvisor
- TripadvisorColombo ForumNew Scam in Colombo. You Don't Know How Dangerous It Can Be! - Colombo ForumA contributor warned about drivers claiming their meters are broken and advised passengers to insist on a working meter.Read on Tripadvisor
- Government adviceSafety and security - Sri Lanka travel advice - GOV.UKUK travel advice recommends agreeing on a tuk-tuk fare before departure or choosing one with a working meter.Read on Government advice
Questions
What is the tuk-tuk rides without a running meter scam in Sri Lanka?
Some tuk-tuks do not have their meters running. If you leave without a working meter or an agreed fare, you have less protection against an inflated price.
How can I spot it early?
The meter is off when the trip starts. The driver avoids confirming the fare. The tuk-tuk has no 'Metered Taxi' sign.
How do I avoid tuk-tuk rides without a running meter in Sri Lanka?
Check that the meter is running before setting off. If there is no working meter, agree on the full fare first. Use Uber or PickMe to reduce price haggling. Choose another driver if the price remains unclear.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Ask to stop in a safe public place if the fare is unclear. Keep the trip details and use the app's support process if you booked through an app.
Where in Sri Lanka does this happen?
Colombo It has been reported in Colombo.
How common is this scam in Sri Lanka?
Occasional. Scams and touts are a concern for first-time visitors, especially in Colombo. The main risks are misleading travel advice, transport overcharging and sales pressure; pickpocketing on public transport is uncommon.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, fraud or threats. Bring any receipts, messages and other evidence, and ask for a written record. Card issuer or bank: use the official banking app or verified contact number to freeze cards and report disputed payments. Ride-hailing app or booking service: open the relevant trip or booking and report the problem through official support. Embassy or consulate: use its official contact details for help with a lost or stolen passport. Travel insurer: contact the claims service and keep police records, receipts and evidence of the loss.
Reviewed by @snuck