Hello Ben, Welcome ti Sri Lanka & sorry for the hustle you had from the airport to Colombo. As a kind Canadian you unluckily reacted to the questions of the Tuk-Tuk drivers. The best a foreign traveller can do is to smile at them, ignore their questions and keep walking. If you react even with one word they assume they can get a positive answer from you. Normal Sri Lankans are very friendly and they will never bother you. The drivers etc. near airports and in cities like Colombo are spoilt by tourism and want to earn a quick buck. We wish you a nice and happy holiday in this beautiful island. Tourism promoters in Sri Lanka.
Hi Ravi! Thank you very much for the nice message. There's no need to apologize... I really enjoyed my arrival and I don't mind being hustled from time to time. Indeed, all the Sri Lankans that I met were very friendly and kind. I had an amazing experience in your beautiful country.
Holy Moly Ben , you have way more patience than i could ever have dealing with that . I guess it is all part of the journey . Looking forward to this series . Thanks for sharing .
As a Sri Lankan I was watching this and enjoying the hussle. A few things to note to anyone travelling to Sri Lanka. The airport is not in Colombo it is in Katunayake. The nearest city is Negombo(10 mins away) Its true the nearest bus stop is actually around 2-3km away from the airport. Its better to just walk out of the airport and get a METERED tuktuk or get yourself uber. (if you don't want to walk that is) Never stay in Colombo ( too expensive) INSTEAD stay in Negombo or Katunayake its only 10 mins away from the airport. In comparison Colombo might cost you $10- $15 for accommodation. Food might also be expensive. Whilst in Negombo it'll cost around $5- $8. The rooms will be much larger, more privacy and the food is much cleaner and cheap. Colombo is not the capital city of Sri Lanka (it is the commercial city) capital city is Sri Jayawardenepura.
Wow thank you for the awesome travel info Ravido. Great advice. I knew that Colombo isn't the administrative capital anymore but it's the biggest metro area and the de facto cultural and financial capital so i refer to Colombo as "the capital" in these videos. Sorry! If I had known I would not have stayed in Colombo, because as you said, it wasn't very pleasant for a tourist. I stayed in Negombo at the end of my trip and much preferred it. Although I did find a decent accommodation in Colombo for $6. I appreciate you watching the video and hope that you will enjoy the rest of my Sri Lanka series! It was one of my favourite countries to visit, I had so much fun making these videos. Such friendly people.
This was painful to watch and a helpful warning to others arriving in Sri Lanka. You spent more time trying not to negotiate with street hustlers than actually accomplishing your goal of getting to the city.
Being a Canadian with roots in Sri Lanka, I'm truly impressed by your effective handling of those tricky situations with hustlers. It's disappointing to see their behavior. Keep up the excellent work.
Dude, No one is scamming you, every tuk-tuk driver told the truth and ended up walking there. if you are not willing to spend a few bucks for traveling and accusing locals of being scammers you should Not Travel.
I actually had to re-watch the video to make sure I never used the word "scam" and sure enough, I never accused anyone of trying to scam me. So I don't know why you're all worked up... I was as polite and friendly as can be. If you think that travellers HAVE to pay for services that they don't need or want just because they're in a foreign country, then you've obviously never budget traveled before. Better stick to the safety of your all-inclusive resort. Also, the bus station was 1.5 kms from the airport at most, and I ain't afraid of a little exercise.
@@benbrazyoutube I know you didn't say it, but anyone can see the point what you are trying to make. But you don't have to expose people and faces that offering their services and trying to make a living, also don't stop and talk to them if you don't need anything, just say no thanks and walk away.
when I went to sri lanka and waited for a friend of me to pick me up at the arrival, these hustlers called me too. they are always at the arrival, and outside of the arrival gate across the road. if they saw someone walking out of the gate they always call them. the best way to avoid them is to walk as far as possible, and take a rickshaw if you want one at a cheaper price.
Yes that was also my plan, but I'm glad I was able to find the cheapest public bus option. It was kind of exciting to be hassled right at the exit of the airport.
This vlog is fixed in my opinion just to make content, ofcourse your going to get hassled in or close to a airport taxi rank. You left the airport area and then re entered just to get more hassle content.at one stage you went to the departure entrance.. Clever editing, are you hoping for an Oscar?
Thanks so much for your support Alan!😊 Ohh I don’t know if the editing is Oscar worthy, but I’ll take it! 🤪 If you go back and watch more carefully, you’ll see that I re-entered because I had no idea where I was going and decided to ask for information 😉
You are very polite "Yes Sir" . The airport looks clean, the hustlers scenario seems not that bad comparing to some vlogs people taken from India. Think I can handle this, I will be there in two months. Thanks for sharing! 🙂🙏
Haha yes I try my best to always remain polite despite sometimes feeling annoyed. Yeah I'm sure there are worse hustlers in the world. Enjoy your trip to Sri Lanka!
From one Canadian to another, yes sir you proved that we Canadians are polite.👍👍 I can't believe these people are harassing you, I know it's the same in Paris too. We got ripped off in Paris for the taxi fare. 25 Euros.....😏 I will be visiting srilanka after 40 years, next week, and thank you for this video. Good job.
Thank you for watching and for the kind words! I definitely try to be polite everywhere I go. Getting ripped off is no fun. Enjoy Sri Lanka, it will be an adventure
So your from Canada eh. The big cities in Canada are full of hustlers . I see you are well trained in the art of negotiation. Good luck to you good sir
Normally I don't comment, but this prompt me to shed some light about the situation. If we forget the part that you didn't inquire before leaving the airport about getting a bus then, 1. Almost everyone told you that bus station few kilometers away and you didn't believe it. You kept walking around and that prompt them to hustle. You can’t blame the game even if you hate the players right. 2. I can see you had pre-determined mindset amount bus fare from Katunayake to Colombo which is I think Rs. 100. It was 100 rupees many years back. There also you didn't believe when one of the conductors said that price was Rs. 350. Again you had to verify it from officer there. Tell me who is the hustler here. :D I'm not blaming you or the cab drivers. You know how we are doing as a country. I apologies if you feel uncomfortable, but I ask you to have some understanding, courtesy or empathy towards the people you are visiting. I saw one person saying just one dollar to take you to the bus station. Just one dollar man. All are fighting for their bread. So next time make sure not to create such unnecessary buzz knowing where you are.
1. I don't hate the players at all, and this is the "game" all over the world. The bus station was much closer than anyone had said. I thought I was allowed to walk around and look for public transportation. Never once did I say I dislike the hustlers. 2. Yes I had read online that the price was lower, and evidently that information was wrong. Asking multiple people for the price isn't called hustling. It's making sure I don't get ripped off. 3. I never felt uncomfortable. On the contrary, I mentioned that I was enjoying the experience. I fully understand and respect where these people are coming from which is why I was as friendly and courteous as I can be. Anyone who says "it's just one dollar man" has never lived on $10 per day while still trying to live their dream of travelling the world.
I think you are right All workers work in the airport hustlers Specifically taxi firms and baggage handlers Anyway I am Sri LankanThey are a nuisance Sadly authorities would not do anything turning a blind eye
Ah yes, I'm sorry to hear about this. For the record, these airport hustlers really didn't bother me. I usually find it to be an exciting part of the experience as I dive into a new country. But I understand that they certainly can become a nuisance to local people especially.
Wow, I'm exhausted just watching this video! The tower is called the Lotus Tower, and it was built by a Chinese company. Hope to see more of it in future videos!
Oh please don't feel sorry, it's really not a problem for me. It was an interesting experience, and everyone was friendly. I have met only kind people in Sri Lanka.
Most of the drivers he encountered are well disciplined as far as I can see. This dude engage in the conversation so they tried to offer their services. What's the wrong with that???
Most of the drivers he encountered are well disciplined as far as I can see. This dude engage in the conversation so they tried to offer their services. What's the wrong with that???
Hi Aruna, thank you for watching. I just prefer to walk and take public buses instead of private transportation. I think I was quite respectful towards everyone who spoke to me.
Hello Ben, Welcome ti Sri Lanka & sorry for the hustle you had from the airport to Colombo. As a kind Canadian you unluckily reacted to the questions of the Tuk-Tuk drivers. The best a foreign traveller can do is to smile at them, ignore their questions and keep walking. If you react even with one word they assume they can get a positive answer from you. Normal Sri Lankans are very friendly and they will never bother you. The drivers etc. near airports and in cities like Colombo are spoilt by tourism and want to earn a quick buck. We wish you a nice and happy holiday in this beautiful island. Tourism promoters in Sri Lanka.
Hi Ravi! Thank you very much for the nice message. There's no need to apologize... I really enjoyed my arrival and I don't mind being hustled from time to time. Indeed, all the Sri Lankans that I met were very friendly and kind. I had an amazing experience in your beautiful country.
Holy Moly Ben , you have way more patience than i could ever have dealing with that . I guess it is all part of the journey . Looking forward to this series . Thanks for sharing .
I always appreciate your support Mike. I think this Sri Lanka series is my favourite so far. Was so much fun to make. Hope you enjoy.
As a Sri Lankan I was watching this and enjoying the hussle. A few things to note to anyone travelling to Sri Lanka.
The airport is not in Colombo it is in Katunayake. The nearest city is Negombo(10 mins away)
Its true the nearest bus stop is actually around 2-3km away from the airport. Its better to just walk out of the airport and get a METERED tuktuk or get yourself uber. (if you don't want to walk that is)
Never stay in Colombo ( too expensive) INSTEAD stay in Negombo or Katunayake its only 10 mins away from the airport. In comparison Colombo might cost you $10- $15 for accommodation. Food might also be expensive. Whilst in Negombo it'll cost around $5- $8. The rooms will be much larger, more privacy and the food is much cleaner and cheap.
Colombo is not the capital city of Sri Lanka (it is the commercial city) capital city is Sri Jayawardenepura.
Wow thank you for the awesome travel info Ravido. Great advice. I knew that Colombo isn't the administrative capital anymore but it's the biggest metro area and the de facto cultural and financial capital so i refer to Colombo as "the capital" in these videos. Sorry!
If I had known I would not have stayed in Colombo, because as you said, it wasn't very pleasant for a tourist. I stayed in Negombo at the end of my trip and much preferred it. Although I did find a decent accommodation in Colombo for $6.
I appreciate you watching the video and hope that you will enjoy the rest of my Sri Lanka series! It was one of my favourite countries to visit, I had so much fun making these videos. Such friendly people.
This was painful to watch and a helpful warning to others arriving in Sri Lanka. You spent more time trying not to negotiate with street hustlers than actually accomplishing your goal of getting to the city.
Great video ... But where is the bus station? I'm trying to work out how to find it by walking from the airport. 👍
It's the Avariwatta Bus Stand, literally 1.5 kms from the airport arrival hall
@@benbrazyoutube Excellent, thank you! ~ Mandy 🙏😁
Katuyanake bus stop, same !
Gee mate, just ignore them if you are not interested because by engaging in conversation they get their hopes up and continue to hassle.
Nah I don't like to ignore people unless I really can't handle any more. I find some healthy engagement with hustlers is good for everyone.
Being a Canadian with roots in Sri Lanka, I'm truly impressed by your effective handling of those tricky situations with hustlers. It's disappointing to see their behavior. Keep up the excellent work.
I really appreciate the kind words. I will certainly do my best to create more entertaining content
Please allow 187 bus to the Airport. Take immediate action against these Thugs. Make there free from politically flavoured Taxi gangs
A public bus at the airport would be nice, but I understand that these people are just trying to make a living.
Dude, No one is scamming you, every tuk-tuk driver told the truth and ended up walking there. if you are not willing to spend a few bucks for traveling and accusing locals of being scammers you should Not Travel.
I actually had to re-watch the video to make sure I never used the word "scam" and sure enough, I never accused anyone of trying to scam me. So I don't know why you're all worked up... I was as polite and friendly as can be. If you think that travellers HAVE to pay for services that they don't need or want just because they're in a foreign country, then you've obviously never budget traveled before. Better stick to the safety of your all-inclusive resort. Also, the bus station was 1.5 kms from the airport at most, and I ain't afraid of a little exercise.
@@benbrazyoutube I know you didn't say it, but anyone can see the point what you are trying to make. But you don't have to expose people and faces that offering their services and trying to make a living, also don't stop and talk to them if you don't need anything, just say no thanks and walk away.
👍👍🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🇱🇰🇱🇰 welcome to sri lanka . nice video .
Awesome thank you Ruwani!
when I went to sri lanka and waited for a friend of me to pick me up at the arrival, these hustlers called me too. they are always at the arrival, and outside of the arrival gate across the road. if they saw someone walking out of the gate they always call them. the best way to avoid them is to walk as far as possible, and take a rickshaw if you want one at a cheaper price.
Yes that was also my plan, but I'm glad I was able to find the cheapest public bus option. It was kind of exciting to be hassled right at the exit of the airport.
@@benbrazyoutube public buses are fine if you don't have any luggage, otherwise it's difficult to carry them as many buses get crowded on the way.
For someone arriving airport, have to walk 1 km to Katuyanake bus station, take the bus no.187 to Colombo fort station
Yeah that sounds aboot right, eh
There has to be good sign posted to say where are the buses and taxis etc...
Yeah that would be a huge help!
This vlog is fixed in my opinion just to make content, ofcourse your going to get hassled in or close to a airport taxi rank. You left the airport area and then re entered just to get more hassle content.at one stage you went to the departure entrance..
Clever editing, are you hoping for an Oscar?
Thanks so much for your support Alan!😊 Ohh I don’t know if the editing is Oscar worthy, but I’ll take it! 🤪 If you go back and watch more carefully, you’ll see that I re-entered because I had no idea where I was going and decided to ask for information 😉
What's time does the bus stop running? Going there in 2 weeks. Thanks for the video
Thanks for watching Dav, unfortunately I don't know the bus schedule there. I'm sure you'll have a great adventure though
You are very polite "Yes Sir" . The airport looks clean, the hustlers scenario seems not that bad comparing to some vlogs people taken from India. Think I can handle this, I will be there in two months. Thanks for sharing! 🙂🙏
Haha yes I try my best to always remain polite despite sometimes feeling annoyed. Yeah I'm sure there are worse hustlers in the world. Enjoy your trip to Sri Lanka!
@@benbrazyoutube Thank you. Enjoy your travel too! :)
Bangalore airport is much cleaner, Mumbai terminal 2 is cleaner as well, but Mumbai T1 is like an average bus station.
From one Canadian to another, yes sir you proved that we Canadians are polite.👍👍
I can't believe these people are harassing you, I know it's the same in Paris too. We got ripped off in Paris for the taxi fare. 25 Euros.....😏
I will be visiting srilanka after 40 years, next week, and thank you for this video. Good job.
Thank you for watching and for the kind words! I definitely try to be polite everywhere I go. Getting ripped off is no fun. Enjoy Sri Lanka, it will be an adventure
So your from Canada eh. The big cities in Canada are full of hustlers . I see you are well trained in the art of negotiation. Good luck to you good sir
Thank you very much for the support Nilakshan!
Normally I don't comment, but this prompt me to shed some light about the situation.
If we forget the part that you didn't inquire before leaving the airport about getting a bus then,
1. Almost everyone told you that bus station few kilometers away and you didn't believe it. You kept walking around and that prompt them to hustle. You can’t blame the game even if you hate the players right.
2. I can see you had pre-determined mindset amount bus fare from Katunayake to Colombo which is I think Rs. 100. It was 100 rupees many years back. There also you didn't believe when one of the conductors said that price was Rs. 350. Again you had to verify it from officer there. Tell me who is the hustler here. :D
I'm not blaming you or the cab drivers. You know how we are doing as a country. I apologies if you feel uncomfortable, but I ask you to have some understanding, courtesy or empathy towards the people you are visiting. I saw one person saying just one dollar to take you to the bus station. Just one dollar man. All are fighting for their bread. So next time make sure not to create such unnecessary buzz knowing where you are.
1. I don't hate the players at all, and this is the "game" all over the world. The bus station was much closer than anyone had said. I thought I was allowed to walk around and look for public transportation. Never once did I say I dislike the hustlers.
2. Yes I had read online that the price was lower, and evidently that information was wrong. Asking multiple people for the price isn't called hustling. It's making sure I don't get ripped off.
3. I never felt uncomfortable. On the contrary, I mentioned that I was enjoying the experience. I fully understand and respect where these people are coming from which is why I was as friendly and courteous as I can be. Anyone who says "it's just one dollar man" has never lived on $10 per day while still trying to live their dream of travelling the world.
It's pretty scary, I mean hustlers :). It seems that they are even more intensive than in Colombia (in Egypt:)), for example :).
Ah yeah at the airport they were pretty intense but after that I wasn't hustled much. Overall I would say less than Egypt
I think you are right All workers work in the airport hustlers Specifically taxi firms and baggage handlers Anyway I am Sri LankanThey are a nuisance Sadly authorities would not do anything turning a blind eye
Ah yes, I'm sorry to hear about this. For the record, these airport hustlers really didn't bother me. I usually find it to be an exciting part of the experience as I dive into a new country. But I understand that they certainly can become a nuisance to local people especially.
Oh my goodness they are like crows 😱
They certainly do flock towards a foreigner walking out of the airport
Tuk Tuk mafia everywhere. They should be educated that people like to travel by bus too. Not every wants Luxury.
That's how I feel! It sometimes annoys me when local people assume I want to spend big money on private tourist transportation.
Just ignore my man. Works every time anywhere in the world
Of course, but I don't like to ignore people. I prefer to politely decline any services I don't want
We locals also don't like tuk tuk drivers
I like them, but I rarely take private transportation
Hey Ben you wanna take my taxi? 🤣
Yeah sure, where we goin?? 🤠
Words of the day "No thank you" 🤣
Haha yeah I guess I had it on repeat eh 😅
❤😊
never heard it pronounced like that its not the phone app
Ohh... which word are you referring to again?
Wow, I'm exhausted just watching this video! The tower is called the Lotus Tower, and it was built by a Chinese company. Hope to see more of it in future videos!
You'll see it in the next one and that's it 🤪
Brother Do you remember me???
Hey bud! Where did we meet again?
Uber is available in Sri Lanka.
But I like public transportation 🙂
Not sure why people keep apologizing in the comments 😂😂😂
Haha yeah it's really not necessary
The busses are not going there because this tutk tuk and other transport mafia mofos have blocked them from entering. Its the same for locals.
Ahh I see. I didn't know the tuktuk drivers etc are responsible for preventing any public transportation at the airport.
Taxi drivers are putting black marks to the image of our country 😒😒 they are soo pushy... feel sorry about that🙏 majority of the peoples are good here
Oh please don't feel sorry, it's really not a problem for me. It was an interesting experience, and everyone was friendly. I have met only kind people in Sri Lanka.
Most of the drivers he encountered are well disciplined as far as I can see.
This dude engage in the conversation so they tried to offer their services. What's the wrong with that???
Sri Lanken Mafia Teams....
You think so?
Why u
What's that?
Sorry about that Sri Lanka's discipline
Not a problem at all... I loved it!
Most of the drivers he encountered are well disciplined as far as I can see.
This dude engage in the conversation so they tried to offer their services. What's the wrong with that???
😂
Mr Ben If you dont have money for visit countries you be in your country and enjoy it
perfect advise from someone who probably never travelled before
naah,you enjoy it :)
Hi Aruna, thank you for watching. I just prefer to walk and take public buses instead of private transportation. I think I was quite respectful towards everyone who spoke to me.
Lankawata ena suddo tikath nathi karaganne nthuwa kata wahagena hitapan buuruwa
Ticket is one hunder..... Äääh Threehoundert and fifty what a scam😂😂😂
Haha yeah that threw me off too!
Jesus Ben, I thought you would be better at dealing with hustlers by now. 😆
Hahaha thanks bud, yeah I'm just figuring it out as I go ya know 😉