Car hire in Sri Lanka
Formerly Ceylon, a colony that passed between the hands of the British and the Portuguese, Sri Lanka is the sub-continent’s most popular island. Boasting an identity of its own despite its similarities to its larger neighbour, Indian, Sri Lanka has mile upon mile of sandy beach. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore this beautiful part of the world in full with car rental. Compare car hire rates from well-known brands such as Hertz or Budget right here.
Car hire driving tips in Sri Lanka
As is the case in most sub-continent countries, public transport can be crowded in Sri Lanka, making car hire the most comfortable way to get around. Taxis are available, but you must be prepared to deal with over-the-top tourist prices and haggle.
Need to know essentials
Driving licences: if you have plans to hire a car in Sri Lanka, you will need a valid International Driving Permit from your country of origin in addition to a recognition permit from Colombo’s AA branch – irrespective of which company you hire a vehicle from.
Which side does Sri Lanka drive on: the left.
Speed limits:
Outside urban areas: 75kph
Local roads and urban areas: 56kph
Alcohol limits: 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood allowed by law.
Driving age: 18 years (to drive and rent a vehicle).
Seatbelts: compulsory in both the front and back.
Mobile phones and GPS: using a mobile phone at the wheel, whether making a call or sending a text message, is prohibited in Sri Lanka. The traffic police are known to look out for foreigners breaking such laws. GPS can be used although it is illegal to use GPS software on a mobile phone while driving.
Cost of fuel in Sri Lanka: unleaded petrol and diesel prices are cheaper than in the UK.
Car hire and fuel payment: car rental must be paid for with a credit card. Practically every filling station accepts credit cards.
Insurance: full cover comes highly recommended. Many rentals come with third-party insurance.
Traffic and parking: before planning any journey, check whether or not you will pass through roads that surround government buildings or military sites. If so, you will need to allow extra time as such roads usually have checkpoints for security reasons. Traffic moves in and out of heavily populated cities and towns slowly so you should plan any journey at a rate of 30kph. Parking is generally widely available, whether in a lot or on the street.
Our travel editor’s recommended drives
Kandy to Mahiyangana – head from the country’s second city through the paddy fields of the picturesque Ampara district and enjoy a vista of mountains before eventually arriving in Mahiyangana.
Jaffna to Keyts – head some 300kms and back to the northern tip of the island, taking in views of some of the country’s most unique wildlife. No open, after the end of the civil war.
Madampe to Rakwana to Deniyaya to Akuressa to Galle – taking drivers from the southern tip of the island through waterfalls, pine forests, tea fields, valleys and mountains.
Sri Lanka travel tips
Sri Lanka is a popular choice for visitors who would like to enjoy the sub-continent and its bustling cities but still be able to enjoy life on the beach whenever they wish. While it is a relatively easy place to travel around, with conditions improving each year, Sri Lanka is best toured armed with a few useful tips to guarantee a trouble-free trip.
Sri Lanka weather and tourist seasons
Sri Lanka is tropical, with the upland areas cool and temperate, while coastal areas enjoy sea breezes. The western and southern reaches experience a monsoon from May until September, while the north and east get hit from October until January. All year round, the centre of Sri Lanka, especially the highlands, is much cooler than elsewhere. Because of the mix of rain and an average yearly temperature of 28-30°C, it is wise to pack both lightweight clothing and rainwear in your luggage.
Sri Lanka contact numbers (+94)
Emergency services – 118
Traffic news/weather/road accident – 94 11 242 1528
British Consular Emergency Services – 94 11 539 0639
British Embassy – 94 11 539 0639
US Embassy – 94 11 249 8500
Irish Embassy – 94 11 258 7895
Canadian Embassy – 94 11 522 6232
Australian Embassy – 94 11 246 3200
Holidays and festivals
Sri Lanka is made up of citizens that practice a wide variety of religions, the most prominent of which are Buddhists followed by Hindus, Christians and Muslims. Because of this, religious holidays are abundant. With Sri Lanka being predominantly Buddhist, poya days (Buddhist public holidays) appear commonly on the country’s calendar of holidays. Such days include Medin Full Moon Poya Day (March) and Duruthu Full Moon Poya Day (January).
Money matters
Sri Lanka has the Sri Lankan rupee as its currency, but pounds sterling and US dollars are widely accepted in tourist establishments and large hotels. It is wise to have some rupees to hand for tipping or spending in places that mainly cater to locals. Banks can exchange currency or you can withdraw cash from an ATM – widely available in large towns.
Health and safety
Vaccination advice for travel to Sri Lanka should be sought before travel. Inoculations commonly recommended for travel here include those for typhoid, hepatitis and rabies. As is common around the sub continent, visitors to Sri Lanka often suffer an upset stomach. You can reduce the chances of being bedridden by carefully choosing which eateries to have your meals in.
Fitting in…
While Sri Lankans are warm and hospitable, it is important to respect each ethnic and religious group. Regardless of where you are in the country and who you are talking to, it is never a good idea to discuss the recently-finished civil war or relations between the Tamils and other ethnic groups.
Visas for Sri Lanka
Travellers from the UK are able to stay in the country for 30 days without a visa, as are holidaymakers from Ireland, the US, Canada and Australia. If you wish to stay longer, 60-day extensions are available at immigration offices.
Electricity
The voltage in Sri Lanka is 230 Volts, 50 Hertz, and there is a mix of three round-pinned plug outlets and three square-pointed outlets. Tourists should take an adaptor regardless of where they hail from.
Business hours
Sri Lankan business hours typically run from 08:30 until 17:00 for offices and companies, but restaurants, shops and markets have no set opening times and can stay open until the early hours of the morning – particularly in Colombo and other coastal towns.
Helpful phrases
Hello - Hello
Aayu-bowan - Bye
Owu - Yes
Naeh - No
Karuna kara - Please
Stuh-tee – Thank you
Sama venna – Excuse me
Ehekka keeyada? – How much is this?
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