If you're looking to rent a car in Hikkaduwa, your best option is at the Citrus Hikkaduwa Hotel. They offer car rentals for exploring the city, following the traditional requirements for renting a car in Sri Lanka. You can also find similar terms for car rentals in Colombo, making it convenient for airport travelers.
If you prefer a car rental in Colombo without a deposit, consider choosing a car with a driver. This is especially helpful due to the unfamiliar roads and traffic patterns in Sri Lanka. Travelers have found it to be a cost-effective and convenient choice, especially if you plan to visit various attractions.
You can find 24-hour car rentals in Colombo with a mandatory deposit requirement. Major rental companies like Europcar and Alamo at Colombo airport offer reasonably priced rentals that can take you to Hikkaduwa.
The average price for car rentals to Hikkaduwa, including a driver, ranges from 10,000 to 14,000 LKR. Keep in mind that Sri Lankan roads can be chaotic, with frequent traffic jams and lax adherence to traffic rules. Therefore, it's advisable to opt for rentals with drivers. Booking in advance online can also save you money.
If you plan to keep the driver overnight outside the city where you rented the car (e.g., Colombo), you'll need to pay an additional 300 LKR per day. For overtime beyond an 8-hour working day, the rate is 95 LKR per hour.
Most reputable hotels provide complimentary meals and accommodation for drivers if you're traveling outside of Colombo. In cases where the hotel does not offer such facilities, you'll need to provide the driver with a daily allowance of 1,500 LKR.
If you intend to rent a car on your own, you must hold a Sri Lankan driver's license, which requires over 3 years of driving experience. Additionally, an international driving license, permit, or certificate approved by the International Automobile Association (AA) is necessary.
Foreign license holders must obtain a Sri Lanka provisional driving license from the State Registrar of Vehicles (RMV), located in Veerajera, a town half an hour's drive from Colombo. The processing fee at RMV is LKR 2,500, and the procedure typically takes about half an hour. RMV is open from Monday to Friday, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
