By the H.B.S. Rent a Car team · Published · Updated
These are the points our team repeats most often to customers. They are short and practical. Where a topic needs more space, a link points to a fuller guide.
Before you book
- Book early for December to March and for public holidays; the most popular vehicles go first.
- Decide whether you want self-drive, a driver, or a mix. See rent a car in Sri Lanka.
- Send your route and number of bags when you ask for a quote, so that the right vehicle is suggested.
- Sort out your licence early. Foreign visitors need an International Driving Permit or a temporary endorsement from the Automobile Association of Ceylon; see driving licence rules for tourists.
- Ask what is included: kilometres, fuel policy, driver costs, tolls and the deposit.
At pickup
- Photograph the car from every side before you drive away.
- Check the spare tyre and tools; they are rarely needed, and always needed at the worst moment.
- Save our 24/7 number and the exact location of the car in your phone.
- Put your destination hotel in the navigation app while you still have a signal.
On the road
- Keep left, and take extra care at roundabouts and when you turn right.
- Leave a larger gap than usual. Sudden braking by buses and three-wheelers is normal.
- Do not rush to overtake on hills or bends; a lorry or bus coming the other way is often hidden.
- Use the horn briefly to announce yourself on blind corners.
- Slow down for speed bumps in villages; some are unmarked.
- Plan to be at your hotel before dark. Roads outside the expressways are often unlit.
- In heavy rain, reduce speed and watch for water or mud on hill roads.
Fuel, parking and tolls
- Fill up when the tank is half empty if you are heading into the hills or the east coast, where stations are further apart.
- Confirm the fuel type for your car (petrol or diesel) before you fill it.
- Carry some cash; small shops, parking attendants and some stations may not take cards.
- Expressway tolls are paid by the hirer under our terms.
If something goes wrong
- Stop in a safe place, switch on the hazard lights and call us on +94 777425008. For an accident, also call the police on 119.
- Do not accept repairs from a stranger without telling us; the call to us comes first.
- Take photos of the scene, the other vehicle and its number plate.
- Report warning lights or strange noises at once. Small faults are cheap to fix and expensive to ignore.
Frequently asked questions
What should I check before I drive away?
Walk around the car with the agent, note every mark on the form, and check tyres, lights, air conditioning, fuel level and odometer.
What number do I call in an emergency?
Call the police on 119 for an accident and our 24/7 line on +94 777425008 for any rental problem.
Can I drive at night?
You can, but many roads outside the expressways are unlit and have pedestrians and animals. Plan journeys to arrive by dusk.
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