What is it like to fly to Sri Lanka, and how does it work to rent a car in Sri Lanka? We flew to Colombo, and then we got a rental car to start our adventure on the island. It didn't go exactly as planned, but I'm sure it will be fine anyway!
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Fly to Sri Lanka
There are several different options if you want to fly to Sri Lanka. On the date we wanted to go, there were two options - Emirates via Dubai or Ukraine International Airlines via Kiev. We chose the latter option, partly because it was cheaper, but also because the stopover was much shorter and smoother. So what was it like to fly with Ukraine International Airlines?
Ukraine International Airlines
No, the aircraft did not feel very modern. Not if you looked at things like TV screens, for example. We did not have our own, as you often have on long flights, but only a few large common ones that everyone could watch. For some reason, however, we had happened to book premium seats, that is, the seats just behind Business Class.
We got a little more legroom and the flight attendants were keen to create a "premium feeling" by folding small napkins over the lanky tables when serving. They also made sure in time that we did not lack water, juice, wine, socks, blankets, earplugs or whatever it might be.
Despite this, it is terribly uncomfortable to fly to Sri Lanka (and all other long-distance destinations) and we all slept badly. At least we had two ok meals!
Money and SIM cards
We landed at Bandaranaike International Airport, near Negombo just north of Colombo, at 9am. We started by arranging practicalities such as withdrawing money in local currency, and buying local SIM cards. We chose the operator Dialog, which apparently has good coverage, and we had to pay about 65 SEK for 9 GIG. Then it was time to rent a car in Sri Lanka!
Car hire in Sri Lanka
It is common to rent a car with a driver in Sri Lanka, but we wanted to rent a car and drive ourselves, not least for the feeling of freedom. For this reason, Peter had made sure to get an international driving licence before we left. When we arrived at the car hire companies, however, it turned out that this not reached. Because you also need a stamp!
The stamp is obtained locally in Sri Lanka, and it shouldn't be a problem once you have your international driving licence. But it can't be done on a Sunday. And not on Christmas Eve. Nor on Christmas Day, nor on Boxing Day ... So what did we do? Well, we ended up hiring a car with a driver anyway, through the company JNW Lanka Tours …
Advantages/disadvantages of drivers
The advantage of a local driver is of course that they are used to the traffic and will (hopefully) find their way around. They can also act as guides and help you find attractions and good restaurants. Of course, you'll have to pay a bit more to get a driver, but the difference in price isn't huge.
The prices we were offered were about SEK 550 per day for a rental car without a driver, and about SEK 650 per day for a rental car with a driver, or SEK 700 for a van with a driver. The latter prices also include insurance, petrol and free kilometres.
At the same time, we felt as uncomfortable as we were afraid we would. Should we just ask the driver to wait when we want to do something else, and what if we don't know how long we'll be gone? Should we tip him? Should we take all the fruit he buys for us (without asking) and does that mean we have to tip even more?
Advantages/disadvantages of self-driving
There is left-hand traffic in Sri Lanka and traffic can be heavy in places. We have also realised that the weather can sometimes make the road conditions difficult, and that it can be inappropriate to drive in the dark. However, from what we've seen so far, there would be no problem at all in driving ourselves. In fact, Peter was looking longingly at the road, keen to drive!
What about finding it? Well, that would be a bit more difficult, of course. On the other hand, our driver couldn't find our hotel, even though we gave him the address and a map. We ended up having to sit and guide him, using the GPS on one of our mobiles. Left here, right, right again, and now left ...
These were our first experiences, flying to and renting a car in Sri Lanka. Now we have arrived at our first destination, Anuradhapura. Exciting! We will tell you more soon!
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Johnny Friskilä says:
Lovely! Yes, drivers can be a bit like that. Some are very good, others so-so. Some know English, others so-so. Some help with finding the local gems, others don't give a shit about you as long as they get their money in the end. And one important thing, people can say yes, that they know, that they understand, that the room is ready, but what they mean is no, that they don't have a clue, that they don't get it, that you have to wait for the room for two hours. It is one of the most frustrating things in Sri Lanka, I think. Merry Christmas!
25 December 2018 - 7:14
Helena says:
Haha, thanks, good with some info Johnny! We have probably already felt some of this 😉 It is not always the communication is completely simple ... 😉 But regardless, this already feels like a nice country to travel around in 😉.
25 December 2018 - 11:45
Kenneth Risberg says:
Ukraine International Airlines via Kiev hmmm, no rental car but a car with a driver who is a bit difficult to find. Now the adventure begins and it will be fun to follow you on the journey. Merry Christmas!
25 December 2018 - 8:04
Helena says:
We like adventures 🙂 Merry Christmas!
25 December 2018 - 11:46
Maria/ Magnolia Magis says:
Exciting! New culture! Good morning,...
25 December 2018 - 8:17
Helena says:
Yes, exciting and interesting destination! 🙂
25 December 2018 - 11:47
Solan says:
Left-hand traffic as well...my goodness this is going to be a road trip that we have to keep up with! Luckily Peter is amused by driving and used to crazy traffic situations! And Helena you write so well?
25 December 2018 - 8:39
Helena says:
Thank you Solan! 🙂 However, this time it was a driver, as we did not have the right stamp to rent a car ...
25 December 2018 - 11:48
Solan says:
Saw your hire car in the picture. So I immediately thought of episode two! A little ahead of the curve...
25 December 2018 - 23:21
Anonymous says:
It will be fun to follow you! After a trip on SL, I still think it feels good that you have a driver.... the traffic there is sometimes a little crazy. Safe travel! / Pernilla
25 December 2018 - 9:04
Travelsis says:
After travelling in SL, I'm glad you still have a driver, the traffic can be crazy at times.... Safe travel/Pernilla
25 December 2018 - 9:06
Helena says:
So far we think the traffic has been quite ok actually. But it can certainly be worse, for example in Colombo.
25 December 2018 - 11:49
Ama de casa says:
We hired a car with a driver when we were there and thought it was great.
Haha! I read a little wrong and thought that you had to pay a little more if you wanted an experienced driver but then saw that it was the larger car that made it slightly more expensive 😀.
Keep up the good work on your journey, and hopefully the punching stations will open in due course so that Peter can drive himself 🙂 🙂.
25 December 2018 - 9:31
Helena says:
Haha, a bit "exciting" to book an "unfamiliar" driver 😉 The bars will open eventually, but we can't rent a car in a place where we won't return (we're doing a tour) so I think we'll have to get used to travelling with a driver.
25 December 2018 - 11:55
Ruth in Virginia says:
Christmas Day has begun in the United States. You are well into it. "Hosisanna ...."
Regarding stamps, it reminds me of Indonesia, where we lived.
1980 - mid 1982, Everything had to be stamped and preferably in red. The working hours
were minimal, because you had to eat; customers had to wait. Between 2 and 4 o'clock were
the Asian siesta. They had gotten up at 5am for the first prayer.
- We had our own driver, who had problems with the
turning on the head lights after dark. "Well, "I" can see the cars" was his defence. We avoided night driving, as much as we could.
Flying Russian - that's another story.
Looking forward to your adventures in the massive car and its driver.
By the way, where are you parked? Ciao!
25 December 2018 - 10:09
Helena says:
Interesting to hear about your experiences in Indonesia! About the stamps... I don't really understand the purpose, but you just have to accept it... 😉.
25 December 2018 - 12:07
Role o Carina says:
What a tough journey you have embarked on!
But also exciting, it can be fun!
We have never had a driver, I (Rolle) have a
usually driven where we travelled, both on 2 and 4 wheels 🙂 .
and luckily all the times have gone well!
In Cyprus we had left-hand traffic, went great 🙂 .
Merry Christmas to you and have a great time there....
25 December 2018 - 10:28
Helena says:
We don't usually have a driver either, and Peter likes to drive. Here in Sri Lanka, a driver is the most common way of travelling around, it seems. We would have liked to drive ourselves, but without the right stamp it was not possible ...
25 December 2018 - 12:09
Christian says:
Glad you have arrived! Have a great trip!
25 December 2018 - 10:30
Helena says:
Thank you very much! Have a great holiday season!
25 December 2018 - 12:10
Susanne Goren says:
Hi there! It will be very exciting to follow your trip, both because you write so well and because we will go to Sri Lanka in February and you give such good tips and inspiration. Sad that you could not rent your own car, but hope it will be good anyway. A question if you have time to answer: What is the best way to bring money? Change there, or in Sweden? Withdraw money from an ATM there? Do you know if there is an exchange office at the airport where you can exchange dollars?
25 December 2018 - 10:35
Helena says:
Glad you want to follow our journey Susanne! And great that you are planning a trip here! There is both an ATM and several exchange offices at the airport in Colombo. We did not change money before, but took out money at the ATM when we arrived.
25 December 2018 - 12:12
B-Å Mr Svensson says:
hello
welcome to Sri Lanka
There is a lot to learn in the beginning. But having a good driver/guide is worth its weight in gold. You don't follow any traffic rules and if a non-Lankan is involved in an accident, you are almost automatically guilty.
The drivers know the best restaurants and have many suggestions on what to do.
We live in Negombo since 2016 and work with helping visitors/tourists find unique places and ensure that you find honest and good drivers and fresh guesthouses/hotels.
Many things about SL cannot be found online.
Hope you have a great trip
25 December 2018 - 12:21
Helena says:
Thank you very much! What fun that you write! We have a driver now 🙂
25 December 2018 - 16:13
Mr Steve says:
A few hiccups in the planning are to be expected. And a stamp just has to be added - that's quite a rental car you have. I hope that Peter will soon be able to satisfy his appetite and get behind the wheel so that you can find your destinations more easily. This seems to be really exciting to follow. Merry Christmas and happy travelling!
25 December 2018 - 12:49
Helena says:
That's absolutely true! We plan a little before, but we are always prepared to change our minds. That's the thing about travelling 😉 Happy Christmas!
25 December 2018 - 16:14
Ditte says:
Nice that you are in place! We have been here a few times and have had friends who helped us with good and experienced drivers who always found us. And we have booked them before, because we never thought of renting a car. But now you had thought about it.
Perhaps you rent a car after weekends when you have organised a stamp. Read B-Å's comment and we have also felt that way. A good driver has been the opening to much.
Exciting and fun now to follow your journey. Have the very best.
25 December 2018 - 12:59
Helena says:
Maybe it's better to book in advance if you can! We did not plan a driver, but it will surely be good anyway. Now we have one! I don't think we will rent a car after the weekends. It will be tricky to rent a car in the middle of the route, where we are not going back.
25 December 2018 - 16:19
Berit Swensson says:
Nice to see pictures from Sri Lanka. Visited the country for three weeks in 1974. Then there was a state of emergency due to unrest in the country. Looking forward to even more pictures,
25 December 2018 - 14:01
Helena says:
What was it like travelling here then, during the state of emergency? More pictures coming soon 🙂
25 December 2018 - 16:19
Berit Swensson says:
We avoided some parts, such as the area around Jaffna. The Tamil tigers were there and it was quite unsettled. But in the southern part there was only a curfew on a few occasions.
25 December 2018 - 19:40
Helena says:
It sounds a bit unpleasant, but maybe it was fine if you just did as you write. Thank you for telling us!
26 December 2018 - 4:38
Britt-Marie Lundgren says:
This will surely be a great trip. Then that everything does not turn out as planned; We usually live by the motto: "plans are made to be changed".
It will be fun to follow you anyway...
25 December 2018 - 15:14
Helena says:
Your motto makes sense! We think a bit like that. Plans are good as a basis, but you have to be able to change them!
25 December 2018 - 16:20
Eva on a rucksack says:
India and Sri Lanka demand their stamps! ? Someone stamps a certificate/boarding pass/ticket and then this stamp has to be checked by someone else who also has to stamp to be checked... etc etc.
Hope it will be a wonderful car holiday anyway! The traffic looks unusually calm - hope it stays that way! 🙂
25 December 2018 - 15:59
Helena says:
Yes haha, we have learnt this now! 😉 The traffic has been calm so far, no problems at all. But we have not driven inside Colombo or so.
25 December 2018 - 16:21
Mr Nils-Åke Hansson says:
It will be fun to follow you! Hope you find your way without using your own GPS the next day.
25 December 2018 - 17:56
Helena says:
Glad you want to follow! Wishing you a nice Christmas holiday!
26 December 2018 - 4:38
BP says:
Flying with a Ukrainian airline was daring...
So you were chauffeured anyway. Must say it's cheap. 700 kronor divided by four is nothing. The driver's salary will not be high considering the car hire. In addition, he has to stay overnight as well, as you are travelling around. So of course he expects a hefty tip.
Found this link. Quite an interesting read actually.
https://johnnybajdzjan.com/2016/07/08/ar-sri-lanka-billigt/
It will be exciting to see how it goes for you. It will be an adventure anyway, I have a feeling; -)
25 December 2018 - 20:47
Helena says:
When there are four people sharing, it's very affordable! And that's good, because even though it's a cheap country, the money can add up. Thanks for the link to Johnny's post! We know him and I have read several of his posts about Sri Lanka, but not this one. Interesting! We already recognise some of it I can say 😉 And yes, we will of course tip the driver.
26 December 2018 - 4:43
Across the board says:
It's great that you are here. Have a great time!
26 December 2018 - 10:36
Helena says:
Thank you! 🙂
27 December 2018 - 3:43
Mr Stefan says:
Well Ukraine air???? We are going there for the third time on the 1st. Jan... driver Erna is sharing dormitories in the hotel... so there will be some drinking. Make sure he's awake in the morning. We had problems with the spring.... Otherwise, you can't miss Sigrya... And regarding Jaffna, the civil war has been over for 8-10 years... Tamil Erna is probably like most others....
26 December 2018 - 18:40
Daniel | FlyingDryden says:
Exciting, have also stumbled upon UA when I searched for flights to various destinations but so far have not flown with them. Doesn't sound like I want to do it either really (although I really want to test them) 🙂 .
27 December 2018 - 14:48