Frequently Asked Questions
Everything travellers usually ask us before booking - costs, timing, what is included, and how it all actually works on the ground.
Planning your trip
- What is the best time to visit Sri Lanka?
- Sri Lanka has two monsoons, so somewhere on the island is always in season. December to March suits the west and south coasts, the Cultural Triangle and the hill country - this is the main season. May to September suits the east coast (Trincomalee, Arugam Bay). The Cultural Triangle is visitable year round because it sits in the dry zone.
- How many days do you need in Sri Lanka?
- Ten days is the realistic minimum to see the Cultural Triangle, the hill country and a beach without rushing. Seven days covers two of the three. Fourteen days lets you add wildlife parks and the east or south coast properly, and twenty days reaches the north and the less-visited regions.
- Do I need a visa for Sri Lanka?
- Most nationalities need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) obtained online before arrival, or a visa on arrival where eligible. Requirements and fees change, so check the official Sri Lanka Department of Immigration and Emigration website for your nationality before you book flights.
- Is Sri Lanka safe for tourists?
- Yes. The civil war ended in 2009 and tourism has grown steadily since, with over 2.3 million visitors in 2025. Normal travel precautions apply as anywhere. Road safety is the genuine practical concern, which is one reason most visitors travel with an experienced local driver rather than self-driving.
- What currency is used in Sri Lanka and can I pay by card?
- The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Cards are accepted in hotels, larger restaurants and city shops, but cash is needed for entrance fees at some sites, markets, tuk-tuks and small establishments. ATMs are widely available in towns. Changing money at the airport on arrival is straightforward.
Drivers, transfers and getting around
- How much does it cost to hire a driver in Sri Lanka?
- From USD 55 per day for a sedan, USD 70 for a mini van and USD 90 for a high-roof van. Our rate includes the vehicle, fuel, expressway tolls, government taxes, the driver's own accommodation and meals, and unlimited kilometres. Hotels, your meals and site entrance fees are not included.
- Do I have to pay for the driver's food and accommodation?
- Not with us - it is built into the daily rate. Some operators quote a lower headline price and add it during the trip, so always confirm this before comparing quotes.
- Is there a daily kilometre limit?
- No. Many operators cap daily distance and charge for excess kilometres. We do not - the rate is the same whether you drive 40 km or 400 km in a day.
- Should I hire a car and drive myself in Sri Lanka?
- It is legal with an International Driving Permit validated locally, but road conditions, signage and local driving style make it demanding for visitors. Given a driver costs from USD 55 a day including fuel, very few travellers conclude self-driving is worth the stress or the risk.
- What happens if my flight is delayed?
- Nothing. We track your flight number and adjust the pickup automatically. Waiting time for delayed flights is free and the agreed fixed price does not change.
- Do you charge extra for night arrivals?
- No. A large share of flights into Colombo land between midnight and 5am, and we charge the same fixed price regardless of the hour.
- Can I take the scenic train and still keep my driver?
- Yes, and it is what most of our guests do. We drive you to the departure station, carry your luggage by road, and meet you on the platform at the far end. Reserved seats sell out in high season, so tell us your dates as early as possible.
Booking and payment
- How do I book a tour or transfer?
- Message us on WhatsApp at +94 76 684 8788, email [email protected], or use the enquiry form on our contact page. Tell us your dates, group size and rough plan and we will come back with an itinerary and a fixed price.
- Do I need to pay a deposit?
- For multi-day tours we normally ask for a small deposit to secure dates and any bookings we make on your behalf, with the balance payable during or at the end of the trip. Airport transfers can be settled on the day. We confirm the exact terms in writing before you commit.
- Can I change my itinerary after booking?
- Yes, and most guests adjust something mid-trip - an extra night somewhere, a swapped national park, a skipped stop. As long as hotel bookings can be moved, we simply drive the revised plan at no extra charge beyond any additional days.
- Are hotels included in your tour packages?
- Our published package prices cover the vehicle, driver, fuel, tolls and taxes. Hotels, meals and entrance fees are excluded so you can choose your own standard. We are happy to book accommodation for you at cost - we do not add a markup.
- What is included in your tour package prices?
- Airport pickup and drop-off, an air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking chauffeur driver, fuel, highway tolls and government taxes, and guidance on attractions along the route. Hotels, meals and entrance fees are excluded, and safaris, train tickets and site tickets are arranged on request at cost.
About us
- Who are Srilanka Transfer and Tours?
- A family-run private tour and transfer operator based in Rambukkana, near Pinnawala, with drivers covering Kandy, Colombo and the whole island. Nazar founded the company in 2010 as a one-vehicle operation and it has grown to a small team of authorised chauffeur drivers he trained himself.
- Are your drivers licensed?
- Yes. Our drivers hold Sri Lankan chauffeur guide authorisation, which covers tourism knowledge and language competence in addition to a driving licence. It is worth asking any operator you compare us against, because many low quotes involve drivers with no tourism licence.
- What languages do your drivers speak?
- All our drivers speak fluent English. We regularly host German, French, Italian and Dutch speaking guests, and can arrange a language-specific site guide alongside your driver - ask at the enquiry stage rather than on arrival.
- What do your customers say?
- We hold a 4.9 out of 5 rating across 68 reviews on TripAdvisor, where we are listed among transportation providers in Kandy. Reviews consistently mention safety, punctuality, English fluency and local recommendations.
Still have a question?
Message us on WhatsApp and you will usually hear back the same day - often within an hour. No obligation, and we will tell you honestly if what you want is not the right plan.