Are you planning a visit to Sri Lanka, the exciting, coast-lined jewel in the Indian Ocean? Then why not hire a Tuk Tuk and drive yourself around to make it a truly unique experience? Most travelers do that today, and here is how to get a Tuk Tuk rental in Sri Lanka.
A Tuk Tuk, referred to as a ‘three-wheeler’ by locals, is a small, half bike, half car form vehicle, usually seen all over Sri Lanka with a simple and basic mechanism inside when matched to a car. Tuk Tuks is quite an enjoyable, appropriate, and reasonable way to travel around Sri Lanka at significantly less cost. Supposedly get about 50-60 kilometers per hour and even more downhill, but just knowing that the speed limit is strictly 40 for Tuk Tuks in Sri Lanka.
It offers a unique, practical, and exciting travel experience. Here’s everything you need to know about renting a tuk-tuk in Sri Lanka.
Get your own set of wheels to travel around; why rent a Tuk Tuk in Sri Lanka?
Despite making a heroic adventure and an exciting story having a self-governing transport delivers so much flexibility on timing and travel routes. The cost you have to undergo with a Tuk Tuk rental is expressively less than renting a car. You can take complete control of how long you stay in a place when you leave, and where to go.
For tourists, Tuk Tuk is an entertaining and exciting experience in a way more comfortable too than a motorbike ride. It can take more than two people and can handle easy in traffic and handier for parking. And it can easily route narrow roads and crowded areas that larger vehicles could not.
Unlike a ride on a bike, Tuk Tuk protects the passengers from the rain far better. With easier maintenance and low-cost fuel, this is a coming trend among tourists visiting Sri Lanka to get around the island more easily. It also offers a typical Sri Lankan experience with a chance to engage you in local culture.
Legal and other requirements for Tuk Tuk Rentals in Sri Lanka
To rent a Tuk Tuk legally in Sri Lanka, the Tuk Tuk must be registered with the Department of Motor Traffic, have the correct insurance that covers tourists, and have passed an emissions test. To drive the Tuk Tuk on your own, you need an international driving permit (IDP) with suitable confirmation for three-wheelers which would probably go under category B or A.
You must get it licensed by the Automobile Association of Ceylon (AAC) upon arrival which is located in Colombo, Sri Lanka. This would charge about USD 20-40 and will stamp the form saying “MOTOR CYCLE/CAR & DUAL PURPOSE VEHICLE /3 WHEEL”. Make sure this is correctly stamped. The whole process requires filling out a form online and being ready with pictures of the driving license, passport, and IDP and also providing a color photograph on a white background.
Alternatively, this can be obtained through some of the Tuk Tuk Rental companies for a charge starting about $40 for each person to higher accordingly.
When it comes to age restrictions, most of the Tuk Tuk rental companies need of at least 21 years old for responsible persons. Some companies propose a quick driving lesson to ensure you are confident enough in handling the Tuk Tuk.
How much does it cost to hire a Tuk Tuk in Sri Lanka?
Prices for hiring Tuk Tuks may vary subject to the rental company, the vehicle model, and the duration. On average it would cost around $10-40 USD per day. Depending on how long you take it out for, there will be kind of discounts too.
When you are taking a rental make sure it is under valid insurance. Comprehensive insurance may cost additional but is worth allowing for.
And fuel efficiency of Tuk Tuks is very noticeable and it will cost around $5–10 USD to fill the tank which could cover about 100-150 kilometers. And as the price of fuel is fixed island-wide, it is more convenient to manage. Driving your Tuk Tuk across Sri Lanka is very budget-friendly and you will only have to spend a few dollars on fuel.
From where can you hire a Tuk Tuk?
Tuk Tuk rentals in Sri Lanka is an emerging topic and have resulted in the establishment of some trusted agents. You can either find a Tuk Tuk rental company on the web or speak to locals when arrived in Sri Lanka. Some of the popular names you may come across are Tuktuk Rental, Pick & Go Rentals, and Lanka Tuk Tuk Rentals.
Features to look for,
- Properly maintained vehicle checking up with brakes, headlights, and conditions of tires before hire out
- Ensure the Tuk Tuk has the basic tool kit and a spare tire
- Check whether the Tuk Tuk rental company offers 24/7 after-service with roadside assistance too
Is it difficult to drive a Tuk Tuk in Sri Lanka? Is it safe?
Simply, No! Tuk Tuks are open and simple to operate and most of the rental companies teach you how to drive a Tuk Tuk before you take on your own wheels. They are only permitted to go a maximum of 40 kilometers an hour in according to the law of Sri Lanka and be conscious that Sri Lanka drives on the left-hand side of the drive lane.
The compact size makes it much easier to get their way through most Sri Lankan roads with no hardship and will definitely cut your travel time considerably, particularly in urban settings. Make sure you go through the following tips to make your Tuk Tuk experience level up.
- Be aware of walkers, buses, cyclists, and animals, be extra careful in rainy conditions, and better avoid driving at night
- Obey road laws; do not speed and overtake on solid white lines, be watchful about signs on the sides of the roads and do not overtake on pedestrian crossings which are often noticed in towns, near schools, hospitals, etc.
- Use Google Maps or offline navigation to make sure you do not get lost
- Tuk Tuks are not allowed on expressways in Sri Lanka. Assure you turn off toll roads on your navigation app and avoid the blue roads on signs
- Ensure the conditions of engine oil, tires, and brake fluid before you rent and every day after you are running
- Have your Sri Lankan Tuk Tuk license everywhere you drive, together with the relevant documents of the vehicle in case you are stopped by the police on the way
- At all times park the Tuk Tuk in chosen areas and secure the vehicle
Challenges to think through:
- Be aware of your route conditions as Tuk Tuks may struggle a little on steep slopes or bumpy mountain roads
- Be careful during the rainy season, as Tuk Tuks provide a partial shield from heavy rainstorms
- Driving a Tuk Tuk matters with rehearsal, particularly for those unskilled with manual controls it would be a bit difficult at once
- Tuk Tuks have limited space and you have to be skillful in packing
Budget-friendly travel companion in Sri Lanka!
Tuk Tuk rentals in Sri Lanka are easy with available services today and will make you feel like more than just a means of transportation. It is a part of the adventurous visit to Sri Lanka which adds exceptional taste. So plan your route accordingly, pack light, and travel safely.
