Frequently Asked Questions

A valid home-country driving licence is required. An International Driving Permit on its own is not enough for most foreign visitors — it needs to be converted into a Sri Lankan Recognition Permit through AA Ceylon, or you need a Temporary Driving Licence from the Department of Motor Traffic. A same-day permit counter has been operating at Bandaranaike International Airport. Rules can change, so confirm current requirements with the DMT (dmt.gov.lk) or AA Ceylon before you travel. Bring your passport to pickup.

On self-drive cars, the fuel policy is return as received. You collect the car with a documented fuel level and return it the same way.

Inspect the car at pickup, photograph any existing marks, and confirm the fuel reading matches the paperwork. The rental agreement sets out what a collision damage waiver covers and what it does not — that is the section to read before you drive. Keep your permit, passport, and agreement with you. If something happens on the road, contact us on WhatsApp so we can advise on the next step.

Self-drive means you rent a car and drive it yourself. If you prefer not to drive — for an airport transfer or a group trip — message us on WhatsApp and we can arrange a chauffeur. Airport pickup from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is available when you share flight details in advance.

Deposits commonly range from one to six months' rent. There is no single citywide standard. Get the exact figure, what the monthly rent includes, and the refund timeline in writing before you commit.

A 12-month term is common. Leases longer than 12 months are often registered with local authorities, which gives both sides clearer legal footing. Confirm the notice period and any early-termination terms in the written lease before you sign.

We arrange a viewing once we know your budget, dates, and must-haves. On the visit, check building condition, water pressure, backup power, noise, and parking. A written lease should state deposit refund conditions and who handles maintenance. Message us on WhatsApp to book a viewing.

Newlands is usually booked for a weekend or a full week. Confirm the minimum stay for your dates when you inquire — we will put the dates and any cancellation terms in writing before you pay a deposit. Galle is about 1.5 to 2 hours from Colombo via the Southern Expressway.

A group of 10 to 15 can stay.

A stay at Newlands Bungalow includes breakfast, room service, non-smoking rooms, a restaurant, an airport shuttle, free parking, family rooms, free WiFi, an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, a barbecue, and air conditioning.

Confirm the cancellation or rescheduling policy in writing before you pay a deposit. We will spell out the dates, what is included, and how a change works when you inquire on WhatsApp, so there is no guesswork after you commit.