LankaMe operates on the principle of providing our customers with the highest quality service.
This is because we firmly believe that high-quality service directly translates to the overall satisfaction of your Sri Lankan holiday. Your private charter driver in Sri Lanka will accompany you throughout your itinerary.
LilyIt simply must not be allowed to happen that a hard-earned holiday is ruined by the driver.
Initially, our company also arranged drivers at lower rates to provide services to customers at reduced prices. However, as we continued to offer these services, we encountered various complaints from customers.
Therefore, our company prioritises securing drivers who are experienced locally and hold government licences, even if their rates are somewhat higher.
Consequently, we are able to provide a high-quality service, even if the price is somewhat higher than other services. Particularly with the Platinum Plan, we arrange drivers holding the highest local qualification, the Chauffeur Guide Licence. Even with the Standard Plan, we arrange drivers holding the Tourist Driver Licence qualification.
Simply holding a licence is not sufficient to guarantee quality.
LilyOur company employs only high-calibre drivers who meet the stringent recruitment criteria set by our local managers, who boast over 20 years of experience.
DilshanThe Platinum Plan in particular offers services comparable to those of major providers’ guided tours at a more affordable price, making it a highly recommended option!
This article aims to highlight the risks associated with low-cost services, including important warnings.
Risks of Choosing a Low-Cost Car Hire with a Driver
Risk of Being Charged Extra in Addition to the Agreed Budget
Services offering low prices almost invariably impose distance restrictions. Even major platforms advertised rates of £80(€90) per day, but the notes specified a limit of 150 kilometres per day.
For distances exceeding 150 kilometres, the charge was stated as ¥100 per kilometre. As travellers often cover many locations on short itineraries, it is not uncommon for them to cover 250 kilometres in a single day.
Indeed, before starting Ranka-mi, I once had the experience of being charged for 250 kilometres after travelling the 180-kilometre distance from Colombo to Sigiriya as a tourist.
The distance was so excessive that we negotiated, arguing it should actually be shorter. Travelling while constantly worrying about how much the price will be each day is a major source of stress.
DilshanWith Rankami, prices are set in advance, allowing you to enjoy your trip with peace of mind.
An old car that’s over 20 years old is assigned
I’ll explain more later, but at present the Sri Lankan government imposes high tariffs on luxury goods imported from overseas.
In Sri Lanka, Japanese cars are the main imports, but a car that sells for £12,000(€10,000) in Japan can end up costing £36,000(€44,000) once it is imported into Sri Lanka. (This is a measure to protect the currency.)
As a result, in Sri Lanka many drivers who cannot afford to buy a new car often continue using the same car they purchased more than 20 years ago.
If a driver purchases a relatively new car, they naturally have to repay an expensive loan. As a result, they have no choice but to charge higher rates than drivers who use older cars.
There’s always a reason behind a low price. It directly affects not only the service, but also the quality of the vehicle.
Not showing up at the meeting place
For travellers, the start of a journey is one of the most nerve-wracking moments.
Situations also arise where someone fails to appear at a meeting point, such as an airport or hotel, without prior notice. When you were supposed to start your trip smoothly, only to suddenly find yourself alone in an unfamiliar place, the anxiety can feel overwhelming.
DilshanThis is common in developing countries, but the prevailing notion that delays are to be expected is also a contributing factor.
LilyIf they were merely late, that would be preferable. After all, there is the possibility they might not show up at all.
At Rankami, we employ drivers with a strong sense of responsibility. Should any instances of tardiness occur, we provide strict guidance each time. Contracts with drivers who fail to improve despite being reprimanded are terminated.
Should the driver fail to appear, rest assured that our English-speaking staff and locally based English-proficient personnel are available to provide round-the-clock support.
Responsible only for driving between destinations
Private charters should be responsible for all travel arrangements except for walking tours. However, some substandard drivers may only handle transfers to major tourist destinations.
For example, you may find yourself in a situation where, although a transfer is provided from Colombo to your hotel in Sigiriya, you must arrange separate transport from the hotel to Sigiriya Rock or the Dambulla Cave Temple.
Arranging each journey yourself is quite a hassle, and there’s always the risk of disputes arising with unfamiliar drivers over fares or payment methods. Consequently, the total cost of travel tends to increase.
LilyIf you are going to the trouble of using a private charter, you should be responsible for all your travel arrangements.
DilshanPreviously, a driver who had taken the aforementioned action was also employed by Rankami, but their contract was terminated. We have compensated the customer for the additional costs incurred.
Being Persistently Taken to Partnered Shops for Kickbacks
This is surely a common experience for anyone who has travelled to emerging countries and used taxis.
Drivers chartered at low rates will persistently attempt to take you to establishments where they receive kickbacks, in order to secure their own earnings. The low price forces drivers to become greedy in order to make a profit.
For example, they might take you to restaurants or Ayurvedic establishments they have partnerships with without consulting you. While high quality would be acceptable, it’s often the case that the service is poor yet the prices are high, leading to mounting dissatisfaction.
Furthermore, there is a risk that the addition of unnecessary itinerary elements may prevent the completion of the originally planned itinerary.
LilyAt Lanka Mee, should you wish, our drivers will arrange pre-selected, recommended Ayurveda treatments or jeep tours for you.
DilshanWe only provide support when specifically requested!
Cheaper services tend to offer less comprehensive support
Services with low prices not only have inadequate drivers but also lack comprehensive customer support.
To provide support for creating itineraries prior to travel commencement and to handle any issues that may arise locally, it is essential to maintain a support system at all times.
Cheap services cannot afford to spend on quality, so this aspect is often neglected. There are services that, once the contract is signed, adopt a hands-off approach to any problems that arise.
LankaMe provides comprehensive support, from assisting with itinerary planning and supplying necessary information to handling any issues that may arise locally.
We have also deployed experienced local senior managers who speak English fluently on site, ensuring that should you encounter any difficulties during your trip, you can receive support in English.
Why Prices Tend to Be High Relative to Labor Costs
Many people are likely wondering why, in Sri Lanka where labour costs are a tenth of those in Europe, prices are still around half of what they are in Europe.
This is due to the Sri Lankan government imposing high tariffs on imports of luxury goods such as automobiles. The reasons behind Sri Lanka’s high tariffs are complex; those interested may refer to this article.
LilySri Lanka primarily imports Japanese cars. When importing a £12,000 car into Sri Lanka and purchasing it, the cost rises to £36,000.
DilshanRepaying such a debt is extremely difficult in Sri Lanka, where wages are low. Consequently, drivers must receive a certain amount in fares or their livelihoods will collapse.
LilyCheap drivers naturally only undertake the bare minimum of journeys to minimise wear and tear on the vehicle, disregarding customer requests. It’s understandable they’d take passengers to affiliated shops to receive kickbacks.
To ensure high service quality in Sri Lanka, it is necessary to secure drivers with fair remuneration.
To ensure your trip is as memorable as possible, we take great care in selecting drivers who deliver exceptional service without compromising on quality.
Should any customer complaints arise, we provide immediate feedback and instruct improvements. Should the issue persist, we terminate the contract and continue to select only the highest-quality drivers.
LilyNaturally, during the recruitment stage, experienced local managers rigorously assess candidates based on their experience and qualifications.
What Makes Our Platinum Plan Stand Out from Other Services
Moreover, our greatest appeal lies in our Platinum Plan, which enables us to arrange chauffeur guide drivers holding the highest qualification from the Sri Lankan government.
Drivers holding a Chauffeur Guide Driver licence may accompany passengers to tourist destinations and provide appropriate commentary. (Tourist Driver qualifications do not permit accompanying passengers to tourist destinations.)
Platinum Plan drivers can accompany you on the ascent of Sigiriya Rock, providing commentary, and can also accompany you to tourist attractions such as Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Kandy, offering explanations.
LilySuch added value is not provided by low-cost services.
DilshanWith one driver handling two roles, you can enjoy services comparable to those of major guided tours at a more affordable price!
Furthermore, arrangements for suitable safari jeep tours and whale watching excursions can also be made through the driver. This is a highly recommended plan for those wishing to experience Sri Lanka at a deeper level.
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