Do I need an international license to rent a scooter?
Want to rent a scooter in Galle to drive along the coast to surf spots. Will the rental shops ask for a motorcycle license?
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5 Answers from travellers
Technically and legally, you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) with a motorcycle endorsement, AND you should get it validated by the AAC in Colombo. If police pull you over without it, you will be fined.
Also, be extremely careful of the blue public buses. They will not brake for you. If a bus is overtaking another vehicle coming towards you, pull onto the dirt shoulder immediately.
Always wear your helmet! The police mostly pull over tourists who are driving shirtless or without helmets.
Got it. I have an IDP anyway so I'll bring it. And I'll definitely watch out for those buses. Cheers.
In reality, the small rental shops on the beach don’t care. They will rent to you if you hand over cash. But the tourist police do set up checkpoints on the main coastal road.
Scam Watch: galle
Someone befriends you and offers a "once in a lifetime" opportunity to buy gems at wholesale prices and resell them abroad for huge profit. They may show you fake export certificates. The gems are worthless glass or low-quality stones.
Restaurants without visible prices. Bill arrives with inflated charges (500 LKR coconut becomes 1500 LKR). "Service charges" added without disclosure.
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