Just got quoted $180/day for a chauffeur for 8 days - is this reasonable in 2026?
3 Answers from travellers
That's a full agency price with markup. Direct rate for a Prius chauffeur is more like USD 70-90/day including his food and lodging (he gets accommodation allowance from you or the hotel puts him up in staff quarters). $180 is nearly double. Ask the agency to break down what you're paying for - often the extra is 'coordinator' fees you don't need.
$180 = agency margin. Direct booking on FB group 'Sri Lanka Chauffeurs' or asking your hotel to recommend one gets you 80-100 easy. My chauffeur last March was $85/day for a Wagon R (smaller than Prius). He was excellent. Agencies do add value if you want zero admin but you're paying for that convenience.
Cancelling the agency booking. Going to try the direct route. Thanks for the reality check.
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