Sri Lanka by

Car

Car Rail Air

Vehicle Standards & Maintenance

• Drive responsibly and within speed limits at all times
• Maintain vehicles through regular servicing with particular attention to tyre safety and legal compliance
• Complete daily vehicle safety checks
• Equip all vehicles with functioning seat belts (except safari jeeps where structurally not feasible)

Responsible Driving Practices

• Plan itineraries to avoid excessive driving hours and fatigue
• Minimise horn use and employ light-horn only when necessary, even if this means accepting minor delays
• Maintain zero alcohol policy during all working hours
• Schedule appropriate rest stops for passenger comfort and driver alertness

Communication & Emergency Preparedness

Handle mobile phone calls only when vehicle is stationary

Restrict phone use to essential communications only

Carry basic first aid kit and maintain current first aid knowledge

Accommodation Standards In some locations, hotel-provided driver quarters may not meet adequate standards. As part of our commitment to responsible travel and your safety, we provide modest accommodation allowance (US$15 per night) when necessary. This ensures our drivers are well-rested and able to maintain the highest safety standards.

You will be informed of any such arrangements at the time of booking.

Punctuality and Professionalism Your chauffeur-guide should:

• Arrive at least 15 minutes before scheduled departure times (except in exceptional circumstances such as major road incidents)
• Maintain professional appearance appropriate to the journey and climate conditions
• Ensure personal hygiene standards reflect our commitment to service excellence
• Provide mobile contact details for seamless communication

Collaborative Planning Your chauffeur-guide should:

• Discuss optimal daily departure times with you to maximise comfort and sightseeing opportunities
• Remain responsive to reasonable last-minute schedule adjustments
• Accommodate route modifications and additional excursions when they don't compromise safety or realistic arrival times

Enhancing Your Experience Your chauffeur-guide should:

• Offer suggestions for interesting detours or attractions based on local expertise
• Respect your preferences immediately—when you say "no," they understand that's final
• Handle any additional costs for route changes transparently, with payment made directly to the driver

Fleet Excellence Red Dot's fleet is led by our own pool of Mercedes Vitos and Honda CRV SUVs, supported by regularly-serviced, independently-owned vehicles that meet our strict standards.

Vehicle Options to Suit Your Needs We offer three main vehicle categories:

• Cars - ideal for 2-3 passengers seeking efficient, comfortable transport
• Mini-vans - perfect for 4-6 passengers with ample space for luggage and comfort
• SUVs - offering enhanced comfort and style for navigating Sri Lanka's diverse terrain, from coastal roads to mountain passes

Additional Options Luxury vehicles, minibuses, and coaches are available upon request for special requirements or larger groups.

Building the Right Connection Your chauffeur-guide will seek to develop an appropriate relationship suited to your individual preferences and travel style.

Mutual Expectations

• Should any concerns arise about your chauffeur-guide's service, please advise Red Dot immediately through our complaints procedure
• Your chauffeur-guide should offer helpful general advice when requested
• Respect for quiet times will be observed when you clearly communicate this preference
• Any concerns you express about driving speed must be immediately respected and addressed
• All parties have the right to mutual politeness and respect throughout the journey

Communication and Understanding In some rural areas of Sri Lanka, chauffeur-guides may have varying levels of English fluency, but with patience and understanding, positive relationships are always achievable.

Your Experience Matters Our customer feedback consistently highlights how highly regarded our chauffeur-guides are. They have the local knowledge and dedication to make your Sri Lankan holiday that extra bit special.

Extended Service Excellence Your chauffeur-guide can provide additional assistance by:

• Acting as a liaison between you and Red Dot agents should any problems or concerns arise during your journey
• Offering advice and solutions for minor travel-related issues
• Assisting with hotel check-in procedures and remaining available for 10 minutes afterwards in case of any accommodation problems
• Supporting smooth check-out processes to ensure timely departures
• Providing feedback to our team about newly-discovered hotels or changes to existing accommodation standards

Your Advocate on the Ground These additional services ensure you have comprehensive support throughout your Sri Lankan adventure, with your chauffeur-guide serving as your local advocate and problem-solver.

Our Company Position Red Dot and any ground-agent companies we work with neither seek nor obtain commissions from shops we might recommend or where our customers shop. We strongly oppose the dishonest aspects of 'commission culture' which can lead travellers to receive poor advice. When we provide shopping fact-sheets, we do so purely as helpful guidance.

Transparency in Driver Recommendations We recognise that drivers may earn commission from tourist purchases—a long-established practice in the industry. When such arrangements exist, complete transparency is essential.

Driver Standards for Shopping Recommendations Your chauffeur-guide should:

• Only recommend establishments they genuinely believe meet good standards
• Respond briefly and honestly if asked whether they receive commission or if the outlet is owned by a relative or friend
• Never suggest that any shop, factory, or product is recommended by Red Dot—we provide no guarantees for such establishments
• Always advise that you shop at your own risk and clearly explain any additional charges for shipping services
• Ensure you receive proper receipts and contact details in case of purchase-related problems

Your Protection This policy ensures you receive honest advice whilst acknowledging industry realities. Any shopping decisions remain entirely yours, with full transparency about potential commercial relationships.

Customer Appreciation We welcome customers to show appreciation for exceptional service through tips or gifts when they feel it's deserved. A general guideline is $15+ per day, though any amount that reflects your satisfaction is appropriate.

When Tips Matter Most Tipping is particularly meaningful on extended tours where drivers spend considerable time away from their families and home comforts. It's an accepted practice that acknowledges their dedication to making your journey memorable.

Professional Standards Our drivers are strictly prohibited from requesting or soliciting tips. Any gratuity should be entirely at your discretion and based on your satisfaction with the service provided.

This code reflects our unwavering commitment to your safety and our drivers' professional standards. Every Red Dot driver understands that passenger safety is non-negotiable.