How to Rent a Car Online in Sri Lanka: A Step-by-Step Guide to Using Rofi

Introduction

Renting a car in Sri Lanka is one of the best ways to explore the island at your own pace, but the process can sometimes feel overwhelming—especially if it is your first time. This guide will walk you through each step of booking a vehicle through Rofi, Sri Lanka’s premier online car rental platform, ensuring a smooth, hassle-free experience.

Whether you are looking for a compact car for city driving, an SUV for mountain road trips, or a van for a group adventure, Rofi makes it easy to find, compare, and book vehicles online with just a few clicks.

Let’s get started! 🚗✨

Step 1: Browsing Vehicles on Rofi

The first step in renting a car online in Sri Lanka is browsing available vehicles on the Rofi platform. You can do this in two ways:

1. Homepage Display Carousels – If you are still deciding what type of vehicle you need, you can scroll through featured listings on the homepage for inspiration.
2. Search Bar – If you already have specific dates, locations, and vehicle preferences in mind, enter your details into the search bar to filter available options.

What You Need to Input in the Search

When searching for a vehicle, make sure you enter:
✅ Trip Dates and Times – Specify your pick-up and return dates to see available cars.
✅ Pick-up and Drop-off Locations – Rofi allows you to search for vehicles across all of Sri Lanka, so you can pick up from major cities like Colombo, Kandy, or Galle.
✅ Vehicle Type – You can refine your search by choosing between cars, SUVs, or vans, depending on your needs.

Step 2: Narrowing Down Your Options

Once you hit search, you will be shown a list of available vehicles that match your preferences. Now, it is time to refine your choices and find the best deal.

Using Filters to Customize Your Search

On the search results page, you will see filter options that allow you to:
✅ Sort by Price – Arrange results from lowest to highest price to find budget-friendly options.
✅ Filter by Transmission Type – Choose between automatic and manual vehicles.
✅ Select Fuel Type – Filter cars based on whether they run on petrol, hybrid, or electric.
✅ Choose Vehicle Color – If you have a specific color preference, you can refine your search further.

💡 Pro Tip: Use the sort by price feature to quickly locate cars within your budget and narrow down your options efficiently!

Step 3: Viewing Vehicle Details

Once you have shortlisted a few options, it is time to check the details of each vehicle before making a booking request.

What to Look For in a Listing

Each Rofi vehicle listing includes:
✅ Rental Mode Options – Some vehicles are available for self-drive, while others offer the option to rent with a professional chauffeur.
✅ High-Quality Photos – Browse multiple images to get a detailed look at the vehicle’s exterior, interior, and special features.
✅ Pricing and Discounts – Some vehicle hosts offer discounts for longer rental periods (e.g., weekly or monthly bookings). Here you can also apply a promo code that you obtain via our occasional promotions.

💡 Pro Tip: If you are planning a longer trip, try adjusting your rental dates to see if you qualify for a discounted rate!

Step 4: Sending a Booking Request

Once you have found the perfect vehicle, it is time to submit a booking request.

1. Click the “Request Vehicle” button on the listing page mentioned in Step 3.
2. Select any additional insurance covers (if required).
3. Click “Submit Request” to proceed.

Step 4.5: Registering an Account (If You Have Not Yet Signed In)

If you do not have an account or are not logged in, Rofi will prompt you to register or log in before submitting your booking request.

✅ Fill in your details and verify your email address to complete registration.
✅ Once logged in, you can proceed with the booking request submission.

Step 5: Booking Approval & Payment

After submitting your booking request, Rofi Admins will verify your details and confirm with the vehicle host.

Before your booking request is approved, the status of your booking will be ‘Pending approval’.

What to Expect After Submitting Your Request

✅ You will receive a notification via email or WhatsApp once your request is approved.
✅ Approved bookings will appear under “Current Bookings & Rentals” in your Rofi Dashboard.
✅ You can now proceed with making the payment.

💡 Need Help? If you have any difficulties making the payment, reach out to Rofi Support via WhatsApp or email.

Step 6: Payment Confirmation & Booking Finalization

Once your payment is successfully processed, your booking is confirmed! 🎉

At this stage, you will receive:
✅ A final confirmation email with all trip details.
✅ Instructions on vehicle pick-up and required documents for the trip.

Step 7: Pre-Trip Checklist

Before you pick up your rental vehicle, make sure you:
✅ Install the Rofi Mobile App – Required for QR code scanning to start and end the trip.
✅ Have a Valid Sri Lankan Recognition Permit – If you are a foreign driver, you need a recognition permit to legally drive in Sri Lanka. Learn how to get yours here.

Step 8: Vehicle Pick-Up & Trip Start

On the day of your trip, meet the vehicle host at the pre-arranged pick-up location.

✅ Use the Rofi Mobile App to scan the host’s QR code and complete the pre-trip vehicle inspection.
✅ Take required photos of the car to document its condition.

💡 Pro Tip: If you experience technical issues at pick-up, contact Rofi Support immediately via WhatsApp to start the trip manually.

Step 9: Returning the Rental Car

At the end of your rental:
✅ Scan the QR code again to complete the vehicle return.
✅ Ensure the fuel level matches the pick-up level.
✅ Check for damages or cleanliness issues to avoid additional charges.

Plan Your Trip with Rofi & Get a New User Discount!

🚗 Book your rental car today on Rofi.lk and enjoy the freedom of exploring Sri Lanka at your own pace!

🎉 New to Rofi? Use promo code HEYROFI for Rs 5,000 off your first booking over Rs 50,000!

🌐 Visit www.rofi.lk and start your journey today!