Sri Lanka’s lush landscapes, historic temples, and welcoming locals make it an unforgettable destination-but knowing how to handle currency in Sri Lanka is key to a smooth trip. Whether you’re buying hoppers at a roadside stall, shopping in Colombo’s buzzing markets, or tipping in the Hill Country, understanding how money in Sri Lanka works will save you from unnecessary fees. This guide covers what currency to bring, the best ways to get Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR), cash safety tips, and essential dos and don’ts-so you can travel smarter and enjoy more.
How to pay in Sri Lanka – cash or card?
Sri Lanka is a cash centric country for travellers and foreigners. So, if you’re travelling from the US, UK, Europe or any other country, you will likely need to use an ATM or exchange some currency soon as you arrive to get some money in Sri Lanka.
You can use cash for:
- Budget hotels
- Hostels (especially outside Colombo)
- Local tour operators
- Shopping at street markets
- Tips and gratuities
- Entry fees to temples, national parks, and heritage sites
- Local buses
- Local taxis / tuk-tuks
- Local trains (including scenic routes like Ella-Kandy)
- Street food
- Small eateries / restaurants
- Sit-down restaurants (many still prefer cash)
- Small purchases
- Local expenses at grocery stores and village shops
- Tailoring services (very common in tourist towns)
- Mobile SIM and phone top-up (roadside stalls)
- Laundry services (guesthouses, small shops)
- Nightlife / bars (except in upscale clubs)
You can use card for:
- 4 and 5 star hotels
- Hostels (in Colombo and touristy areas)
- Large tour operators
- Shopping at malls
- Airport transport (Colombo airport taxi desk, highway buses)
- Upscale restaurants
- Online bookings for upscale hotels, flights, tours
- Spas (in resorts and urban centers)
- Vehicle renting
- Emergency medical clinics / pharmacies (urban only)
Cash is widely preferred, and card acceptance is inconsistent, especially in rural areas. ATMs are available but sometimes run out of cash in smaller towns. Always carry some cash in LKR.
What’s the best currency to take to Sri Lanka?
The main currency accepted is the local currency Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR or Rs). Some resorts, hotels and local shops might accept dollars, euros or pounds but please note:
As on date, it is illegal to transact in foreign currency in Sri Lanka
The exchange rate you will get in these transactions will be very poor. You may also come across establishments displaying their prices in US$, especially in more touristy regions. While it is convenient, you have to constantly ensure that the transaction is performed in the local currency.
So, Sri Lankan Rupee is the best currency to take to Sri Lanka.
Where to get the local currency in Sri Lanka?
In Sri Lanka, you can get the local currency in 3 ways. These are:
ATMs, or
Currency exchange
Money transfer and local pick-up
Types of cards to swipe
Visa and Mastercard transactions are commonly accepted for swiping. You might also find some places that accept Amex and other cards, albeit less frequently.
Types of cards at ATMs
ATMs in Sri Lanka will mainly accept Visa and Mastercard. So please come prepared with cards with one of those logos. In fact, some ATMs only accept Visa and some only Mastercard, so you are better off getting at least one of each type on your travel to Sri Lanka. Do not expect a lot of them to accept Amex or Diners cards.
Should I exchange money before travelling to Sri Lanka?
It’s a good idea to bring a small amount of Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR) before traveling for initial expenses like taxis, snacks, or small purchases. However, LKR is not widely available outside Sri Lanka, and many foreign banks don’t stock it. If you do find it, the exchange rate is often unfavorable.
A more practical approach is to exchange money after arriving in Sri Lanka. ATMs are widely available in cities, airports, and tourist areas, and most accept Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, and Plus cards. However, some machines may have lower withdrawal limits, and international transaction fees may apply. Notify your bank before traveling to avoid card blocks.
Currency exchange services are available at Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport, but in-city rates are often better. Licensed money changers such as Sampath Bank, Commercial Bank, and Hatton National Bank (HNB) offer competitive rates. Always insist on a receipt when exchanging money, and avoid street exchanges.
USD, EUR, and GBP are widely accepted for exchange, and clean, undamaged notes are preferred. Carrying a mix of cash and cards is ideal. Credit and debit cards are accepted in hotels and larger stores, but cash is essential for tuk-tuks, markets, and rural areas.
Where to withdraw money?
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Sri Lanka are those owned by popular banks such as:
- Bank of Ceylon
- Commercial Bank
- Amana Bank
- NSB
- Nation’s Trust Bank
There are other banks with ATMs that also accept international debit and credit cards. Some international banks also have their ATMs in Sri Lanka, namely HSBC and Standard Chartered.
For a detailed guide, read Cash and ATMs in Sri Lanka.
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in Sri Lanka. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 160+ countries including Sri Lanka.
Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Where to exchange currency in Sri Lanka
In Sri Lanka, you can exchange currency at authorised currency exchanges, banks, airports, and hotels, the most popular being authorised currency exchanges.
In Sri Lanka, currency exchange offices are commonly called “money changers” or foreign exchange bureaus, and they are licensed by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. These exchange offices are widely available in Colombo, Negombo, Kandy, Galle, and tourist hotspots.
- Notable currency exchanges are:
GExchange (George Steuart Money Exchange) – with branches at Colombo International Airport and major cities.
Ceylinco Forex
Crown Money Exchange
A&M Exchange (Negombo) – popular with tourists due to better rates and transparency.
Western Union counters (offering money exchange in addition to remittances)
You’ll also find currency exchange counters at Bandaranaike International Airport, but the rates there may be slightly less favorable compared to those in city centers.
- Banks Offering Currency Exchange:
Commercial Bank of Ceylon
People’s Bank
Bank of Ceylon
Sampath Bank
Banks offer competitive and transparent rates and operate Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Some branches, especially at airports and tourist areas, may open on weekends.
💡 Tip: USD, EUR, and GBP are the easiest to exchange. Always ask for a receipt when exchanging money and avoid unlicensed street vendors.
Pro-tips:
Stay away from airport exchanges – Poor rates
Avoid the black market – Be wary of being conned.
Include fresh notes – If your notes are damaged or dirty, you can expect to pay more or less.
Is carrying money in Sri Lanka safe?
Yes, it is generally safe to carry money in Sri Lanka while travelling. But do not carry a large amount of cash unnecessarily that you do not need.
Some safety tips for carrying cash while travelling in Sri Lanka are:
- Carry only the cash you need.
- Do not keep all the cash in one pocket or wallet.
- Put some cash in a safety belt or fanny pack.
- Do not flash your cash.
- When paying, do not remove or display your entire cash.
- Keep wallets preferably in front pockets.
- Cross-wear your purses if possible.
- Hold your purses, wallets and bags close and tight on crowded streets and in public trains and buses.
- When withdrawing cash, keep the cash low while you count it so people around don’t see it.
- If you’re dining alone, don’t leave your wallet / bag unattented while you go to the restroom.
- If sitting outdoors in a restaurant, don’t leave your wallets / bags on the table.
Is it better to use debit or credit cards or pay by cash in Sri Lanka
Use a card if it is fee-free i.e. your bank does not charge any fees to swipe the card, when the merchant / POS also does not impose any extra charge to use a card, you need to use the insurance of the card, don’t want to block cash of large purchases and card’s swipe fees are lower than withdrawal fees.
Pay by cash by withdrawing cash from ATM or exchanging currency where – fees on ATM withdrawals are lesser than fees on swiping cards, you don’t want to leave any digital footprint of your expenses, it is convenient and easier to conduct transactions.
