Currency, Payments & ATMs in Sri Lanka — How to Handle Money Safely

Practical, on-the-ground advice for exchanging money, using ATMs and cards, recognizing fair rates, and avoiding common scams across Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) — Quick Basics

• Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Notes commonly seen: 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 5000.
• Carry small notes for tuk-tuks, markets, tips and rural shops.
• Keep bills flat and dry; some vendors reject torn or heavily marked notes.

Exchanging Money — Safe & Legal

• Use licensed banks and authorized money changers (airport counters, major towns). Always request a receipt.
• Avoid street changers and “special tourist rate” offers. Rates that are far above bank screens usually indicate hidden fees or counterfeit risk.
• Count cash at the counter; check you received the same denominations shown on the slip.
• Before departure, convert leftover LKR back to your currency at the airport or bank (you’ll need your original receipt).

ATMs — Withdraw with Confidence

• Look for machines attached to major banks (e.g., Commercial Bank, Sampath, HNB, Bank of Ceylon, People’s Bank) and those inside branches or malls.
• Set a daily limit with your home bank; withdraw larger amounts less frequently to reduce fees.
• If a transaction fails, wait for the terminal to time out and confirm no debit occurred before retrying. Keep the ATM receipt.
• Shield the keypad, watch for card skimmers, and avoid standalone machines on empty streets at night.
• Pro tip: If an ATM declines your card, try another bank or switch the network (Visa/Plus vs Mastercard/Cirrus) and ensure your card is enabled for overseas use.

Cards, Contactless & Digital Payments

• Hotels, supermarkets and many city restaurants accept Visa/Mastercard; smaller shops may be cash-only.
• When offered Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) on a POS terminal, choose to pay in LKR for better rates.
• Ride-hailing apps and some stores accept contactless cards; still carry cash for rural areas and markets.
• Keep a backup card in a separate place and enable two-factor authentication on banking apps.

Tipping & Small Payments (Guide)

• Restaurants: if 10% service isn’t added, 5–10% is appreciated.
• Hotel porters: LKR 200–500 per bag (property class dependent).
• Tuk-tuks: round up or add LKR 50–150 for short rides with good service.
• Guides/Drivers: tip per day based on itinerary and service quality.

Scam-Proofing Your Trip — What to Watch For

• Unlicensed money changers, “gem investment” shops, or unsolicited helpers at ATMs.
• POS terminals adding DCC or hidden surcharges — check the amount and currency before tapping.
• Counterfeit notes: feel the texture, check clear windows/prints on higher denominations, and avoid swapping cash on the street.
• Keep cash/cards in a zippered pouch; use hotel safes and carry only what you need each day.

Indicative Daily Budgets — Deep Dive

• Shoestring (hostels, buses, local eateries): LKR 7,000–15,000/day.
• Comfort (boutique stays, trains + some private transfers): LKR 15,000–35,000/day.
• Premium (4–5★, private driver, guided activities): LKR 35,000–70,000+/day.

Season, location and exchange rates will shift these ranges — treat as planning anchors.

DATA SOURCES — OFFICIAL

• Central Bank of Sri Lanka (currency info): cbsl.gov.lk
• Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (registered services): sltda.gov.lk
• Commercial Bank of Ceylon (ATM/branch locator): combank.lk
• Bank of Ceylon (ATM/branch locator): boc.lk
• People’s Bank (ATM/branch locator): peoplesbank.lk

Tourist Emergency Contacts — Sri Lanka

• Police Emergency: 118 / 119
• Ambulance (Suwa Seriya, free island-wide): 1990
• Fire & Rescue: 110
• Tourist Police (Colombo HQ): +94 11 242 1052
• Sri Lanka Tourism Hotline: 1912
• Government Information Centre: 1919