Currency, Payments & Budget Planning in Sri Lanka

Everything travelers need to know about the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR), exchanging money, using cards and ATMs, daily costs, smart budgeting, and how to avoid common money scams.

Currency Basics — LKR

• Official currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Notes commonly used: 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 5000.
• Carry small denominations for tuk-tuks, tips, street food, and small shops.
• Major hotels and larger shops may accept cards; cash remains useful in rural areas and markets.

Exchanging Money — Best Practices

• Exchange at licensed banks, authorized money changers, or airport banks. Keep the receipt.
• Avoid street changers and unsolicited “best rate” offers.
• Count cash at the counter; check notes are clean and undamaged.
• Convert leftover LKR back to your currency at departure (keep your original exchange receipt).

ATMs & Cards — How to Withdraw Safely

• ATMs are common in cities and towns. International cards usually work with Commercial Bank, Sampath Bank, HNB, BOC, People’s Bank, and others.
• Use ATMs attached to branches or inside malls for added security.
• Inform your bank of travel dates; enable international usage and set withdrawal limits.
• Many merchants accept Visa/Mastercard; small shops are often cash-only.
• Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC): always choose to be charged in LKR for better rates.

Digital Payments & Wallets

• Urban merchants may accept contactless cards and some mobile wallets; adoption varies outside cities.
• Ride-hailing apps (e.g., PickMe, Uber) accept cards; cash is also common.
• Keep a backup payment method in case a terminal is offline.

Daily Costs — Sample Budgets (Indicative)

Costs vary by season and location; these ranges are indicative for planning.

• Budget Traveler: LKR 8,000–18,000/day — local buses/trains, guesthouses/hostels, street food and small eateries.
• Mid-Range: LKR 18,000–40,000/day — boutique hotels, private drivers on some days, sit-down restaurants, activities.
• Luxury: LKR 40,000+ /day — 4–5★ hotels, chauffeur-driven car, fine dining, private tours and experiences.

Tipping & Small Payments

• Restaurants: 10% service charge may be added; if not, 5–10% is appreciated.
• Hotel porters: LKR 200–500 per bag depending on hotel category.
• Tuk-tuks: round up or add LKR 50–150 for short trips if service is good.
• Guides/Drivers: tip based on day rate and service quality (e.g., LKR 1,500–3,000 per day for guides; more for chauffeur-guides).

Money Safety — Avoiding Scams

• Use hotel safes; carry only what you need each day.
• Decline unsolicited money-changers and “too-good-to-be-true” gem or currency deals.
• Check change carefully and know current rates (use a reputable currency app).
• When paying by card, keep it in sight; use ATMs with CCTV and good lighting.
• Request printed/official receipts for tours, drivers, and activities.

Smart Budget Planning — Practical Tips

• Mix scenic trains/buses with private transfers to balance cost and comfort.
• Pre-book high-demand trains (Kandy–Ella) and national park safaris in season.
• Eat local: rice & curry, kottu, hoppers — affordable and authentic.
• Choose SLTDA-registered hotels, guides, and drivers for transparent pricing.
• Keep a small emergency fund in LKR plus a backup card.

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