Money in Sri Lanka: A Tourist Guide
The monetary unit of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan rupee. One rupee contains 100 cents.
Locals and tourists use bills of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000 rupees, as well as coins of 1, 2, 5 and 10 cents.The monetary unit of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan rupee. One rupee contains 100 cents.Locals and tourists use bills of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000 rupees, as well as coins of 1, 2, 5 and 10 cents.
Lanka Rupee to Ruble exchange rate
FreeCurrencyRates.comCurrency exchange in Sri Lanka
You can take dollars and euros with you to the island, and you can easily exchange them at a bank or currency exchange. They are available at all resorts and airports. In the smallest towns you can change money in the hotel, but the rate will be strongly not in your direction.
To pay in Sri Lanka is possible only in local currency, do not hope that in the markets and shops you will accept dollars or euros, only Sri Lankan rupees. So it’s worth taking care of the exchange of money in advance at the beginning of the trip.
The best exchange can be done in banks and official institutions. In hotels, private shops unprofitable rate and a high probability to be cheated. So be careful counting the money you get. Also, in small exchangers you can haggle and offer to change money at a better rate for you.
Bank cards in Sri Lanka
On the island, it is common to pay by bank card. They are accepted in major stores, hotels and supermarkets. ATMs are available in almost every tourist town. However, not all ATMs work with Visa and Master Card. Also, when withdrawing money from a Lankan ATM, be prepared for the fact that the card can be blocked, as Sri Lanka is classified as a risk country for the use of bank cards. Therefore, it is advisable to warn your bank of your intention to use the card in that country, so that after the first transaction you are not left with a blocked card.
Sri Lankan rupiah (LKR)
The official currency of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR). It is a decimal currency that is divided into 100 cents. The currency is denoted by “රු” or “Rs.
Tip
It is not customary to tip in Sri Lanka, but it is appreciated. It is customary to round up the bill or leave a small amount as a tip. For example, in restaurants it is customary to leave 10% of the total bill as a tip.
Interesting facts about money in Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka was one of the first countries in the world to issue banknotes. The first banknote was issued in 1785.
- The LKR is a relatively stable currency, and in recent years, its exchange rate against major currencies remains stable.
- The LKR has several denominations, including 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1,000, 2,000 and 5,000 rupee bills.
- Sri Lanka has a rich history of metallic currency, including copper coins, silver coins, and gold coins.
Conclusion
Money issues can be confusing when visiting a new country, but with this guide you should have a better understanding of money in Sri Lanka. Remember to exchange currency in authorized places, carry small bills, and tip when appropriate. With this knowledge, you can now explore and enjoy Sri Lanka’s beautiful scenery and vibrant culture without worrying about money matters.