Banking & Money

How to exchange USD for Sri Lankan rupees at the airport and get the best exchange rate?

At Colombo airport there are exchange counters both before and after passport control (the second one is hidden, ask staff for directions), with a fixed 500 rupee commission regardless of amount and rate around 340 rupees per $1. Rupees are accepted everywhere, but paying in USD at supermarkets or shops is usually not possible.

1 source · 53 days ago

How to get and use a UnionPay card in Sri Lanka

Not all banks issue UnionPay cards, some require a deposit of around $50, and paying by card is usually better than exchanging cash with tuk-tuk drivers, whose rates are worse than banks.

1 source · 68 days ago

Is it worth opening a Peoples Bank foreign-currency card in Sri Lanka to hold USD and exchange money?

Experienced travelers advise against opening a Peoples Bank foreign-currency card: the exchange rate is 15-20% worse than at local jewelry-shop money changers, daily spend/withdrawal limit is $300, and $50 gets frozen as a deposit after the first top-up.

1 source · 69 days ago

Which ATMs in Sri Lanka have the lowest fees for withdrawing cash with a foreign bank card?

Fees depend on your card issuer: People's Bank ATMs reportedly charge no extra local fee, but most banks offer a worse exchange rate when converting through USD, and not all ATMs accept UnionPay cards.

1 source · 74 days ago

Do old vs new US dollar bills get different exchange rates in Sri Lanka?

Exchange rates are generally the same for old and new dollar bills, but it's best to bring newer, clean notes — some exchange offices may refuse worn or older bills.

2 sources · 111 days ago