Where to exchange USD for the best rate in Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka?
Based on 1 discussion with 1 participant · Last activity: 15 days ago
TL;DR
Airport rate is about 331 LKR per $1, jewelry shops in Hikkaduwa offer around 332 — barely any difference. Hotels and taxi drivers give a much worse rate (around 309 LKR), so paying in USD there is a bad deal.
What the community said
Checked several jewelry shops around town looking for the best rate — got 332 LKR per $1, versus 331 LKR at the airport. Barely any real difference.
16 days ago 332 LKR/$1 at jewelry shops
Paid the hotel bar bill in USD at checkout and got change in LKR at a terrible rate — around 309 LKR per $1 instead of the market rate of 330+.
16 days ago 309 LKR/$1 at hotel (bad rate)
Jewelry shops can offer a slightly better rate, but only when exchanging large amounts in large bills — the 2-3 LKR difference isn't worth walking around in the heat to find the best spot.
16 days ago
Hotels always offer the worst exchange rate — it's the cost of convenience, not a scam. Better to have local rupees ready in advance rather than pay in USD and get change at a bad rate.
16 days ago
Taxi drivers in Hikkaduwa almost never have change for dollar bills, so $1-2 of change often turns into an unofficial tip. Best to confirm the rate upfront and carry small LKR bills.
16 days ago