The monetary unit of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee. Designated LKR and Rs. This is a fairly stable currency, and its rate against world currencies changes rarely and smoothly.
1 rupee is divided into 100 cents. There are banknotes of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000 rupees. Coins come in 1, 2, 5 and 10 rupees. Coins of 25, 50 cents are rare and hardly used.
What currency to take to Sri Lanka

US dollars are best suited for exchanging for Sri Lankan rupees. This currency is not only freely accepted in all types of local exchange offices, but can also be used to pay for services in hotels and shops in tourist areas (albeit at a very high rate).

Using plastic cards to pay for services in Sri Lanka is quite risky, as there is a high percentage of crimes in the field of bank card fraud. In view of this, you should notify your bank in advance that you intend to use a plastic card in Sri Lanka. Otherwise, the card risks being instantly blocked when trying to use it.

Money exchange in Sri Lanka

Currency exchange in Sri Lanka is possible at exchange offices at the airport, banks, hotels and private shops. The most favorable exchange rate in Sri Lanka is fixed in the exchange offices of Colombo International Airport. Foreign currency (US dollars and euros) is also widely used in the major resorts of Sri Lanka, but the exchange rate for this method of payment is extremely disadvantageous.

The exchange rate for large bills ($50, $100) is often higher than for small ones – stock up on foreign cash in small and medium denominations to exchange for the currency of Sri Lanka.
The check received when exchanging foreign currency for Sri Lankan rupees should be kept until the end of the trip in order to retain the possibility of a reverse exchange of unspent rupees.

Banks of Sri Lanka

Banks of Sri Lanka в большинстве своем работают по будням с 09:00 до 15:00. Some commercial banks in Sri Lanka even have branches operating around the clock, most of which are concentrated in the capital. Most banks in Sri Lanka are closed on weekends and also on national holidays.

Major banks in Sri Lanka

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka is the central bank of Sri Lanka, which determines the state monetary policy.
Bank of Ceylon (Bank of Ceylon is Sri Lanka’s largest commercial bank with over 600 branches across the country.
The People’s Bank of Sri Lanka is another banking giant in Sri Lanka, leading in terms of the number of customer service centers.
The Commercial Bank of Ceylon is one of the leading banks in the country, repeatedly awarded the prestigious “Best Bank of Sri Lanka” award.

Plastic cards

Plastic cards на Шри-Ланке в настоящий момент вполне распространены. You can pay with them in large cities in shops, in large hotels (but not in all). There are ATMs in every tourist area. Sometimes you can find ATMs even in the most remote provinces where there are no tourists. But not all ATMs that can be found allow you to withdraw money from international Visa or Mastercard plastic cards.
Keep in mind that many banks refer to Sri Lanka as a high-risk country when working with plastic cards. If you do not notify your bank in advance of your intention to use your plastic card in Sri Lanka, it may well be blocked at the first transaction.

Traveler’s checks

In Sri Lanka, you can easily exchange or pay with traveler’s checks. The exchange is made only in banks. However, it should be borne in mind that in the provinces, even in banks, traveler’s checks may not be accepted everywhere for exchange, and it is better to cash them in large cities.

The Western Union money transfer system is very common on the island. Stickers on front doors everywhere.