The currency in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). At the time of writing, USD 1 is approximately 295 LKR.
ATMs: Widely available in tourist areas, cities, and most towns. Commercial Bank, Sampath Bank, and HNB accept most international cards. Withdrawals are typically limited to LKR 40,000–50,000 per transaction.
Cards: Credit and debit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in tourist areas. Smaller shops, tuk-tuks, and village markets prefer cash.
Tipping: Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. A 10% tip in restaurants is standard. Drivers and guides expect a small tip at the end of service — USD 5–10 per day for a driver, USD 20–30 per day for a guide.
Exchange: Use official exchange counters or withdraw from ATMs. Avoid exchanging money at the airport — the rates are usually less favorable.
