Money, SIM Cards and Staying Online
Money, Mobile & Wi-Fi in Sri Lanka
Staying connected and managing your money are key parts of modern travel. Here’s how to handle currency, get a local SIM card, and find Wi-Fi during your trip to Sri Lanka.
Currency (Sri Lankan Rupee - LKR)
The official currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). While some high-end hotels might quote prices in USD, you will need LKR for almost all transactions, including restaurants, shops, and entrance fees.
- ATMs: Widely available in all cities and towns. This is the easiest way to get local currency. Look for Bank of Ceylon, Commercial Bank, or Sampath Bank ATMs.
- Currency Exchange: You can exchange major currencies like USD, EUR, and GBP at the airport upon arrival or at banks in cities. Bank counters in town consistently give better rates than the airport exchange desks.
- Credit Cards: Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted at hotels, upscale restaurants, and larger stores. Always carry some cash for smaller shops and cafes.
Don’t change all your money at the airport
This is the tip experienced visitors pass on most often, and it is worth following. The exchange counters in the arrivals hall offer noticeably poorer rates than banks and licensed money changers in Colombo, Negombo or Kandy. Over the cash budget for a two week trip, the difference is real money.
Change just enough at the airport to cover your first day — tips, water, a snack, incidentals — and sort the rest at a bank once you have arrived, or simply withdraw rupees from an ATM. ATM rates track the interbank rate closely and usually beat the airport desks even after your own bank’s fee.
Check the going rate before you land so you know what you are being offered. Count your notes before leaving any counter, and be wary of changing money with anyone approaching you on the street.
For official exchange rates, refer to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
SIM Cards & Connectivity
Getting a local SIM card is cheap, easy, and highly recommended. The best place to get one is right at the airport arrivals hall.
The two main providers are:
- Dialog: Generally considered to have the best overall coverage across the island.
- Mobitel: Also has excellent coverage and competitive data packages.
You can purchase a tourist pack that comes with plenty of data, local calls, and some international call credit for a very reasonable price.