Money in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka uses the Sri Lankan rupee. Here is how to pay there, whether to tip, and what common amounts are worth.
- Currency
- LKRSri Lankan rupee
- Symbol
- Rs
- Tipping
- Expected
Paying in Sri Lanka
Carry cash for tuk-tuks and small shops outside the main cities.
- Cards
- Accepted in cities and tourist areas
- Cash
- Few places accept cards in rural areas, and banking there is basic. Carry cash when leaving a major town.
- ATMs
- ATMs are in larger towns and cities, but not all accept international cards, and rural ATMs are unreliable. Bamboo Travel reports most ATMs charge around 3% for cash withdrawals.
- Foreign currency
- US dollars are more widely accepted than other foreign currencies, and pounds and dollars can be exchanged on arrival.
- Exchanging money
- Exchange at banks, money exchangers or the arrival airport, and keep receipts. Unused rupees can be converted back at international airport desks with your passport, ticket and receipts.
- Watch out for
- Counterfeit notes are a known problem, so check each note at the desk. Do not accept torn, faded, stamped or written-on notes, and note that you generally cannot return notes once you sign the receipt.
Tipping in Sri Lanka
Many restaurants add a 10% service charge, so check the bill. Drivers, guides and hotel staff are usually tipped.
Expected: Tips are customary, and staff often rely on them.
Sources checked: Wendy Wu Tours, Bamboo Travel, Experience Travel Group, Wendy Wu Tours, Intrepid Travel.
Convert to and from LKR
Quick reference
| Amount | USD | EUR | GBP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 332 LKR | 372 LKR | 446 LKR |
| 10 | 3,323 LKR | 3,723 LKR | 4,459 LKR |
| 50 | 16,616 LKR | 18,615 LKR | 22,296 LKR |
| 100 | 33,232 LKR | 37,229 LKR | 44,593 LKR |
| 500 | 166,160 LKR | 186,147 LKR | 222,964 LKR |
What each amount is worth in LKR. Mid-market rates from 2 November 2026, 17:00 UTC.
Common questions
What currency does Sri Lanka use?
Sri Lanka uses the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR).
Do you need to tip in Sri Lanka?
Expected. Many restaurants add a 10% service charge, so check the bill. Drivers, guides and hotel staff are usually tipped.
Can you pay by card in Sri Lanka?
Accepted in cities and tourist areas. Few places accept cards in rural areas, and banking there is basic. Carry cash when leaving a major town.
Are there ATMs in Sri Lanka?
ATMs are in larger towns and cities, but not all accept international cards, and rural ATMs are unreliable. Bamboo Travel reports most ATMs charge around 3% for cash withdrawals.