MONEY

The local currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). While ATMs and credit card services are available in Sri Lanka, it's advisable to have cash on hand, especially if you plan to stay in homestays, use public transportation, or eat at local restaurants. It’s best to draw money at the ATMs upon your arrival at the airport.

Good to know
A lot of ATM machines still use an old security standard, so VISA will reject the payment and you will not be able to withdraw money. We recommend getting/using a Revolut card to withdraw money in the local currency at a foreign ATM. Revolut doesn't charge a fee to do this (on weekdays) but bear in mind that many ATM operators do charge their own fees for using the ATM (which was quite small in Sri Lanka). The Bank of Ceylon ATMs usually work quite well and 90% of the time we withdraw our money there.