The Sri Lankan Rupee, the currency of Sri Lanka, is composed of 100 cents. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka issues banknotes from Rs10 to Rs2000 and coins, in 5 different denominations, from 50 cents to Rs10.
The most freely convertible foreign currency in Sri Lanka is the US Dollar.
Quick Facts
- Banknotes in Sri Lanka are currently issued in the following denominations: Rs10, Rs20, Rs50, Rs100, Rs200, Rs500, Rs1000 and Rs2000.
- Both the British pound and the Indian rupee were the currency of Ceylon, the former name of Sri Lanka, in the 19th century.
- As a rule, Sri Lanka"s banks are open from 9am to 3pm on weekdays. (Some open on Saturday mornings).
- Most ATMs accept Cirrus, Maestro, and other common card providers worldwide.
- Change your money back before leaving. Many foreign banks do not exchange Sri Lankan Rupees.
China Highlights, Asia Highlights, and Global Highlights collaborate to provide families and couples with personalized and stress-free experiences in diverse destinations.
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Great Experience
WOW! I’ve traveled Asia some & I must say Sharon & Asia Highlights made this trip so much more enjoyable and easy More
Stephen Hollis,
Aug 2023
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Alisa has has been great to work with
Alisa with Asia Highlights has has been great to work with. Very friendly and responsive. More
Ana Rausch,
Aug 2023
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Using Sharon right now to book our…
Using Sharon right now to book our upcoming trip to Thailand. She has booked everything that we asked for. Has answered all of my inquiries, which has been many! Looking forward to having a great girls trip in Thailand More
Tracy,
Aug 2023
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Thailand, Singapore, Bali
In Thailand, Tanny and Nori(Suparp), were both incredible! They were both fun, funny, and full of knowledge and made sure we got the full experience. They went the extra mile and always made sure we had cold bottled water and towels to cleanse our hands. In Singapore, Nicole was an absolute gem. She was so kind and knowledgeable and guided us in the right direction to make our day as enjoyable as possible. She helped us choose a top notch local lunch and coffee spot in China Town and taught us so much about the country! In Bali, Emon was an absolute joy. He was very knowledgeable and kind and absolutely made sure we were feeling comfortable and was willing to be flexible with us. He was fun to converse with and made our time traveling between destinations so enjoyable! I cannot recommend Asia Highlights enough! Accommodations, travel arrangements and guided tours were all a breeze. More
Cassi Thunker,
Jul 2023
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Very supportive
Very supportive ! I have received eticket for Sky Lattern Festival very fast More
Chi?n Nguy?n Ng?c,
Jul 2023
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My experience in Chang Mai with Asia Highlights
I greatly enjoyed my experience with Asia Highlights for a trip I booked to Thailand.All of my interests were catered too. My guide in Chang Mai Gemma was excellent.I truly felt the soul of Thailand culture and Buddhism. More
Richard,
Jul 2023
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A pleasure to plan with
Well, this has been a painless and pleasurable process to find such a wonderful company. I had specific dates and places to be and Sharon worked with me diligently to refine the schedule and costs to suit my travel needs and budget. She informed me of a special tour on the dates I am to be in Thailand and I added that to my previous plans. More
Chris Williams,
Jul 2023
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Large multi-generational holiday in Thailand
The holiday was wonderful. Our guides, Mr Monchai (Bangkok), and Ms Tipagorn (Tippy) (Chiang Mai) were exceptional. Travelling in a large multigenerational group with many children requires patience and our guides truly understood that. Mr Monchai and Ms Tippy shared their extensive knowledge of the many wonderful places we visited, and were flexible to take us to additional places along the way based on discussions. While everyday was busy, having them greet us with patience and a smile truly made this a memorable holiday. The hotels we stayed at were equally wonderful and went above and beyond to celebrate not only my parents 50th anniversary but also celebrate 2 milestone birthdays that occurred. We will cherish this holiday for many years to come. We hope to use Asia Highlights again. More
CL,
Jul 2023
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I never used a travel agent in my life
I never used a travel agent in my life, but Sharon for Asia Highlights did a phenomenal job helping planning and coordination a family vacation. The best part of working with Sharon was that she maintained an open line of communication and provided answers to my question well within 12-24 hours. Additionally, Sharon was flexible and customized our vacation to my families needs. Overall great experience. More
Antione Barry,
Jul 2023
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Great company to plan a trip to Southeast Asia!
Sharon Haung has been wonderful to work with! Very patient and accommodating. Responds immediately given time change and is prepared, prompt, and professional. More
Debi Hinerfeld,
Jul 2023
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We took a 15 days trip (10 days Vietnam and 5 days Thailand …
It was an amazing experience the guides and drivers were there awaiting for us at each airoport for a transfer to the hotels also on time for all the tours all the guides were so lovely , very experienced and spoke very good English , one of the days on tour in Thailand I lost my phone in a temple in Bangkok mr chai went out of his way in a middle of thousands of visitors and managed to find an bring it back to me I found that amazing , also while on a trip I contacted Jason li out tour organizer few time via whatup and he replied and helped on the spot I recommend asiahilights 150% The quality of the service hotels the guides the drivers outstanding From start to finish ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT ???? More
SIMO el ghobar,
Jun 2023
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Wonderful Guides and Experience
Our large group arrived in Bangkok with Tanni as our guide. She was wonderful! An absolute joy to spend time with. She is knowledgeable, kind, and extremely funny. I don’t know what we would have done without her! After Bangkok, we traveled to Chang Mai, where Indy was our tour guide. She was a delight! She is kind, knowledgeable, and so patient. Our trip to Thailand was an adventure of a lifetime and these two women helped make it memorable. I would definitely use Asia Highlights for any future travel in Asia. More
Jessica Bennett,
Jun 2023
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Guide - Chai
We travelled from Vietnam to Bangkok and were blessed to have a guide named Chai. He was a superb guide and it is a pity we couldn't bottle him and take him home. He was very knowledgeable and an absolute gentleman. He could not have done enough to facilitate us and imparted so much knowledge about the Temples, Buddism and the History of Thailand in general. Not only did he give us a great overview of the past and current ways of living in Thailand but I also feel I came away a much better person having interacting with him. I will carry many of his teachings with me for the rest of my life and know that having met him was a very special blessing in my life. More
Customer,
Jun 2023
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Our guide Tanni was kind
Our guide Tanni was kind, knowledgeable, funny and beyond accommodating for our group. We felt like we'd made a friend and it enhanced our trip in the most positive way. Everything was coordinated perfectly which is not easy to do in a large traveling group. Excellent experience! More
Marissa Manson,
Jun 2023
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We are only on day 5 of our 15 day trip…
Our first stop so far was in Hanoi where our guide Trong was just so awesome! He shared about his culture and family life which showing us sites through a city tour. He was so funny making lots of jokes and always made sure we were having fun while learning about everything! He checked on us frequently even when we were no longer with him since we then went on a cruise in Halong Bay! Halong Bay and the cruise on Paradise Elegance went way above anything I expected. The scenery was breathtaking, the ship was so beautiful and clean with such fresh, good food! And I can’t sing enough praise for the staff who took care of us- especially Anna and Belle! They went above and beyond to make sure we enjoyed every aspect from eating meals with Anna to every other detail with Belle! I highly recommend Asian Highlights to help plan these extraordinary trips! This already has been a trip of a lifetime and we still have so much more to see all thanks to Cathy!! More
Diane Creitz,
Jun 2023
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Tanni for the win!
14 of my closest friends and family descended upon Bangkok ready to see the town. Asia highlights and Tanni took us on a tour that changed our lives. We experienced so much everyday. Tanni was amazing! She did all the thinking for us, so we all could just be present and enjoy the moment. I can’t recommend this company, and especially Tanni enough. More
Megan McGlynn,
Jun 2023
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This isn't my first trip with Asia…
This isn't my first trip with Asia Highlights. They are great at helping me plan, working my requests into the itinerary, and booking it all. We travel with friends and just got back from a trip to Thailand and Vietnam. Albee did a great job with all the details and we had a wonderful time. We will use them for our next adventure! More
Katie Potesta,
Jun 2023
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Amazing service
Although we have not been our trip yet I wanted to still write a review based on customer service and the ease of booking. Alisa has been extremely prompt and responsive with planning our trip to Thailand. She has had great recommendations and guidance to add to our custom itinerary. Highly recommend using Asia highlights! -Alex More
Alex,
May 2023
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I have never hear of this company…
I have never hear of this company before , and after reading all these reviews ,I decided to give it a try . The professionalism and communicative skill received by one of the agent , Sharon of Asia Highlights , convince me that She was the right travel agent for my trip in Asia . Very quickly she communicated with me and got all the detail of my desire vacation . Sharon made me a great itinerary with great experiences that I am dreaming to experience and I am looking forward to it . Thanks Sharon for been so great and crafting me a dream vacation with great suggestions. More
orge alvarez,
May 2023
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Coco Yang worked tirelessly to…
From the moment I landed in Bangkok, Ms Noi Ying was there to welcome me and get me settled into my hotel. We enjoyed several days together touring Bangkok and Kanchanaburi. In Chiang Mai, Mr Ekachai took my son snd I on an amazing trip to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and to visit a community Lanna home, gardens and a hands-on cooking class preparing an authentic Thai meal. Lisa arranged a last-minute speedboat tour of 5 breathtaking islands in Phuket. From start to finish, the guides exceeded my expectations!! Thank you, Asia Highlight!! Debbie Woods More
Debbie Woods,
May 2023
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The Sri Lankan Rupee
The Sri Lankan Rupee (code: LKR; abbr: ₨) is the official currency of Sri Lanka, issued by the Sri Lankan Central Bank. The abbreviation locally is usually "Rs.", but the "LKR" code may be used to distinguish it from other currencies with the same name in such nations as India, Pakistan, Indonesia, the Maldives, Mauritius, Nepal, and the Seychelles.
When dealing with the larger denomination notes of 500, 1000 and 2000 Rupees you may experience some difficulty in obtaining change for low-price items purchased in smaller outlets. Consequently it is best when changing money to have a good supply of lower denomination banknotes for basic purchases.
How to Change Money in Sri Lanka
There are many venues for currency exchange in Sri Lanka easily found at airports, in banks, or in various currency exchange outlets. Alternatively you can draw cash directly from your credit or debit card at an ATM.
Change money in the ATMWhen you bring cash into the country for exchange purposes you should ensure the bills are crisp and undamaged, otherwise banks and money changers will not accept them. Bring cash with smaller denominations as some exchange services will not accept larger denomination banknotes.
When you arrive at the Bandaranaike International Airport, (the main international airport serving Sri Lanka), many currency exchanges counters and ATMs are to be found in the arrival lounge when you leave the customs clearance area. Money changers may seem the quick and easy option when traveling around the island of Sri Lanka, and their rates are competitive. However, this is also be the least secure method and scams are frequent. Consequently it may be best to avoid them.
US Dollars to Sri Lankan Rupees
As a rough guide, (please check current rates before making any exchange), the following are the extremes in the rate of fluctuation for the year preceding March 25, 2020:
- For one US Dollar: Rs174.11 and Rs188.04
However, you will receive less money than the central rate to allow for the exchange service to make a profit. In assessing what is on offer you should always check the rate immediately before you make your exchange.
You should also check whether an additional commission, on top of the weighted rate from which currency services generally derive their profits, is charged.
Euros and British Pounds to Sri Lankan Rupees
In addition to the US Dollar, the Euro and the British Pound Sterling may be readily exchanged for Sri Lankan Rupees at any bank or exchange bureau. The method of changing Euros and British pounds to Sri Lankan Rupees is much the same as for US Dollars.
Again as a rough guide, (please check current rates before making any exchange), the following are the extremes in the rate of fluctuation for the year preceding March 25, 2020:
- For one Euro: Rs195.06 to Rs208.87.
- For one Pound Sterling: Rs212.66 to 243.75.
Banks and Banking Hours in Sri Lanka
Withdraw money by credit cardThe largest bank in Sri Lanka is the Commercial Bank of Ceylon. It has some 250 branches and 625 ATMs across the country, as well as branches in Bangladesh. Another large presence is ICICI Bank, an Indian multinational with operations in nineteen countries including Dubai, Qatar, and the US.
Business hours of banks and other institutions in Sri Lanka:
