Practical travel information on Money and costs in Sri Lanka

Money & costs

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Costs
Money

Costs

Sri Lanka is more expensive than South Asia or India, but costs are still reasonable. Double rooms with bathroom, mosquito net and fan cost about Rs 500 to 1000, while an international-class hotel room may run to Rs 10, 000 or more. Most high-end hotels quote room rates in US dollars but accept either dollars or rupees; some also quote in euros.

The cost of accommodation in the touristy areas drops considerably out of season. Expect to pay triple the usual accommodation price in Kandy during the Kandy Esala Perahera and in Nuwara Eliya during the April high season. Because of the lack of tourism infrastructure following long years of war, room rates are also much higher than the norm in Jaffna.

Local food is reasonably priced, though it’s about three times more expensive in guesthouses than in local restaurants; it’s around Rs 300 to 450 at a guesthouse, or as little as Rs 100 at a local restaurant. Dinner at the country’s better restaurants costs around Rs 2000 per person.

At national parks, entry fees plus (often mandatory) 4WD hire and other extras add up to something between Rs 2000 and 5100.

Public transport is cheap. Hiring a car (or van) and driver for a day costs Rs 2500 to 4500 depending on the condition of the vehicle.

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Tipping

Although a 10% service charge is added to food and accommodation bills, this usually goes straight to the owner rather than the worker. So tipping is a customary way of showing your appreciation for services rendered. Drivers expect a tip, as do people who ‘guide’ you through a site. A rule of thumb is to tip 10% of the total amount due. If there’s no money involved use your other thumb for this rule: Rs 10 for the person who minds your shoes at temples, and Rs 20 for a hotel porter.

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Money

The Sri Lankan currency is the rupee (Rs), divided into 100 cents. Coins come in denominations of five, 10, 25 and 50 cents and one, two, five and 10 rupees. Notes come in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 rupees. Break down larger notes (Rs 500) when you change money as most vendors never seem to have change. Dirty or torn notes might not be accepted, except at a bank.

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ATMs

Commercial Bank has a wide network of ATMs accepting international Visa, MasterCard and Cirrus/Maestro cards. Other options include Bank of Ceylon, NationsTrust Bank, People’s Bank, Hatton National Bank, Seylan Bank, Sampath Bank and HSBC. ATMs have spread to all of the cities and major regional centres, though you can’t rely on the network paying up every single time.

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Cash

Any bank or exchange bureau will change major currencies in cash, including US dollars, euros and pounds sterling. Change rupees back into hard currency before you leave the country for the best rates.

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Credit cards

MasterCard and Visa are the most commonly accepted cards. Other major cards such as Amex and Diners Club are also accepted.

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Moneychangers

Moneychangers can be found in Colombo and the major cities, as well as in tourist centres such as Hikkaduwa. They generally don’t charge commission and their rates are usually competitive.

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Travellers cheques

Fewer people use travellers cheques these days, but major banks still change them – Thomas Cook, Visa and Amex are the most widely accepted. Expect a smallish transaction fee of around Rs 150. Banks in major cities and tourist areas sometimes have special counters for foreign exchange.

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