TRAVELlers can exchange Dollars, Euros and British Pound notes into Sri Lankan Rupees at Banks but they are unlikely to accept Scottish or Northern Irish bank notes. TRAVELlers’ cheques are not normally accepted. Most major banks will allow Visa and Mastercard cash withdrawals. There are ATMs in major towns and cities but not all of them accept international bank cards but the ATMs located at the arrivals terminal of the airport will accept overseas bank cards.

It’s relatively easy to send funds electronically to Sri Lanka. However, money can't be transferred out of the country without an exchange control permit issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. So it is best to avoid sending large amounts of money in excess of what travellers would need for expenses during their stay on the Island.

Credit card fraud is a problem in many parts of Asia. Therefore it is advisable to have a prepaid Visa or Mastercard if travellers intend to use cards in shops, restaurants and hotels.

The exchange rate can fluctuate on a regular basis, the official daily exchange rate is published on the website of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

Central Bank of Sri Lanka - https://www.cbsl.gov.lk/