Welcome to paradise! As you prepare to explore stunning Sri Lanka, it's important to familiarise yourself with the local currency and exchange Sri Lankan rupee. Here at Ebony Boutique Villa, your ultimate retreat amongst the rice fields, we want to make sure your stay goes as smoothly as possible. Here are some tips for handling money during your adventure in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka Rupee (LKR): Our local currency
The Sri Lanka Rupee (LKR) is the official currency of Sri Lanka and has a rich history dating back to the 19th century. Originally introduced during British colonial rule, the rupee has undergone various changes over time and is now available in the form of banknotes and coins.
If you are travelling to Sri Lanka, it is advisable to bring some of your money in LKR. Cash is preferred in many shops, restaurants and markets, especially in remote areas. The current Sri Lankan rupee banknotes are available in various denominations, including 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000 rupees. It is advisable to carry smaller denominations to make shopping in local shops and paying for transport easier. The shopkeeper around the corner cannot usually change 1000 or 5000.
Please note that when using cash in Sri Lanka, particular attention should be paid to the quality of the banknotes, as damaged or old banknotes may not be accepted. It is therefore advisable to ensure that the banknotes you bring with you are in good condition and correspond to the current design.
Cash vs credit card
Compared to other international destinations, cashless payment in Sri Lanka is still in its infancy. While credit and debit cards are accepted in larger cities and in areas frequented by locals, you should be prepared for cash to be the preferred method of payment.
Common credit card formats such as Visa, Mastercard or American Express are increasingly accepted. EC cards are also increasingly accepted. A fee, the so-called foreign transaction fee, is charged for every card payment when using common card formats. This fee amounts to approx. 1 to 4 per cent of the invoice amount and is charged by the card-issuing banks/credit card institutions. In many cases, a fee is also charged by the merchant for the use of the card terminal.
Currency exchange sri lankan rupee: tips and tricks
Before you start your journey, you can exchange some of your money into Sri Lankan rupees. This can be done both at the airport and in exchange offices in larger cities. Note that banks often have a time-consuming exchange process. It is often more advisable to use exchange bureaux as they usually offer a faster service and often a better exchange rate. Nevertheless, it is important to check the current exchange rates and look for reputable exchange offices to get a fair exchange.
US Dollar and Euro: Important tips
f you are bringing US dollars or euros, it is advisable to also take larger banknotes with you, as the exchange offices and banks offer a better exchange rate for larger denominations. In addition to new and undamaged banknotes, you should also take larger denominations with you in order to benefit from the more favourable exchange rate. Please also note that some exchange offices offer a lower exchange rate for banknotes with an old design. It is therefore important to pay attention to both the condition and the design when selecting banknotes for exchange in order to achieve a more favourable exchange rate.
ATMs and banks
Sri Lanka has a well-developed banking network with ATMs in all major cities and tourist areas. You can use your international card to withdraw cash. Make sure you check your bank's charges for transactions abroad before you leave. The maximum withdrawal limit at ATMs is around 80,000 rupees, depending on the bank and availability at the machine.
At Ebony Boutique Villa we want to make sure that your stay in Sri Lanka is unforgettable. Please note that we can currently only accept cash, preferably in Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR). Credit cards cannot be accepted at this time, but we are working on making this option available as soon as possible.
If you have any further questions about currency exchange or other travelling matters, please do not hesitate to contact our friendly staff. We are always happy to assist you to ensure that your stay with us is as pleasant as possible.
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