Is cash still widely used?
Yes. While Sri Lanka’s major cities and tourist resorts have reasonable card acceptance, the majority of the country still relies on cash. Tuk-tuks, local restaurants, temples, markets, and guesthouses outside main tourist circuits are almost entirely cash-based.
ATMs and withdrawing cash
ATMs are available in Colombo, Kandy, Galle, and most tourist towns. Commercial Bank and HNB ATMs are the most reliable for foreign cards.
- Fees are typically around 800 LKR per withdrawal for foreign cards
- Withdrawal limits vary — typically 20,000-40,000 LKR per transaction
- In smaller towns, ATMs may be scarce or unreliable
Card acceptance
Visa and Mastercard are accepted at larger hotels, upscale restaurants, and tourist shops in Colombo and main tourist areas. Local transport, street food, and smaller guesthouses require cash.
Tips for travelers
- Withdraw cash in Colombo or Kandy before heading to rural areas
- Sri Lankan rupees are not easily exchangeable abroad — spend or exchange before leaving
- Keep smaller notes for tuk-tuks and local markets
- Some places add a card surcharge of 2-3%