Sri Lanka Currency

Travelling to or living in Sri Lanka? Managing your money shouldn’t be stressful. With TransferGo, you can send, spend, and exchange money affordably — so more of your money goes where it matters.

Use the GoCard in Sri Lanka

Open a UK bank account with us and get a GoCard for smarter spending in Sri Lanka. Pay in local shops, use ATMs globally, and enjoy contactless payments—all with zero hidden fees. Everything is managed from the app. Available only to UK and EU residents.

What is the currency in Sri Lanka?

The official currency of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan rupee

The rupee replaced the Ceylon rupee in 1972 when the country became the Republic of Sri Lanka. It is managed by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

LKR, Rs or රු

Banknotes

Rs20

Rs50

Rs100

Rs500

Rs1,000

Rs2,000

Rs5,000

Coins

Rs1

Rs2

Rs5

Rs10

Rs20

How to spend money in Sri Lanka

Cash is widely used, especially in rural areas, small shops, and markets. Cards are accepted in Colombo, Galle, and other larger towns, particularly in hotels and restaurants. ATMs are widely available in urban areas but can be less reliable in villages. Mobile payment options are emerging but not yet mainstream.

  • Tip: Always pay in the local currency to get the best exchange rate and avoid extra conversion charges.

Tips for exchanging money in Sri Lanka

Use banks or licensed money changers for fair rates.

Avoid airport counters; they offer lower exchange rates.

Always pay in rupees—foreign currency is rarely accepted.

Carry small notes for tuk-tuks, markets, and local eateries.

With TransferGo, you can send LKR directly to Sri Lankan accounts or spend online and withdraw using your GoCard, avoiding bank fees.

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For over a decade, TransferGo has made financial services faster, simpler, more affordable—and more accessible to those who need them most.

GB

Martin Enright

Emilia helped me with a particularly…

Emilia helped me with a particularly difficult transfer. I cannot thank her enough for her help and patience with me. Yet another 5 Star rating for the best money transfer company in the industry

UA

Oleg Ivanov

Very helpful tech support

Very helpful tech support — they helped me solve my problem. As for the app, I’ve made only one transfer so far, and it worked well.

PL

Ayman Web

Great service and smooth

I jumped very quickly into a transaction without verifying many data and i was mistaken . Fortunately i spoke to the customer service person (Adam J ) and he assisted me very well until i got back my finance and ran again another correct transaction

GB

Alex

A fantastic app for sending money. Excellent service

A fantastic app for sending money abroad. And if there are any issues the chat bot on this is pretty good. But if it can't be fixed then an agent is on hand within minutes. They also keep you updated on any process issues via email. And they really look after you.

BE

Fouzia

Adam was very helpful and kind

Adam was very helpful and kind. He answered all my questions clearly and made everything easy to understand. I really appreciate his support!

TR

aileen valdoz

Fast response all staff are kind and…

Fast response all staff are kind and respectful . Money not lost when it comes to delayed. Its very convenient for me . Good job always.

Frequently asked questions

What is the official currency used in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lankan rupee (LKR).

What is the official currency used in Sri Lanka?

Symbol: Rs / රු | Code: LKR

Can I use my home currency in Sri Lanka?

Rarely; transactions are in rupees.

How can I use my GoCard in Sri Lanka?

Just activate it in the app and start spending—online or in stores.

Is it better to use cash or card when spending in Sri Lanka?

Cash dominates outside cities; cards are common in urban areas.

Are credit or debit cards widely accepted in Sri Lanka?

Yes, in major towns and hotels.

Are there ATMs available in Sri Lanka, and are there withdrawal limits?

Yes, in cities; rural areas may be limited.

Can I use a GoCard in Sri Lanka?

Yes! You can use your GoCard for spending, withdrawing, or managing your money—with fair rates and no hidden fees.