Sri Lanka operates on the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR), with exchange rates fluctuating between 290-330 LKR per US dollar as of 2024, though rates can shift significantly due to economic conditions. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka maintains the official exchange rate, but informal money changers may offer marginally different rates. ATMs dispense rupees in denominations from 100 to 5,000, with withdrawal limits typically set at 50,000 to 100,000 LKR per transaction depending on the bank. Commercial Bank of Ceylon, Bank of Ceylon, and Sampath Bank maintain the most extensive ATM networks, with machines located in Colombo, Kandy, Galle, and other major cities, but sparse coverage in rural areas. Credit cards are accepted at hotels rated three stars and above, larger restaurants in urban centers, and chain stores, but cash remains necessary for street vendors, local transport, guesthouses, and small eateries. Currency exchange is available at Bandaranaike International Airport counters, commercial banks during business hours, and licensed exchange bureaus in tourist areas, with banks generally offering better rates than airport kiosks. The economic crisis that peaked in 2022 led to currency devaluation and intermittent foreign exchange shortages, though conditions had stabilized somewhat by 2024.
Accommodation costs vary dramatically based on location, season, and property type. Budget guesthouses in Colombo, Kandy, or Galle charge approximately 2,500 to 5,000 LKR per night for a basic room with fan and shared bathroom. Mid-range hotels with air conditioning and private bathrooms range from 8,000 to 15,000 LKR in cities and 6,000 to 12,000 LKR in smaller towns. High-season rates from December through March can increase by 30 to 50 percent, particularly in coastal areas like Hikkaduwa, Mirissa, and Unawatuna. Nuwara Eliya experiences peak pricing during April for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, with rates doubling at popular properties. Hostels offering dormitory beds exist primarily in Colombo, Ella, and Arugam Bay, charging 1,500 to 3,000 LKR per bed. Homestays in villages outside tourist circuits cost 2,000 to 4,000 LKR including breakfast, often arranged through local contacts rather than online platforms. Luxury properties in Colombo, including chains like Cinnamon Grand and Shangri-La, charge 25,000 to 60,000 LKR, while boutique hotels inside Galle Fort range from 18,000 to 45,000 LKR. Colonial-era hotels such as the Grand Hotel in Nuwara Eliya maintain mid-range pricing at 10,000 to 18,000 LKR despite their historic character.
Food expenses depend entirely on dining choices. A rice and curry meal at a local kade (small eatery) costs 200 to 400 LKR, typically including rice, three to four vegetable or meat curries, papadam, and pol sambol. Kottu roti from street vendors ranges from 300 to 600 LKR depending on ingredients, with chicken or seafood versions priced higher than vegetable. Hoppers at roadside stalls cost 40 to 80 LKR each, while egg hoppers run 80 to 120 LKR. String hoppers with curry for breakfast average 150 to 300 LKR. Tourist-oriented restaurants in Colombo, Kandy, or coastal towns charge 800 to 1,800 LKR for rice and curry presented on banana leaves or in traditional clay pots. Fish ambul thiyal or deviled prawns at seafood restaurants near Negombo or Trincomalee cost 1,200 to 2,500 LKR per portion. Western-style meals at cafes frequented by travelers run 600 to 1,200 LKR for sandwiches, pasta, or burgers. High-end restaurants in Colombo serving fusion cuisine charge 2,500 to 5,000 LKR per main course. Thambili (king coconut water) costs 80 to 150 LKR from roadside vendors. Ceylon tea at local tea stalls runs 30 to 60 LKR per cup, while the same tea served at plantation bungalows near Nuwara Eliya or Ella costs 300 to 500 LKR with pastries. Bottled water sells for 80 to 120 LKR for 1.5 liters at shops, increasing to 200 LKR at tourist sites. Supermarket shopping at Keells or Cargills allows self-catering at significantly lower costs, with vegetables priced by weight at 80 to 200 LKR per kilogram depending on variety, and local fruits like mangoes or bananas at 150 to 300 LKR per kilogram.
Transportation costs vary by mode and distance. Government buses provide the most economical option, with fares calculated by distance at approximately 15 to 25 LKR per 10 kilometers. A bus from Colombo to Kandy (115 kilometers) costs around 150 to 200 LKR on a normal service bus, while intercity express buses with air conditioning charge 250 to 350 LKR for the same route. The journey from Colombo to Galle (119 kilometers) runs 180 to 250 LKR on regular buses. Private buses operate alongside government routes, charging marginally higher fares of 200 to 300 LKR for similar distances but offering more frequent service. Three-wheelers (tuk-tuks) charge approximately 50 to 80 LKR per kilometer in cities, though drivers often quote fixed prices rather than using meters. A ride across central Colombo averages 300 to 500 LKR, while airport transfers to Colombo Fort cost 1,500 to 2,500 LKR depending on negotiation. Ride-hailing apps PickMe and Uber operate in Colombo and major cities, typically offering rates 10 to 20 percent lower than street hail prices. Trains cost slightly less than buses, with second-class tickets from Colombo to Kandy priced at 120 to 180 LKR, and the scenic route from Kandy to Ella (third class) running 180 to 220 LKR for approximately six to seven hours. First-class reserved compartments cost three to four times second-class rates but offer guaranteed seating. Private car hire with driver costs 8,000 to 15,000 LKR per day depending on vehicle type and distance covered, with per-kilometer charges beyond a set limit (typically 100 to 150 kilometers included). Motorcycle rentals in tourist areas like Arugam Bay or Mirissa range from 1,000 to 2,000 LKR per day for scooters, requiring an International Driving Permit plus a temporary Sri Lankan license obtained at Automobile Association offices for approximately 3,000 LKR.