Cash or card in Sri Lanka: Which is the best way to pay?

Getting ready for a getaway to Sri Lanka? If so, you're likely working on your travel budget and itinerary. While this is a crucial part of trip planning, it's just as important to understand the payment practices of the locals. Some countries have fully adopted cashless payments, but cash is still a preferred method in Sri Lanka.

Cash remains the primary payment method in Sri Lanka, although cards are commonly accepted in most larger cities. How often you'll use each method depends on travel plans and your destination. In this guide, we’ll dive deeper into this and help answer the question - which is more convenient, cash or card in Sri Lanka?

We’ll also show you a cost-effective way to handle your finances in Sri Lanka with Wise. For any international purchases, online or in person, you can rely on the Wise card. You can even withdraw cash like a local for low fees and great mid-market exchange rates.

How cash-centric is Sri Lanka?

Although cards are commonly used in larger shops and hotels, cash is still the primary payment method. Not only is it accepted everywhere, it’s essential for paying tuk tuk drivers and street vendors.¹

However, cards are popular in bigger cities and in tourist areas. Many well-known card brands, such as Visa and Mastercard, can be used in Sri Lanka. Diners Club and American Express cards aren’t used as much.¹

Cash etiquette in Sri Lanka

Tipping is common and even expected in Sri Lanka, especially from tourists. In restaurants, a standard tip is 10% of the bill, though leaving more for great service is always appreciated.²²

You can also tip your taxi driver, but there’s no standard amount. On the other hand, it’s common to leave 50-100 Sri Lankan rupees to hotel and bar staff.²

Cash or card in Sri Lanka - the comparison

We’ve listed some common situations where you’ll be paying for things in Sri Lanka. Here’s whether you’ll be able to pay by card, in cash or both:

Paying for…	Card	Cash
🚕 Taxis3	Sometimes	Yes
🧃 Vending machines4	Sometimes	Yes
🛺 Tuk tuks	No	Yes
🍽️ Restaurants and cafes	Usually yes	Yes
🚌 Public transport5	No	Yes

Want to work out exactly how much things cost? Explore our live Sri Lankan rupees exchange rate currency converter.

Using your card in Sri Lanka at an ATM

Although Sri Lanka is a small country, around 25 banks operate within its territory, with a total of approximately 4,000 ATMs. You'll easily find them in city centers and major tourist areas, but they can be harder to locate in smaller towns. If you're staying in a more remote area, it's best to withdraw cash in advance.⁶

Sri Lankan ATMs are similar to any other standard ATM abroad and they usually accept Visa and Mastercard. The withdrawal limits range from 25,000 to 200,000 LKR, depending on the bank. ATM fees go up to 1,000 LKR, but you’ll also be able to find fee-free machines.⁶

The most popular ATMs are those owned by Bank of Ceylon, Hatton National Bank, DFCC Bank and Commercial Bank.⁶

Will my UK debit card work in Sri Lanka?

Visa and Mastercard are very commonly accepted in Sri Lanka. However, keep in mind that some smaller businesses may not accept cards at all. You can use your card in Sri Lanka, but it’s also important to have cash on hand.¹

Can I use my UK credit card in Sri Lanka?

Yes, you can use your UK-issued credit card in Sri Lanka, as long as you go shop at places that accept cards.

Reasons to use cash in Sri Lanka

Besides being widely accepted, cash is often the only available payment option in Sri Lanka. If you’re traveling through more rural areas, don’t expect local restaurants and stores to accept cards. They might, but you’ll likely need to use cash.

Not carrying cash could also mean missing out on many experiences. For example, haggling is a traditional practice in Sri Lanka, and using cash is a key part of it. Without cash, you’ll also be unable to shop at small local stores or tip your servers.

Reasons to use credit or debit cards in Sri Lanka

If you have a Visa or Mastercard, you’ll likely be able to use it in Sri Lanka. Most large hotels, restaurants and stores in tourist areas accept cashless payments, so your card could come in handy.

Cards also offer greater convenience. You won’t need to carry large amounts of Sri Lankan rupees, which helps reduce the risk of dealing with pickpockets.

Are contactless card payments common in Sri Lanka?

With the advancement of digital technologies in Sri Lanka and worldwide, contactless payments are becoming more common. Just make sure you look for the contactless symbol at points of sale.⁷

The limit for contactless payments in Sri Lanka is 100,000 LKR per transaction. After this amount, you’ll need to enter your PIN.⁷

Your Wise card can also be used for contactless payments in Sri Lanka. If you don’t want to carry multiple cards with you, you can get the Wise virtual card with the same features.

Get your Wise virtual card 💳

Other payment methods in Sri Lanka

Besides the traditional cards and cash, other payment methods are available in Sri Lanka.

Mobile payment

In line with the biggest global trends, different mobile wallets and payment apps are gaining popularity in Sri Lanka. However, globally popular wallets, such as Google Pay and Apple Pay aren’t available here.⁸

One of the apps that Sri Lankans use instead of Google Pay and Apple Pay is HelaPay.⁸ Besides this, some options that have gained popularity are eZ Cash, FriMi and mCash.⁹

If you plan on using any wallet apps during your trip, make sure you update them before you leave to avoid any issues.

For an additional layer of security, you could add your Wise virtual card to your wallet. It has all the benefits of a regular Wise card, but it exists in your phone only. You can freeze your Wise virtual card after every transaction, too.

Buy now pay later options (BNPL)

Sri Lankans also use Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) options for both online and in-store purchases. One of the leading providers is Payd, a payment service that divides your bill into three installments.¹⁰

Payd offers up to six weeks for repayment. Users who make regular payments can gradually increase their spending limit and enjoy these benefits.¹⁰

What is the best way to pay in Sri Lanka: cash or card?

If you have to choose between cash or card in Sri Lanka, cash is the better option. Although cashless methods may become more common in the future, cash remains the most popular payment method.

If you’re travelling to a tourist area or a big city like Colombo, you’ll often be able to use your card. For maximum convenience and safety, bring your cards with you and choose the best payment method for each situation.

Spend like a local in Sri Lanka with Wise

In Sri Lanka, cash is the most popular payment method, especially in small local shops and restaurants. However, in larger cities, cards are commonly accepted at hotels, major stores, and other establishments.

And if you want to spend like a local in Sri Lanka and 150+ countries, without worrying about exchange rates and hidden fees, the Wise card might be just the thing you’re looking for.

The Wise card can be used for all international payments, including accommodation costs and daily expenses. It automatically converts the currency at the mid-market exchange rate with only a small, transparent currency conversion fee*.

Learn more about the Wise card 💳

You can also use it to easily withdraw cash from the ATMs in Sri Lanka. Each month, you can make 2 withdrawals of up to 200 GBP for free. After that, there is a charge of 0.5 GBP per withdrawal. There’s also a 1.75% fee on any amount you withdraw above 200 GBP.

Cash or card in Sri Lanka - FAQs

To summarise, here are some of the most frequent questions about using cash or cards in Sri Lanka.

Do you need cash when travelling in Sri Lanka?

Although cards are commonly accepted in tourist areas, it’s still advisable to carry some cash.

Can you use a Visa debit card in Sri Lanka?

Yes, Visa is one of the most commonly accepted cards in Sri Lanka.

How much is the ATM withdrawal fee in Sri Lanka?

Withdrawal fees at Sri Lankan ATMs can be as high as 1,000 LKR per transaction, but some ATMs offer fee-free withdrawals.⁶

Is it better to exchange money in Sri Lanka?

There’s no need to do this, you can exchange your pounds for Sri Lankan rupees once you arrive.

How much money do you need for a trip to Sri Lanka?

This largely depends on your spending habits and how much you plan to eat out. For example, you’ll pay around £2 on average for a cup of coffee or a pint of beer in Sri Lanka, while a three-course meal for two is close to £19.¹¹

What is considered a good tip in Sri Lanka?

People usually leave a 10% tip in restaurants, but feel free to leave more if you’re very happy with the service.

Is it ok to haggle in Sri Lanka?

Yes, haggling is very common in Sri Lanka, even in taxis and at food stalls.¹²

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Sources used:

1. Mai Globe Travels - travel budget and currency
2. Mercury Holidays - tipping in Sri Lanka
3. Kangaroo Cabs - taxis in Sri Lanka
4. Vending Times - cashless vending machines
5. ReadMe - modernising public transport in Sri Lanka
6. ATM Fee Saver - ATMs in Sri Lanka
7. HSBC - contactless
8. ReadMe - HelaPay is the answer to Google Pay
9. G Trip - guide to payment methods in Sri Lanka
10. Payd - Buy now, pay later
11. Numbeo - cost of living in Sri Lanka
12. On the Go Tours - travel guide and useful info

Sources last checked on date: 04-Feb-2025