What Currency Does Sri Lanka Use?
Facts last checked 31 August 2026.
Exchange rate (approximate):
1 USD ≈ 335.41 LKR
1 GBP ≈ 449.65 LKR
Rates are indicative (July 2026) and change daily. Always check live rates before travelling. Rates by Exchange Rate API.
Travel Money Card
Travelling to Sri Lanka? Avoid poor airport exchange rates — a prepaid travel money card or multi-currency card usually gets you a far better deal on Sri Lankan rupee spending.
What is money called in Sri Lanka?
Money in Sri Lanka is called the Sri Lankan rupee — its ISO 4217 currency code is LKR, and its symbol is Rs රු. The Sri Lankan rupee is the official legal tender in Sri Lanka and is used for all everyday transactions — from paying for goods and services to converting money at banks and exchange bureaus. When travelling, you may also see it referred to as the Sri Lanka currency or simply money in Sri Lanka.
Is the Sri Lankan rupee used anywhere else?
No — Sri Lanka is the only country on this site using the Sri Lankan rupee as its official currency.
Practical money tips for Sri Lanka
Card payments are widely accepted in most cities, but it's still worth carrying some Sri Lankan rupee in cash for smaller vendors, local transport and rural areas. Notify your bank before travelling to avoid transactions being blocked, and compare card fees — many cards charge a foreign transaction fee that a dedicated travel money card avoids.
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Money essentials for Sri Lanka
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Sri Lanka currency — FAQ
What is the currency of Sri Lanka?
The currency of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan rupee (currency code: LKR, symbol: Rs රු).
What is the currency code for Sri Lanka?
The ISO 4217 currency code for the Sri Lankan rupee is LKR.
What is the Sri Lankan rupee symbol?
The symbol for the Sri Lankan rupee is Rs රු. You will see this on price tags and receipts throughout Sri Lanka.
What currency is used in Sri Lanka?
The official currency used in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR).
Can I use US dollars in Sri Lanka?
The official currency of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan rupee, not the US dollar. While USD may be accepted in some tourist hotels and major cities, you will generally get better rates paying in Sri Lankan rupee and should exchange money before or on arrival.
What is the exchange rate for Sri Lanka?
As of July 2026, approximately 1 USD = 335.41 LKR and 1 GBP = 449.65 LKR. Rates change daily — always check a live source before travelling or sending money.
What is money called in Sri Lanka?
Money in Sri Lanka is called the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR).
Do other countries use the Sri Lankan rupee?
No — Sri Lanka is the only country on this site using the Sri Lankan rupee as its official currency.
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