Can I use USD cash directly at local shops or only LKR?

Asked 12 days agoSeen by 2,049 travellers17 found this helpful
P
Priyanka Sharma10675 rep2
asked 12 days ago

Should I convert all my USD to Rupees, or do restaurants and tuk-tuk drivers accept small US bills?

17
asked 12 days ago
P
Priyanka Sharma10675 rep2

3 Answers from travellers

Accepted Answer

You must use Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR) for daily transactions at local shops, tuk-tuks, and restaurants. Only large 5-star hotels, gem shops, or major tour operators might accept USD directly, but usually at a poor exchange rate.

9
answered 12 days ago
N
Nuwan Jayasinghe44670 rep1

Do not try to pay a street vendor in Dollars or Euros. They have no easy way to exchange small foreign notes at the bank.

44
answered 12 days ago
C
Carlos Mendoza22745 rep2

Change a small amount at the airport, and then use ATMs in the cities to pull out LKR as you need it. Carrying wads of foreign cash is unnecessary.

4
answered 12 days ago
M
Mia Williams21420 rep2

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