Pettah money changer rate for USD today versus airport
Just landed need to change 800 USD cash The airport money exchange offered 295 LKR per USD which feels low My hotel said Pettah money changers will give 304 plus today Is that current and what is the closest legit Pettah exchange to the train station that wont disappear with my cash
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4 Answers from travellers
Today interbank around 306 LKR per USD Airport gives roughly 295 the 11 rupee gap is their margin Pettah licensed changers right now Sampath FX Pettah at 303 Mubarak Bambalapitiya at 304 Both are 5 minutes from Fort Railway Station walk only do not take a tuktuk from the station they will divert you Bring crisp 100 USD notes from 2017 series clean and unmarked Old or marked notes get discounted 10 percent Count cash before leaving the counter
If you have Wise card the rate is even better just withdraw from NTB ATM with Without Conversion selected Total cost around 308 LKR per USD effective
Avoid the small shop changers on Main Street they have signs offering 310 but pay only 280 with fake counting tricks
Change in chunks not all 800 at once safer to carry less cash and refresh as needed
Scam Watch: colombo
Driver claims the meter is broken and quotes an inflated flat rate. Common on arrival at airport or railway stations when tourists are tired and disoriented.
Drivers wearing official-looking uniforms claim to be "government-approved" and charge 3-5x normal rates. They may have fake badges or ID cards.
Women with babies approach asking you to buy milk powder at a nearby shop (not cash). The shop is run by accomplices and charges 5-10x normal price.
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