Sri Lanka credit card acceptance 2026 - where do I need cash?
3 Answers from travellers
Credit cards widely accepted at hotels (3-star+), tourist restaurants, supermarkets (Cargills, Keells), department stores, larger tour operators, gas stations, and Colombo bars/malls. Visa/Mastercard fine, Amex spottier. Cash required for: tuk-tuks (except PickMe app), local kade eateries, entry fees at some sites, tips, village markets, small guesthouses, buses and trains. Rule: 5000-10000 LKR daily cash for small purchases, card for everything else. Check for 'card surcharge' - some hotels add 3.5% for foreign cards.
Notify your home bank of Sri Lanka travel to prevent card blocks. Foreign transaction fees vary 1-3% depending on card - Charles Schwab checking and some travel cards refund ATM fees, saves $50-100 on a 2-week trip.
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