SRI LANKA

(LKR) Currency News >>

CURRENCY:

Sri Lanka Rupee - LKR, Symbol Rp

DENOMINATIONS:

NOTE: Rp2,000, 1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10.

COIN: Rp10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

US DOLLAR ACCEPTED?

Yes, widely

CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS AND ATMS:

Most major credit cards are are accepted widely. ATM machines are available in larger cities but note they may not accept international credit cards. PLEASE NOTE: the tourist board has urged caution when using credit cards in Sri Lanka, this is due to fraud.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE:

This service is available at banks, authorised exchange offices and some hotels.

TRAVELLER'S CHEQUES:

These are best in US dollars and Sterling.

BANKING HOURS:

Mon-Sat 0900-1300. Note that bank closing hours vary - some open until around 1500, and some have night services. It is worth checking in advance.

CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS:

Import and export of local currency is limited to LKR 1000.

COUNTRY OVERVIEW:

Sri Lanka is officially called the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and is an island in South Asia. It was called Ceylon until 1972. Buddhism is core to Sri Lanka and has been since ancient times. Now, however, there are many other religions which are widely practised, including Hinduism. The capital is Sri Jayawardenapura-Kotte and the official languages are Sinhala and Tamil.

POPULATION:

Around 20 million.

ECONOMY:

Ceylon tea was and remains a key export of Sri Lanka - it is a trademark export. Formerly crops from plantation were main elements but now sectors such as textiles, finance, telecommunications and food processing are more important. Sri Lanka has been affected by civil unrest and this has hampered the development of the economy. Tourism has also been important for Sri Lanka.