The rupee
The currency is the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR, Rs). Prices for foreigners at major sites are often set in US dollars but charged in rupees at the day's rate.
- ATMs are common in towns and at the airport. Most accept Visa and Mastercard; check what your bank charges per withdrawal.
- Cards are accepted in hotels, larger restaurants and supermarkets. Carry cash for tuk-tuks, small shops, temples and rural areas.
- Exchange at banks or authorised money changers and keep the receipts. You will need them to change rupees back when you leave.
Tickets to the big sights
| Site | Foreign adult | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Sigiriya Rock Fortress | US$35 (child US$20) | Central Cultural Fund |
| Polonnaruwa ancient city | US$30 | Central Cultural Fund |
| Anuradhapura sacred city | US$30 | Central Cultural Fund |
| Trincomalee (CCF ticket) | US$12 | Central Cultural Fund |
| Galle maritime museum | US$6 | Central Cultural Fund |
| Jaffna (CCF ticket) | US$5 | Central Cultural Fund |
| Temple of the Tooth, Kandy | LKR 3,000 | Temple FAQ |
| Galle Fort ramparts | Free |
National park fees (Yala, Horton Plains, Minneriya, Udawalawe, Wilpattu and others) are set by the Department of Wildlife Conservation. A foreign adult pays a US$25 entry fee plus a service charge, a vehicle charge and 18% VAT, which usually comes to about US$40 to 45 per person before the jeep hire. Ask your driver or the gate for the current total. Prices were checked on 23 October 2026.
Planning ranges per day
These are estimates for planning, not quotes. They are per person per day in rupees, sharing a room, and exclude flights and visas. The trip builder uses the same ranges.
| Style | Stay (per person) | Food | Getting around |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shoestring | 1,500 to 4,000 | 1,500 to 3,000 | Bus and train, 500 to 2,500 |
| Mid-range | 4,000 to 10,000 | 3,000 to 6,000 | Car and driver, 12,000 to 20,000 per car |
| Comfort | 7,500 to 15,000 | 6,000 to 10,000 | Car or SUV, 15,000 to 22,000 per car |
| Luxury | 15,000 to 50,000 | 10,000 to 20,000 | Van or SUV, 22,000 to 32,000 per vehicle |
A private car and driver usually includes fuel and the driver's food and lodging; confirm tolls, parking and daily kilometre limits when you book.
Tipping
Service charge (often 10%) is added to many restaurant and hotel bills. Beyond that, tipping is appreciated rather than expected: rounding up for tuk-tuks, a small tip for guides and safari drivers, and a daily tip for a driver who has looked after you.