Cash or Card in Sri Lanka?

Short answer: bring both. Cards are widely accepted in Colombo hotels, supermarkets and large restaurants; cash is essential everywhere else.

Where Cards Work

• 5-star hotels, Airbnb check-ins, large supermarkets (Keells, Arpico, LAUGFS)
• Most restaurants in Colombo 3, 4, 7, 11
• Online bookings (tickets, tours, accommodation)

Where You Need Cash

• Tuk-tuks and local buses
• Markets, street food, small guesthouses
• Temples, national parks (entry fees)
• Any business outside Colombo or Galle

Card Fees

Most international cards charge 1.5–3% foreign transaction fee. Cards with no FX fee (Wise, Revolut, Starling) save you money. Today's USD rate: Rs 325.10.