Cash and ATMs in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, a teardrop-shaped jewel in the Indian Ocean, just off the south coast of India, captivates with its lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and where cascading tea plantations meet pristine beaches in a harmonious splendor. To enjoy this beautiful little island nation, you will need cash in Sri Lanka to enjoy your self. With this guide, we tell you everything you need to know about Sri Lanka and money – notes, where to get the local cash, ATMs, cash or card, how to avoid fees, payment options and how to travel on a budget!

You may also enjoy reading Ultimate guide on how to save money for travelling in 2025.

Where can I find ATMs in Sri Lanka?

There are nearly 4,000 ATMs in Sri Lanka. This tiny nation has ATMs operated by its 25+ commercial and specialised banks that include some foreign banks as well. Its an interesting country when it comes to its ATMs. You will find one in nearly every town, on the main streets and groups of 2 or more ATMs usually together.
Fun fact: ATMs were first introduced in Sri Lanka in 1986! That’s only 37 years ago! You will find ATMs at many places – centre of nearly every town. Getting money in Sri Lanka won’t need you to travel a lot. But of course, if you are planning to stay in the remotest retreat on the island, then get your cash before hand.
You can find ATMs at:

• Airports,
• Market squares,
• Main tourist streets of every major town,
• On major highways connecting the country’s north to south, at the start of every town,
• Town squares,
• Shopping malls,
• Food lanes,
• Bank branches,
• Some corporate buildings,

It will be difficult to find ATMs in:

• Interior of the villages,
• In small towns, off the main streets,
• Religious places,
• Remote resorts and retreats.

Best ATMs to use in Sri Lanka for foreigners

The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Sri Lanka are those owned by popular banks such as:

People’s Bank,
Nation’s Trust Bank,
Bank of Ceylon,
Amana Bank,
NSB Bank.

There are other banks with ATMs that also accept international debit and credit cards, such as DFCC Bank, Commercial Bank, Cargills Bank, NDB Bank, however, they charge fees for foreign cards.

Some international banks also have their ATMs in Sri Lanka, namely HSBC and Standard Chartered.

Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency

In Sri Lanka, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or Charge in LKR).

• If you ‘Accept’ – ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate and you pay an extra % fee to the ATM for currency conversion also.
• If you ‘Decline’ – ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).

So, to avoid extra fees while withdrawing cash in Sri Lanka, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in LKR’.

If you’d like to understand more, read ATM fees abroad: Charges to use cards at foreign ATMs explained.

Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Sri Lanka?

Yes, many types of foreign cards are easily accepted at ATMs in Sri Lanka. Only some specialised banks don’t, but they only have a handful of ATMs so you will likely not encounter them at all.

ATMs in Sri Lanka will mainly accept Visa and Mastercard. So please come prepared with cards with one of those logos. In fact, some ATMs only accept Visa and some only Mastercard, so you are better off getting at least one of each type on your travel to Sri Lanka. Do not expect a lot of them to accept Amex or Diners cards.

For a detailed guide, read Money and Currency in Sri Lanka.

What are the ATM opening hours?

Yes. Usually, ATMs in Sri Lanka are operational 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. ATMs in bank branches are also usually open 24×7 as you find them at the branch entrance.

What do they call ATMs in Sri Lanka?

ATMs in India will typically have a sign in English called “ATM” along with the bank name.

PIN type

Sri Lanka ATMs accept 4-digit PINs. Only some ATMs accept 6 digit PINs. So if you have a 6 digit PIN, request your bank for a 4 digit PIN to be able to use your credit or debit card in Sri Lanka.

Languages at ATMs in Sri Lanka

ATMs in Sri Lanka allow 3 language options by default – English, Tamil and Sinhalese. You get to choose this option at the start of the transaction itself. Do not expect any other foreign language options. If you don’t understand any of these 3 languages, not to worry, you can use Google Translate’s camera function and translate the ATM screen, on your phone, live! Just note that these translations are not always 100% accurate, so take your time and don’t rush through the transaction.

Do ATMs in Sri Lanka work similarly as other countries?

Absolutely, ATMs in Sri Lanka are fitted with up-to-date technology, mirroring the look and functionality of those found in countries like the US, UK, Europe, and Australia, ensuring a familiar and effortless money withdrawal experience.

Join the discussion, read and share cash related travel experiences on ATM Fee Saver’s Community Travel Forum at Money & Travel in Asia.

What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Sri Lanka?

ATMs in Sri Lanka dispense only the official currency Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). A handful of banks at some of their ATMs allow withdrawing USD and few other currencies, however, this is not very common.

ATM withdrawal limits in Sri Lanka?

ATMs in Sri Lanka have varying maximum withdrawal limits per transaction of LKR 25,000 to LKR 200,000 (Sri Lankan Rupee). Some bank ATMs allow to withdraw as much as the card’s limit, in one transaction. However, majority of the bank ATMs limit the daily limit to LKR 200,000 per day.

ATM Fees in Sri Lanka?

There are many fee-free ATMs in Sri Lanka. Some bank ATMs charge between LKR 400 to LKR 1,000 per transaction as ATM Fees to foreign cardholders and many bank ATMs do not charge fees to foreign cards.So, there are many fee-free options in Sri Lanka for a foreign cardholder.

Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Sri Lanka – something every traveller handling cash in Sri Lanka should be aware of. These are:

1. Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
2. Your Bank’s currency conversion fee – Some banks charge the card holder a fee to use the card abroad. Cross check with your bank on what the charges are.

How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in Sri Lanka?

• Use the fee-free or lower fee ATMs in the country.
• Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
• Opt for “Decline Conversion” or “Without Conversion” during ATM transactions.
• Consider getting a fee-free travel card from your home country.
• Get one Visa and one Mastercard fee-free cards as some ATMs abroad accept only Visa and some only Mastercard.
• Avoid using ATMs at the airports, sometimes they have higher fees.

For a detailed guide, read Withdrawing cash abroad? 9 best ways to save foreign ATM fees.

Ways to find fee-free ATMs in Sri Lanka?

Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in Sri Lanka. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 160+ countries including Singapore.

Download now from the App Store or Play Store.

Is it safe to use Sri Lanka ATMs?

Typically, yes. A lot of ATMs have camera. Near ATMs, the crime rate is lower but it does need precaution especially in remote areas and empty streets.
To be safe, use precautions such as:

• Use the ATMs located inside bank branches instead of standalone ones.
• Avoid using ATMs on empty streets or late at night.
• Keep your card visible at all times.
• Cover the PIN pad with the palm of your hand to avoid revealing your PIN to hidden cameras.
• If you find any suspicious devices attached around the keypad area of the ATM, do not use the ATM.
• Be aware of your surroundings, if you see suspicious people, move away.
• Keep two or more cards as backup.
• If also using your mobile phone for the transaction, avoid using public Wi-Fi. Use VPN for extra protection.

FAQs

What to do if an ATM takes your card?

If an ATM in Sri Lanka takes your card, contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may retreive your card if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but they usually retreive and resend new cards only for their own customers. If so, you’ll need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a new card at home or abroad.

Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs here?

Yes, it is possible. There are many fee-free ATMs in Sri Lanka. Some bank ATMs charge between LKR 400 to LKR 1,000 per transaction as ATM Fees to foreign cardholders and many bank ATMs do not charge fees to foreign cards.So, there are many fee-free options in Sri Lanka for a foreign cardholder.

Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted at ATMs in Sri Lanka?

Absolutely yes! You can usually use credit cards from the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and other countries at ATMs in Sri Lanka. Most ATMs accept major cards like Visa, MasterCard. American Express and Diners are going to be harder to be accepted. Just look for the symbols on the ATMs – they’ll show you which cards are accepted.

Bitcoin ATMs?

There are no bitcoin ATMs in Sri Lanka.

Foreign bank ATMs’ in Sri Lanka

Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs in Sri Lanka.
Citibank: There is a Citibank office in Sri Lanka but they do not have any ATMs there. Citibank mainly operates their corporate business in Sri Lanka
Barclays: No, there is no Barclays bank ATM in Vietnam. But you can use a Barclays bank card at local ATMs of a local Sri Lankan bank.
HSBC: Yes, there are 15-20 HSBC ATMs in Sri Lanka, mainly in Colombo, in all major tourist towns of this island nation.
Standard Chartered: Yes, there are 7-8 Standard Chartered ATMs in Sri Lanka, mainly in the tourist towns of the country.