Quick answer
In Sri Lanka, Australian cricket fans should use Sri Lankan rupees for tuk-tuks, food stalls and tips, drawing cash from bank ATMs with a debit card, and use credit cards in hotels and larger restaurants. Australian dollars can be changed at the airport and banks. For phones, buy a local SIM or eSIM at Colombo's airport for cheap data. Sri Lanka uses Type D and G plugs at 230 V, so Australian plugs need an adaptor.
Key takeaways
- Sri Lanka's currency is the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR); exchange rates move, so check before you travel.
- Bank ATMs are common in towns and accept most Australian debit and credit cards.
- Cash is needed for tuk-tuks, street food, cricket ground stalls and tips.
- Local SIMs and eSIMs from Dialog, SLT-Mobitel and Hutch give cheap data.
- Sri Lanka uses Type D and G plugs at 230 V; Australian Type I plugs need an adaptor.
Rupees, ATMs and cards
Sri Lanka's currency is the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR). The exchange rate moves, so check it before you travel rather than relying on old figures. Most everyday spending, on tuk-tuks, street food, cricket ground stalls, small shops and tips, is in cash.
Bank ATMs are common in towns and accept most Australian debit and credit cards, though your bank may charge a fee. Tell your bank before you travel, carry two cards in case one is blocked, and use ATMs inside banks or shopping centres rather than on the street.
Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, larger restaurants and shops, sometimes with a small surcharge. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted.
- →Cash for tuk-tuks, stalls and tips.
- →Bank ATMs with a debit card.
- →Credit cards in hotels and restaurants.
Changing Australian dollars
Australian dollars can be changed at the airport on arrival and at banks and licensed money changers in Colombo, Galle and Kandy. Rates at the airport are usually reasonable, and it is useful to change a small amount on arrival for the first day.
Keep receipts from money changers, because you may need them to change rupees back when you leave. Do not change money with people on the street.
Lankan Stays & Trails includes a short money briefing in its cricket trip notes, with the nearest ATMs to each ground and hotel.
- →Change a small amount at the airport.
- →Use banks or licensed changers.
- →Keep receipts.
Tipping and paying at the cricket
Tipping is customary in Sri Lanka. Hotel staff, restaurant servers, guides and drivers usually expect a tip, often around 10 per cent in restaurants that do not add a service charge. For drivers and guides on a multi-day trip, a daily tip at the end of the trip is usual.
At the cricket, cash is the easiest way to pay for food, water and drinks. Carry small notes, because stall holders may not have change for large ones.
- →Restaurants: around 10 per cent if no service charge.
- →Drivers and guides: a daily tip at the end.
- →Small notes at the cricket.
SIMs, eSIMs and Wi-Fi
A local SIM or eSIM is the easiest way to stay connected on a cricket tour. Dialog, SLT-Mobitel and Hutch have counters at Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport, and tourist packages give plenty of data for a few weeks. Bring your passport to register a SIM.
Data is needed for e-tickets, ride-hailing apps, maps, commentary and calls home. Most hotels and cafes have Wi-Fi, though speeds vary. Australian roaming works but is usually more expensive than a local SIM.
- →Buy a SIM or eSIM at the airport.
- →Bring your passport to register it.
- →Data for tickets, rides and maps.
Plugs and power
Sri Lanka uses Type D (three round pins) and Type G (three rectangular pins, as in the UK) sockets, at 230 V. Australian Type I plugs do not fit, so bring a universal adaptor or two. Most phone and laptop chargers work at 230 V.
Power cuts are less common than in the past but can happen, so keep a power bank charged, especially on match days.
- →Type D and G sockets, 230 V.
- →Bring a universal adaptor.
- →Keep a power bank charged.
Keeping money and phones safe
Keep cash and cards in more than one place, carry only what you need to the cricket, and keep phones in a zipped pocket in crowds. Use the hotel safe for passports and spare cash, carrying a copy of your passport if allowed.
Be wary of offers to change money in the street and of anyone asking to help at an ATM.
Frequently asked questions
Can you use Australian dollars in Sri Lanka?
Australian dollars are not accepted for everyday spending in Sri Lanka. Change them into Sri Lankan rupees at the airport, banks or licensed money changers, or withdraw rupees from bank ATMs with your card. Keep receipts in case you want to change rupees back.
Do Australian cards work in Sri Lankan ATMs?
Most Australian debit and credit cards work in Sri Lankan bank ATMs, especially Visa and Mastercard. Your bank may charge a fee. Tell your bank before travelling, carry two cards and use ATMs inside banks or shopping centres.
How much cash should you take to a cricket match in Sri Lanka?
Take enough cash in Sri Lankan rupees for food, water, drinks and transport home, in small notes, because many stalls and tuk-tuks do not take cards. Check current exchange rates before you travel, and carry only what you need for the day.
What is the best SIM card for Sri Lanka?
Dialog, SLT-Mobitel and Hutch all sell tourist SIMs and eSIMs at Colombo's airport, with plenty of data for a few weeks. Dialog is often said to have the widest coverage, but all three work in the main towns and at the grounds. Bring your passport to register.
What plug adaptor do you need for Sri Lanka from Australia?
Sri Lanka uses Type D and Type G sockets at 230 V. Australian Type I plugs do not fit, so bring a universal adaptor. Most phone and laptop chargers work at 230 V, but check any other appliances before plugging them in.
Should you tip in Sri Lanka?
Tipping is customary in Sri Lanka. In restaurants without a service charge, about 10 per cent is usual. Hotel staff, guides and drivers also expect tips, with drivers and guides on multi-day trips usually tipped at the end. Small tips for porters and helpers are appreciated.
Is it safe to carry cash at the cricket in Sri Lanka?
Carrying some cash at the cricket is generally safe, but keep it in a zipped pocket or a money belt, carry only what you need and keep cards and spare cash in the hotel safe. Big matches are crowded, so watch your belongings in queues.