Image credit: Swiss Money ExchangeThe currency of Sri Lanka is called the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). 1 LKR is equivalent to 100 cents. Banknotes are issued in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 LKR. Coins are available in 5, 10, 25 and 50 cents, as well as 1, 2, 5 and 10 LKR.
Most of the money changers in Colombo are clustered together on busy streets in commercial districts, making it easy for customers to walk from shop to shop and compare rates.
To get the best rates, visit the famous currency exchange shops on Galle Road: Maruthi Money Exchange, Prasanna Money Exchange, and Swiss Money Exchange (Address, contact, and opening hours are listed below).
Other recommended money changers are located on York Street, Mudalige Mawatha Road, and Sea Street.
Those who bring traveler’s cheques along can exchange them at the banks as these cheques are not accepted or exchanged at most forex shops.
Image credit: Maruthi Money ExchangeGalle Road, one of the major roads in Colombo, is where you can find popular tourist landmarks like Galle Face Green and Galle Face Hotel.
The money changers along Galle Road are located at the inner suburb of Wellawatte, near Wellawatte Mosque and Wellawatte Public Market.
Most of these forex shops are open daily until 20:00.
Recommended money changers
1) Maruthi Money Exchange
2) Prasanna Money Exchange
3) Swiss Money Exchange
4) Royal Money Exchange
Image credit: Swiss Money ExchangeYork Street is a short commercial street near the Presidential Palace and Gordon Gardens. It is also within walking distance from Pettah World Market.
All the popular money changers on York Street are strategically located in the same building. This is very convenient for those who want to compare rates before choosing a service to go with.
This building is just 3 minutes on foot from the Presidential Palace. Note that all of the money changers in this area are closed on Sundays.
Recommended money changers
1) Royal Money Exchange
2) Swiss Money Exchange
3) International Exchange
4) Windsor Money Changer
5) Kamal Money Exchange
Image credit: Amalan MeganathanMudalige Mawatha Road is just a short walk from York Street, and is only 2 minutes on foot from the Presidential Palace. It stretches perpendicular to Janadhipathi Mawatha, the road fronting the Presidential Palace.
There are several good money changers in Mudalige Mawatha Road that are recommended below.
Recommended money changers
1) Crown Money Exchange
2) Golden Money Changers
3) Prasanna Money Exchange
Image credit: TypedmassSea Street is a mile-long busy narrow street that stretches from Gas Works Junction, near the Old Town Hall Market, to St. Thomas Church. It is popularly known as the gold market of Sri Lanka for its string of jewelry shops.
Some of these jewelry shops, like Ravi Jewellers and Daya Palace, also offer currency exchange service. Arrujina Money Exchange, on the other hand, is an independent money changer also located in Sea Street.
All of these forex shops are closed on Sundays.
Recommended money changers
1) Ravi Jewellers & Money Changer
2) Arrujina Money Changer
3) Daya Palace Jewellers
Image credit: Typedmass Keyzer Street is a short commercial street that stretches from the Old Town Hall Market to Pettah Market.
Keyzer Exchange, the lone money changer on Keyzer street, is a convenient place to stock up Sri Lankan rupees quickly for shopping at the above two markets.
The shop is just 4 minutes on foot from the Old Town Hall Market.
Shop information