Sri Lanka Rupee (LKR) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of LKR1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of LKR10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. There are also large numbers of commemorative coins in circulation.

Foreign currency must be changed only at authorised exchanges, banks and hotels, and these establishments must endorse such exchanges on the visitor’s Exchange Control D form, which is issued on arrival and must usually be returned at the time of departure.

American Express, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted. Diners Club has more limited acceptance.

The rate of exchange for traveller's cheques is better than the rate of exchange for cash. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.

The import and export of local currency is limited to LKR1000. The import of notes from India and Pakistan is not allowed, otherwise, the import of foreign currency is not restricted but all amounts over US$5000 are subject to declaration. Export of foreign currency is limited to the amount declared on import.

Date	Jul 06
£1.00=	LKR189.15
$1.00=	LKR103.96

Mon-Sat 0900-1300. Some city banks close at 1500, whilst some even have night bank facilities.

The following items may be imported into Sri Lanka by persons over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty:
2 bottles of wine and 1.5l of spirits; a small quantity of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette.
Please note that with effect from April 2006, there is no longer a duty free allowance for tobacco products. Any passenger arriving into Colombo and clearing customs, if having any cigarettes in their possession, will be charged at LKR6000 per carton of cigarettes approximately. (A few packets for personal use only may be allowed.)

Firearms, explosives and dangerous weapons; ivory; antiques, statues and treasures; old books; animals/birds/reptiles (dead or alive) and parts; tea; rubber; coconut plants; dangerous drugs.

(a) Only two members of the same family travelling together are entitled to free import allowances. (b) Valuable personal effects (including jewellery), must be declared on arrival in Sri Lanka. (c) There is no gift allowance. (d) Unused Sri Lankan currency should be reconverted to foreign currency upon departure. You are not permitted to leave Sri Lanka with currency in excess of LKR250.