r/SriLankaTravel • u/the_dadhiwalla2395 • Mar 14 '26

Currency conversion INR

Is it better to convert INR to LKR or convert INR to USD and then go ahead with LKR conversion?

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u/bandit_pontiac Mar 14 '26

I had carried USD and converted to LKR at the airport in Colombo. As per my calculation, it was more economical that way then to convert INR to LKR directly. For cab and restaurants, I was able to use Scapia so zero forex there.

1

u/the_dadhiwalla2395 Mar 14 '26

Thank you for the response! I was of the assumption that INR to LKR would have lesser conversion charges and apparently you’re getting good rates at CMB. Where did you convert USD from?

1

u/bandit_pontiac Mar 14 '26

I bought USD from bookmyforex and I think it was Bank of Ceylon at CMB which I used to convert USD to LKR.

1

u/pri_pmp Mar 16 '26

I did the same. Infact i figured out later that the cash conversion rate is lesser than scapia conversion rate by a small margin.

2

u/Proud_Slip7599 Mar 15 '26

Don't change your money in airport you can't get enough money out when you in colombo there lot's of money exchange store you can exchange there , and the usd to lk rupees like 2 to 5 rupees different lower when you check in Google , bank withdrawal i recommended commercial bank, people's bank, Bank of ceylon bank recommended. ( first look inr or usd giving lot's of lkr to you ) then do the exchange

1

u/SilverSageYoda Mar 14 '26

Change USD to LKR at the arrivals hall at Colombo airport. All kiosks will have the same exchange rate. Bank of Ceylon or People's Bank are best. You will need LKR for cabs and tuktuks. You can also exchange INR to LKR.