Discover Sri Lanka!
Gear up for your adventure in the pearl of the Indian Ocean by converting your Kiwi dollars to Sri Lankan Rupees.
From the vibrant streets of Colombo to the cultural heart of Kandy, having the right cash lets you enjoy every cup of Ceylon tea and delicious street food hassle-free.
Secure your LKR today and be prepared for an unforgettable journey!
Holiday Budget Calculator
We know holiday budgeting can be a snooze fest, but it's important! Just pop in your trip details, and our clever tools will mix crowd-sourced Numbeo data with our exchange rates to show you how much to bring. Easy as!
How to save money on your Sri Lankan holiday
- Travel during off-peak seasons (May to August or September to November) for lower prices on flights and accommodations. These months are quieter, offering more affordable options and fewer crowds, especially before the high season begins in December.
- Dining out? Try budget-friendly street food like kottu roti (stir-fried flatbread), hoppers (crispy pancakes), and isso wade (prawn fritters) which are delicious and budget-friendly, while sit-down meals are affordable and full of flavour.
- Bargain confidently at local markets to score great deals on souvenirs and spices.
- Public transportation is inexpensive in Sri Lanka. The train system offers scenic, affordable travel, while local buses and tuk-tuks are great for short trips around the city.
- Don’t miss free attractions like Galle Face Green in Colombo or the Sacred Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, where you can enjoy cultural sights without hefty entry fees.
- Convert NZD to LKR with Travel Money NZ for competitive exchange rates that make every Rupee go further on your travels.
All about the Sri Lankan Rupee
The history of Sri Lankan currency
Dive into the fascinating history of the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR), which dates back to January 1872, when it replaced the British Pound Sterling.
Emerging from its colonial roots, the Rupee reflects Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and economic resilience.
Today’s LKR celebrates the country’s vibrant history and progress with colourful notes that showcase its unique identity.
Cash rate
Purchase in store
*Online rates not available in store
Card rate
Purchase in store
Code
LKR
Symbol
රු
Coins
රු1, රු2, රු5, රු10
Banknotes
රු10, රු20, රු50, රු100, රු500, රු1000, රු2000, රු5000
Sri Lankan notes and coins
Familiarise yourself with Sri Lankan Rupee notes, available in denominations of LKR 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 2000, and 5000.
Fun Facts about Sri Lankan Currency
Each note features former political figures on one side and flora and fauna on the other, capturing the island’s natural beauty and historical significance.
Coins, though less commonly used, include denominations like 25 and 50 cents and 1, 2, and 5 Rupees.
Pro tip: Keep smaller denominations handy for local vendors and tips, and remember, 10% is a good tipping benchmark.
Travel Money Trivia - LKR edition
- You can enter Sri Lanka with up to Rs5,000 in cash, and any foreign currencies adding up to more than USD $15,000 have to be declared on your way in.
- The rupee has been in effect since January 1872, when it replaced the British pound sterling – that still makes the rupee an incredibly old currency!
- Cents are an endangered species in Sri Lanka – —coins under 1 Rupee are seldom used.
Why exchange with us?
No Hidden Fees
Friendly Personalised Service
Secure Transactions
Free Travel Money Guides
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Sell LKR with our Currency Buy-Back Service
Ensuring you have ample Sri Lankan Rupees for your journey allows you to enjoy a stress-free experience.
With Travel Money NZ, securing the best exchange rate is straightforward, letting you focus on the vibrant landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka.