Card Payments in Sri Lanka – What You Should Know!

In a world where card payment is becoming the norm and cash payment is yet to but has started to slow down, Sri Lanka too is becoming a destination where you can depend mostly on ‘card payments,’ as long as you have the right card payment method. However, please note that ‘TukTuk’ drivers generally prefer ‘cash’ payments and may refuse to accept a hire if it is made with a ‘card payment.’

Street vendors and wayside boutique shops primarily operate on cash payments. However, don’t worry; larger establishments such as supermarkets, shopping malls, major restaurants, hotels, travel services, and private health care facilities all have the facilities to operate on ‘card payments.’

Whether you’re a traveller, expat, or a local, understanding how card payments work in Sri Lanka is essential in today’s increasingly cashless environment.

1. Wide Acceptance – But Not Everywhere

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted at hotels, supermarkets, restaurants, clothing stores, and petrol stations.
American Express (AMEX) and UnionPay are accepted in select places (mostly high-end hotels and duty-free outlets).
Rural areas and small vendors may only accept cash or mobile payments like QR codes.

2. Foreign Cards – Check with Your Bank

Most foreign cards work at ATMs and POS machines.
Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) may be applied – choose LKR (Sri Lankan Rupee) to avoid poor conversion rates.
Always inform your bank about your travel to avoid transactions being flagged.

3. Contactless & Mobile Payments

Tap-to-pay is supported in major retail outlets.
NFC-enabled cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay are supported only by a few banks and merchants. (Do not depend much on this method, while Visa Credit Card, Visa Debit Card are definitely a good option)
LankaQR is Sri Lanka’s national QR system – popular among locals for merchant payments via apps like FriMi, Q+, and Nations Pay.\

4. ATM Withdrawals

Most ATMs accept international cards.
Look for Bank of Ceylon, Sampath Bank, Commercial Bank, and HNB ATMs for wide compatibility.
Withdrawal fee from Sri Lankan ATMs: typically LKR 300–500.
Foreign exchange fees may apply on top of ATM fees.

5. Security & Fraud Awareness

Sri Lanka has improved EMV chip card security, but card skimming still occurs.
Always shield your PIN, avoid standalone ATMs, and enable transaction alerts via SMS.
If your card is lost/stolen, immediately call your bank’s hotline and file a police report if needed.

6. Local Card Services

Credit and Debit cards are issued by all major banks: HNB, Seylan, Sampath, Commercial, NDB, etc.
Many offer cashback, installment plans, and discounts with retailers.
Sri Lanka now offers virtual cards via digital banks like FriMi and Flash.

7. eCommerce Payments

Online shopping is supported with OTP-based security.
Popular sites like Daraz.lk, Kapruka, and MyDeal.lk accept all major cards.
Some international subscriptions (Netflix, Spotify) may need cards with international transaction capability enabled.

8. Tourist Tips

Always carry a mix of card and cash (especially for tuk-tuks, entrance fees, and small vendors).
Avoid black market currency exchanges—use ATMs or authorized counters.
Most tourist hubs accept cards, but national parks, temples, or local eateries may not.

Key Points to Remember

Carry a Visa or Mastercard for the most flexibility.
Always opt to pay in LKR, not your home currency.
Enable mobile alerts and keep backup payment options.