Sri Lanka Travel Forum

Hi,
I'm visiting Colombo for exam in the first week of June.I have few questions please reply.
1)I'm coming from India Where should I convert currency.I dont have any credit card or debit card so I'm carrying cash with me,It was informed on srilanka's official tourism website that as per custom regulation only 250 srilankan rs cash is allowed .It means I have to exchange currency at Colombo.Which currency I should bring to exchange Indian Rupees Or USD?
2)My second question is I have three full days free which places i should visit.I'm planning to visit candy/elephant orphanage/anuradhapuram & siligiri is it possible if I hire a car for three days?
thanks

1) You can't legally bring Sri Lanka Rupees (LKR) in and out of the country. Minor amounts are tolerated. Banks in Sri Lanka do not accept Indian Rupees (INR), but moneychangers will. You will find moneychangers in abundance in Colombo (Fort area). The rate was LKR 2.25 for INR 1 when I inquired last week. You will need LKR to pay for your transport from the airport to Colombo, so a good idea also to bring some USD and change at the airport.

2) It is possible to visit the places you mention in a 3 days trip if you hire a car/van. Expect to pay LKR 6500/day for transport. LKR 2000-2500/night in guesthouses including breakfast. LKR 6500-7000/night in mid-class hotels including dinner & breakfast. Entrance fees are: Elephant Orphanage LKR 1250, Kandy Tooth Temple LKR 500, Kandy Cultural Show LKR 500, Kandy Botanical Gardens LKR 600, Sigiriya Rock LKR 2800, Anuradhapura Ancient City LKR 2800.

Thanks a lot for the detail reply.I'm sure it will help me a lot while visiting Srilanka.Thanks once again
Regards
Dr Rajendra

how much cash i can carry when someone visit to Srilanka

If you want to take more than equivalent to USD 10,000 out of the country you need to to declare your cash on arrival. There is a desk for that just after immigration.