How much does a day in Sri Lanka cost?
Until the app’s spend tracker arrives, here is a rough solo budget, in the app’s own figures. Treat it as a guide, not a quote.
Prices rise in peak season and in the most popular places, such as Ella, Galle Fort and Mirissa. Away from them, you will often pay less.
- Hostel bed: LKR 3,000 to 6,000 a night
- Guesthouse room: LKR 6,000 to 12,000 a night
- Rice and curry lunch: LKR 500 to 1,000
- A day of tuk-tuks around a town: LKR 2,000 to 4,000
What are the biggest extra costs in Sri Lanka?
Entry fees to the big heritage sites are priced in US dollars for foreign visitors. Srilor’s place data lists Sigiriya at USD 35 for a foreign adult, and the ancient cities of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura at USD 30 each; check before you go.
Safaris, whale-watching boats and national park permits are paid on top, and a car and driver is the biggest single cost if you hire one. Agree what is included before you pay, and allow about LKR 500 to 1,000 a day for the driver’s tip.
How much does transport cost in Sri Lanka?
Tuk-tuks run at about LKR 100 to 120 a kilometre, and the first kilometre costs more. In Colombo, Kandy and Galle, PickMe or Uber gives a fixed price. Buses and second class train tickets are cheap.
From the airport, a pre-booked taxi or PickMe to Colombo costs about LKR 5,000 to 7,000. The Airport Express bus is much cheaper and runs often.
How do I keep track of spending in Sri Lanka?
A simple daily spend log in rupees, with your home currency alongside, is coming to the Srilor app in version 2.1. One line a day is enough to see where the money goes.
Until then, a note on your phone works: write down each day’s total in rupees and convert it once a week. Cash leaves no statement, so it is easy to lose track.
How can I save money in Sri Lanka?
Day-to-day costs are low if you eat and travel as locals do. Most savings come from a few simple habits.
- Eat rice and curry at local places at lunchtime.
- Use buses and second class trains for short hops.
- Group nearby sights to save on tuk-tuks or driver days.
- Take out larger amounts at ATMs less often, since your own bank charges the fees.
- Agree every price before a service starts.
Questions people ask
How much money do I need per day in Sri Lanka?
A solo budget traveller can get by with a hostel at LKR 3,000 to 6,000, rice and curry at LKR 500 to 1,000 and local transport. Add entry fees, safaris and any driver on top.
Is Sri Lanka expensive for tourists?
Day-to-day costs are low, but entry fees at the big sites are not: Sigiriya is listed at USD 35 for a foreign adult. Budget for these separately.
How much is a tuk-tuk in Sri Lanka?
About LKR 100 to 120 a kilometre, with the first kilometre costing more. A day of tuk-tuks around a town is about LKR 2,000 to 4,000.
Does the Srilor app have a budget tracker?
A daily spend log in rupees, with your home currency alongside, is coming in version 2.1. Until then, the app’s Guide gives rough costs.