Sri Lanka has a number of modern
shopping malls, and some 5-star hotels in Colombo also have
shopping arcades. Special purchases include handicrafts and curios of silver, brass, bone, ceramics, wood and terracotta. Also
cane baskets, straw hats, reed and coir mats, spices and the island’s excellent tea. Batik
fabric, lace and lacquerware are also popular. Masks used in dance-dramas, processions and festivals can also be bought: they can depict kings, queens, demonic birds and snake spirits amongst other things. The ‘18-disease’ mask shows
a demon in possession of a victim; he is surrounded by 18 faces – each of which cures a specific ailment. Versions produced for the tourist market are often of a high standard. Sri Lanka is also rich in gems. Fabrics include batiks, cottons, rayons, silks and fine lace.
Shopping hoursMon-Fri 0900-1730, Sat 0900-1300.
Currency Information:CurrencySri Lanka Rupee (LKR; symbol Rp) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of Rp2,000, 1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of Rp10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. There are also large numbers of commemorative coins in circulation.
Currency ExchangeForeign currency can be changed at authorized exchanges, banks and hotels.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMsMasterCard and Visa are widely accepted. American Express is also often accepted. Major cities have ATMs, although not all will accept international cards.The tourist board urges caution when paying by credit card due to the potential for fraud.
Traveller's ChequesThe rate of exchange for traveller's cheques can be better than the rate of exchange for cash. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.
Currency RestrictionsRestrictions apply.
Banking HoursMon-Sat 0900-1300. Some city banks close at 1500, whilst some even have night bank facilities.
Exchange Rate Indicators| Date | Jan 09 |
| £1.00= | Rp190.03 |
| $1.00= | Rp113.83 |
| €1.00= | Rp154.92 |
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