Tipping in Sri Lanka
Tip 10% in restaurants if no service charge is added. Drivers and guides expect 500-1000 LKR per day; hotel porters appreciate 200-500 LKR per bag.
Sri Lanka price guide
Prices in Sri Lanka in 2026: fair price vs tourist trap
Short answer: very cheap, if you pay what locals pay. Fair prices sit 45% below the 60-country median, while tourist prices are about 2.9× the fair price.
29 prices checked Apr – Aug 2026 10 verified and 19 estimates How I check
Fair prices at a glance
- Street food meal Rs 300–650 ≈ $0.91 – $2
- City taxi 1 km Rs 70–130 ≈ $0.21 – $0.39
- Local beer Rs 600–1,200 ≈ $1.80 – $3.60
- Massage (1 hour) Rs 3,000–11,000 ≈ $9 – $33
All 29 prices are also in the free app for iPhone and Android, and they work offline. Get it
One day in Sri Lanka: Rs 6,645 or Rs 16,125
About $20 or $49 a day.
The first number is what locals pay, the second what tourist spots charge for exactly the same day.
Same day, same things: the tourist version costs 2.4× as much.
Restaurant meal alone: Rs 9,000, or 56% of the tourist-trap day.
+Rs 9,480 (about $29) for the same day
| Item | Fair (Rs) | Trap (Rs) |
|---|---|---|
| Street food meal | 475 | 1,850 |
| Restaurant meal | 4,250 | 9,000 |
| Coffee (espresso) | 625 | 1,200 |
| Water 1.5 L | 115 | 325 |
| Local beer | 900 | 2,250 |
| Public transit ticket 2 rides | 180 | 900 |
| Short taxi ride about 1 km | 100 | 600 |
| Total | 6,645 | 16,125 |
- Sightseeing comes on top: a ticket to a top museum or attraction is Rs 1,500–4,000 (about $4.50 – $12).
- Accommodation is left out on purpose: it swings too much with the season and the night of the week for one honest number.
Where tourists overpay most in Sri Lanka
Tourist-trap price compared with the fair price, using the middle of each range.
- 1 City taxi 1 km Fair Rs 70–130 Trap Rs 300–900 Tourist prices are about 6.0× the fair price
- 2 Private transfer (app) Fair Rs 200–2,000 Trap Rs 2,500–10,000 Tourist prices are about 5.7× the fair price
- 3 Public transit ticket Fair Rs 30–150 Trap Rs 300–600 Tourist prices are about 5.0× the fair price
Check a price you were quoted
Pick what you are buying, type the price, and see where it lands.
about $1.50
Tourist-trap price
Fair Rs 70–130 Trap Rs 300–900
Rs 500 is 5.0× the middle of the fair range (Rs 70–130).
Tourists often get charged Rs 300–900. From Rs 300 you are paying the tourist-trap price.
In the app, every expense you log on a trip gets the same check, offline.
Fair vs tourist prices in Sri Lanka, item by item
What 29 everyday things should cost, and what tourists often pay instead. Typical for Colombo, Kandy, Galle, and Negombo.
Show prices in
- Fair price
- Tourist-trap price
- Verified
- Estimate
Bars run from zero to each item's top tourist-trap price.
Food & drinks
Restaurant meal: fair is Rs 2,500–6,000. Above Rs 6,000 you are on the tourist menu.
-
Water 0.5 L
Bottled, convenience store
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 4.7× the fair priceFair Rs 50–100 ≈ $0.15 – $0.30Trap Rs 200–500 ≈ $0.61 – $1.50 -
Coffee (espresso)
Cafe or street vendor
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 1.9× the fair priceFair Rs 400–850 ≈ $1.20 – $2.60Trap Rs 900–1,500 ≈ $2.70 – $4.50 -
Local beer
Draft, at bar or restaurant
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 2.5× the fair priceFair Rs 600–1,200 ≈ $1.80 – $3.60Trap Rs 1,500–3,000 ≈ $4.50 – $9.10 -
Restaurant meal
Tourist area, main course
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 2.1× the fair priceFair Rs 2,500–6,000 ≈ $8 – $18Trap Rs 6,000–12,000 ≈ $18 – $36 -
Street food meal
Local market or stand
Verified ·Tourist prices are about 3.9× the fair priceFair Rs 300–650 ≈ $0.91 – $2Trap Rs 1,200–2,500 ≈ $3.60 – $7.60 -
Cocktail at bar
Mixed drink, bar
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 2.3× the fair priceFair Rs 1,500–3,000 ≈ $4.50 – $9.10Trap Rs 3,500–7,000 ≈ $11 – $21 -
Bottle of wine (restaurant)
House wine, restaurant
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 2.1× the fair priceFair Rs 6,000–12,000 ≈ $18 – $36Trap Rs 13,000–25,000 ≈ $39 – $76 -
Fresh juice
Cafe or street stall
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 2.6× the fair priceFair Rs 250–600 ≈ $0.76 – $1.80Trap Rs 700–1,500 ≈ $2.10 – $4.50
Transport
Airport taxi to the center: fair is Rs 5,000–9,000. At Rs 10,000 or more, walk away.
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Airport taxi to center
Standard route
Verified ·Tourist prices are about 1.8× the fair priceFair Rs 5,000–9,000 ≈ $15 – $27Trap Rs 10,000–15,000 ≈ $30 – $45 -
City taxi 1 km
Metered or typical fare
Verified ·Tourist prices are about 6.0× the fair priceFair Rs 70–130 ≈ $0.21 – $0.39Trap Rs 300–900 ≈ $0.91 – $2.70 -
Public transit ticket
Single ride
Verified ·Tourist prices are about 5.0× the fair priceFair Rs 30–150 ≈ $0.09 – $0.45Trap Rs 300–600 ≈ $0.91 – $1.80 -
Private transfer (app)
Grab / Bolt / Uber
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 5.7× the fair priceFair Rs 200–2,000 ≈ $0.61 – $6.10Trap Rs 2,500–10,000 ≈ $8 – $30
Souvenirs
Fridge magnet: fair is Rs 200–500. From Rs 600 you are paying the souvenir-stall markup.
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Fridge magnet
Tourist shop
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 3.7× the fair priceFair Rs 200–500 ≈ $0.61 – $1.50Trap Rs 600–2,000 ≈ $1.80 – $6.10 -
Printed T-shirt
Tourist shop
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 2.0× the fair priceFair Rs 1,500–2,500 ≈ $4.50 – $7.60Trap Rs 3,000–5,000 ≈ $9 – $15 -
Local handcraft
Ceramics, textiles, etc.
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 3.0× the fair priceFair Rs 500–3,500 ≈ $1.50 – $11Trap Rs 4,000–8,000 ≈ $12 – $24
Daily essentials
Tourist SIM: fair is Rs 500–1,500. From Rs 2,500 it is the tourist-kiosk price.
-
Tourist SIM card
Data package
Verified ·Tourist prices are about 3.8× the fair priceFair Rs 500–1,500 ≈ $1.50 – $4.50Trap Rs 2,500–5,000 ≈ $8 – $15 -
Sunscreen SPF50
Pharmacy or shop
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 2.3× the fair priceFair Rs 1,500–5,000 ≈ $4.50 – $15Trap Rs 5,000–10,000 ≈ $15 – $30 -
Water 1.5 L
Supermarket
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 2.8× the fair priceFair Rs 80–150 ≈ $0.24 – $0.45Trap Rs 250–400 ≈ $0.76 – $1.20 -
Cigarettes
Pack of 20
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 2.1× the fair priceFair Rs 1,800–2,000 ≈ $5.40 – $6.10Trap Rs 3,500–4,500 ≈ $11 – $14 -
Painkillers (paracetamol)
Pack of 20 tablets
Verified ·Tourist prices are about 4.1× the fair priceFair Rs 60–100 ≈ $0.18 – $0.30Trap Rs 150–500 ≈ $0.45 – $1.50 -
Mosquito repellent
Spray or lotion
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 3.4× the fair priceFair Rs 300–800 ≈ $0.91 – $2.40Trap Rs 1,200–2,500 ≈ $3.60 – $7.60
Services
One-hour massage: fair is Rs 3,000–11,000. From Rs 12,000 you are paying for the address.
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Men's haircut
Local barbershop
Verified ·Tourist prices are about 2.4× the fair priceFair Rs 1,500–3,500 ≈ $4.50 – $11Trap Rs 4,000–8,000 ≈ $12 – $24 -
Laundry (per kg)
Laundry service
Verified ·Tourist prices are about 3.0× the fair priceFair Rs 150–500 ≈ $0.45 – $1.50Trap Rs 750–1,200 ≈ $2.30 – $3.60 -
Massage (1 hour)
Standard full-body massage
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 2.6× the fair priceFair Rs 3,000–11,000 ≈ $9 – $33Trap Rs 12,000–25,000 ≈ $36 – $76 -
Women's haircut
Basic cut, salon
Verified ·Tourist prices are about 2.9× the fair priceFair Rs 1,500–4,000 ≈ $4.50 – $12Trap Rs 4,000–12,000 ≈ $12 – $36
Attractions
Top museum or attraction: fair is Rs 1,500–4,000. From Rs 5,000, check that you are not buying through a reseller.
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Top museum / attraction
Entrance ticket
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 3.6× the fair priceFair Rs 1,500–4,000 ≈ $4.50 – $12Trap Rs 5,000–15,000 ≈ $15 – $45 -
Half-day group tour
Organized excursion
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 2.8× the fair priceFair Rs 5,600–12,200 ≈ $17 – $37Trap Rs 15,000–35,000 ≈ $45 – $105 -
Full-day group tour
Organized excursion 6-8h
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 2.9× the fair priceFair Rs 8,000–18,000 ≈ $24 – $54Trap Rs 25,000–50,000 ≈ $76 – $150 -
Cooking class
Local cuisine cooking class
Verified ·Tourist prices are about 1.9× the fair priceFair Rs 6,000–10,500 ≈ $18 – $32Trap Rs 12,000–20,000 ≈ $36 – $61
Converted at 1 USD = 330.4 LKR, the rate on October 3, 2026. Approximate.
Money and tipping in Sri Lanka
Currency
Sri Lankan rupee (LKR)
- 1 USD = 330.4 LKR
Quick converter, LKR to USD
When a card terminal or ATM offers to charge you in your home currency, choose LKR. The rate it offers is almost always worse.
Bargaining in Sri Lanka
Bargaining is common in local markets and for unmetered tuk-tuks. Always agree on a price before starting a ride or purchase. In tourist shops, polite negotiation can often secure a 10-15% discount. Use ride-hailing apps like PickMe for transparent, fixed pricing.
Fuel prices per liter
- Gasoline Rs 475 / liter ≈ $1.40
- Diesel Rs 478 / liter ≈ $1.40
Scams and safety in Sri Lanka
What tourists actually run into, from overcharging tricks to local laws. Open any item for the details.
Scam or crime Colombo tuk-tuk and gem-shop commission scam
In Colombo and Kandy, tuk tuk drivers offer free city tours that end at gem or tea shops, where the driver takes a cut of whatever you buy. Real stones need a Sri Lanka Gem Authority certificate. Use the PickMe app, refuse every free detour, and insist on the meter: in Colombo expect a flag fall of roughly 50 to 80 LKR plus about 60 to 80 LKR per kilometre. Buy gems only at SLGA certified stores on Galle Road.
Nature Monsoon rip currents and Mirissa whale-boat risk
Sri Lanka has two monsoons. Yala runs May to September and hits the south and west coast, Maha runs October to January and hits the east and north. Rip currents at Mirissa, Unawatuna and Hikkaduwa drown swimmers every season, and many beaches have no lifeguard. Whale watching boats out of Mirissa vary a lot in safety and in how close they crowd the animals. Book a licensed operator, swim only between the red flag markers, and check the Sri Lanka Meteorological Department forecast before a beach or boat day.
Emergency numbers in Sri Lanka
Not sure who you need? Call this one. 119 Police
Sri Lanka has no single universal emergency number. Dial 119 for police, 1990 for the free Suwa Seriya ambulance service, 110 for fire and rescue.
Medical costs
- Doctor visit Private clinic, general consultation without insurance $8 – $25 ≈ Rs 2,640–8,260
- Hospital night One night in a general ward without insurance $50 – $200 ≈ Rs 16,500–66,100
- Ambulance Emergency transport to hospital Free
- Dentist Check-up or basic treatment at a private practice $15 – $35 ≈ Rs 4,960–11,600
Good to know before you go
Gestures and etiquette
Pointing & right hand use
Don't point at people or objects with your finger, use your whole open hand instead. Always use your right hand for giving and receiving items, as the left is considered impure. Remove your shoes before entering any Buddhist temple or Hindu kovil.
Buying souvenirs
Ceylon tea & Cinnamon
Ceylon tea is Sri Lanka's pride, visit a hill country tea estate (Nuwara Eliya, Ella) for the freshest selection at the best prices. True cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) originates from Sri Lanka and is superior to cassia, buy sticks or powder. Blue sapphires from Ratnapura are world-famous (buy from certified dealers only). Handmade batik fabrics, wooden kolam masks, and Ayurvedic herbal products are other popular picks.
Driving and tolls
Toll roads
Expressways connect major cities. Toll booths accept cash in rupees. Keep small notes ready.
Did you know?
- Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) is the world's 4th largest tea producer. A visit to a hill-country tea plantation is a must for tourists.
- Sri Lanka is known as "Ratna Deepa" (Island of Gems). It produces more gem varieties than almost any other country, including sapphires and rubies.
- Sri Lanka's famous stilt fishermen in the south sit on wooden poles above the water. The tradition is iconic but mostly performed for tourists today.
- Sri Lanka is the world's largest producer of true cinnamon, a spice traded since ancient times.
Cities these prices cover
The prices on this page are typical for these cities and the tourist areas around them.
- Colombo කොළඹ
- Kandy මහනුවර
- Galle ගාල්ල
- Negombo මීගමුව
How Sri Lanka compares
The TruePrice Index for Sri Lanka, next to the countries people weigh it against and its nearest neighbors, all on one scale. 100 is the median of the 60 countries I track.
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India 38 Prices about 31% lower than in Sri Lanka -
Nepal 42 Prices about 24% lower than in Sri Lanka - Sri Lanka 55 This page
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Myanmar 55 About the same as in Sri Lanka -
Thailand 70 Prices about 27% higher than in Sri Lanka -
Malaysia 82 Prices about 49% higher than in Sri Lanka -
Maldives 140 Prices about 2.5× as high as in Sri Lanka
Common questions about prices in Sri Lanka
Is Sri Lanka expensive to visit?
Short answer: very cheap, if you pay what locals pay. Fair prices sit 45% below the 60-country median, while tourist prices are about 2.9× the fair price. On the TruePrice Index, Sri Lanka scores 55, the 12th cheapest of the 60 countries I track.
How much does a day in Sri Lanka cost, without flights and hotel?
Roughly Rs 6,645 (about $20) a day at fair prices, or Rs 16,125 (about $49) at tourist prices. That covers two meals, a coffee, a bottle of water, a beer, two transit rides and a short taxi ride. Sightseeing comes on top (Rs 1,500–4,000 for a top museum or attraction), and accommodation is not included.
Do you tip in Sri Lanka, and how much?
Tip 10% in restaurants if no service charge is added. Drivers and guides expect 500-1000 LKR per day; hotel porters appreciate 200-500 LKR per bag.
What currency does Sri Lanka use?
The Sri Lankan rupee (LKR). On October 3, 2026, 1 USD was worth 330.4 LKR. Card terminals and ATMs that offer to charge you in your home currency usually give a worse rate, so pay in LKR.
How much is a meal and a beer in Sri Lanka?
A restaurant main course is Rs 2,500–6,000 (about $8 – $18) at fair prices, while tourist menus charge Rs 6,000–12,000. A street food meal runs Rs 300–650. A local beer is Rs 600–1,200 (about $1.80 – $3.60), or Rs 1,500–3,000 in tourist bars.
How much money should I bring to Sri Lanka?
Budget roughly Rs 6,645 (about $20) a day for food, drinks and getting around at local prices, or about Rs 16,125 (about $49) at tourist prices. Add Rs 1,500–4,000 for each major sight, plus your accommodation.
What is the emergency number in Sri Lanka?
If you are not sure who you need, call 119, the police line. Direct lines: ambulance 1990, fire brigade 110.
Sources and method
Where these numbers come from, and how sure I am about each one.
- Prices
- 29 items: 10 verified and 19 estimates
- Checked
- to
- Exchange rate
- 1 USD = 330.4 LKR,
- Fuel prices
- Cities
- Colombo, Kandy, Galle, and Negombo
- Page updated
What the labels mean
- Verified
- Checked against recent local sources.
- Estimate
- Based on related prices and not yet confirmed.
- Rough estimate
- Thin data. Treat it as a ballpark.
- Fair price
- What locals typically pay.
- Tourist-trap price
- What tourists are commonly charged in tourist areas.
- Markup
- The middle of the tourist-trap range divided by the middle of the fair range. 3.0× means three times the fair price.
- TruePrice Index
- Fair prices for all 29 items compared with the median of the 60 countries I track. 100 is the median, 50 means half the median price and 200 twice it.
How to cite
TruePrice Index, October 2026, truepriceapp.com/en/trueprice-index/
Spotted a price that looks off? Email me at [email protected] and I will check it.
This page, in your pocket. Even offline.
Check the fair price at the market stall or in the taxi, before you pay. Free on iPhone and Android.
- Fair vs tourist prices for 60 countries, offline
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