By Syam, JesTiny Guide · Last checked: 30 October 2026

Colombo Airport (CMB) Money Exchange - Banks & Regulations

Most Indian travellers to Sri Lanka will arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport. Unlike most airports, most of the money exchange counters at this airport are operated by banks. They are awarded through public contracts, so the operators are named in government and press sources.

These sources, along with the Bank of Ceylon website and Central Bank of Sri Lanka foreign exchange FAQ were used to create this guide. We were unable to find any specific rates for any of the exchange counters at CMB, meaning we cannot state which is the best and how much mark-up is charged.

This post is purely editorial, we do not provide any money exchange service. None of the banks or exchange counters pay us to be listed.

Where are the exchange counters?

Arrivals

In January 2026, 3-year contracts were approved by Sri Lanka’s Cabinet for 5 money exchange counters in the custom’s area in arrivals. These are:

• Commercial Bank of Ceylon (Counter 04)
• Bank of Ceylon (Counter 05)
• Thomas Cook Lanka (Counter 06)
• Sampath Bank (Counter 07)
• People’s Bank (Counter 08)

Note: Counter numbers are stated in the reports. You may not see them on the signs, however, it should be easy to identify the banks as you will have already picked up your luggage.

Departures

In November 2024, 3-year contracts were reported for the following money exchange counters:

• Sampath Bank (Counter 02)
• Commercial Bank (Counter 04)
• Thomas Cook Lanka (Counter 10)
• Hatton National Bank (Counter 11)
• Bank of Ceylon (Counter 25)

Transit / departure transit area

Bank of Ceylon state they are the only bank with counters in all 3 sections. Their website states they have a money exchange counter in the transit area for re-exchanging, paying your VAT refund and exchanging for US dollars for your visa.

Hours

Bank of Ceylon state their airport counter is open "24/7" (Check before travelling). We couldn’t find any published times for the other banks’ counters.

Best and worst to avoid

We can’t state which is the best or worst. We couldn’t find any specific rates for any of the exchange counters. We also couldn’t confirm the traveller warnings we came across.

Useful to know:

• There are 5 money exchange counters here run by 5 different operators. This means it is easy to compare rates. Simply ask 2 money exchange counters for your final rate for the exact amount you want to exchange. Choose the better of the two.
• Ask for the final amount. Just because there is a sign stating no commission doesn’t mean you’ll get that amount. For more information on why rates can vary, please refer to our scams guide.
• Compare to your live mid-market rate on your phone. For more info on what this rate means, refer to our mid-market guide.
• If you’re only exchanging a small amount of money, you won’t lose out much. However, if you’re exchanging a larger amount, take a few minutes to compare. As the amount increases, so will the percentage difference.

ATMs and cards

Bank of Ceylon state they offer ATM services at their arrival counter. However, we couldn’t confirm the full list and exact locations of the ATMs from a reputable source. (Check before travelling)

Whatever ATM / Card machine you use:

1. Choose to exchange your money into Sri Lankan Rupees, not Indian. If the machine asks if you’d like to pay in your home currency, this is known as Dynamic Currency Conversion. Usually this will cost more. For more information refer to our DCC guide.
2. Know what fees your card incurs. Your Indian bank or forex card may charge you a fee per withdrawal and mark-up. Find out how much you’ll be paying using our ATM vs Forex card guide.
3. Check the screen.

Step-by-step

1. Pass through Immigration & pick up your luggage.
2. Look for the banks in the custom’s area of arrival. These are Commercial Bank, Bank of Ceylon, Thomas Cook Lanka, Sampath Bank & People’s Bank.
3. If you’re carrying more than USD 15,000 in foreign currency, or equivalent, you’ll need to declare to Sri Lanka Customs. (See cash regulations below). If you might be taking more than USD 10,000 in cash notes out of the country, you’ll also need to declare this when you arrive.
4. Ask two money exchange counters for your final rate for the exact amount you want to exchange. Compare with your mid-market rate.
5. Count your notes and keep your receipt. If you have any Sri Lankan Rupees left at the end of your trip, Bank of Ceylon offer to re-exchange for foreign passport holders at departure. (Check before travelling).
6. If the rate doesn’t look great, only change what you need for the first couple of days. You can compare again later.

Getting to Colombo from the airport

The airport is around 30km from central Colombo. Using the E03 expressway it takes around 45-60mins during off peak times. During weekday peak times it will be longer. There is no official list of prices. However, here are the prices for 2026:

• Official Taxi from the airport: Around LKR 4,500-5,200 to Fort/Pettah and LKR 5,200-6,200 to Colombo 7 in July 2026. Increased rates apply between 10pm-5am at LKR 500-800. Another 2026 guide states a higher fixed rate at LKR 8,100 to Colombo Fort. Ask the counter how much it will cost.
• PickMe/Uber: Around LKR 1,800-2,400 to Fort using PickMe and LKR 2,000-2,800 using Uber in July 2026. Higher rates apply during peak times. Meet your driver at the ground floor pickup area at the arrival exit. They will not be at the taxi counter. Ask if the expressway toll is included.
• Bus 187: Public bus which goes along the expressway to Colombo Fort. Takes around 50 minutes. Around LKR 325-350 in 2026 guides. Some guides state it doesn’t run overnight.

During late nights, some guides from 2026 state it can be difficult to find drivers on the app. Your only option may be the airport taxi. Ensure you have enough Sri Lankan Rupees to pay for the journey. Ask the counter if they accept cards.

Cards, UPI and cash in Sri Lanka

One positive thing for Indians is UPI. In February 2024, India’s NPCI International & LankaPay introduced UPI payments in Sri Lanka. Indian tourists can now scan LankaQR codes using their UPI enabled apps. In May 2024, PhonePe stated their users could pay at LankaQR merchants throughout the island. In March 2026, NPCI International stated UPI is accepted at hospitality chains, retail & supermarkets. They will be expanding to more small businesses. (Check before travelling).

However, not all shops / tuk tuks will have a LankaQR code. Have some cash on you:

• Ensure your cards are enabled for international use. Find out why in our Credit Card vs Cash guide.
• Your Indian bank/forex card will usually charge a fixed fee for withdrawing cash from foreign ATMs. It’s cheaper to make a few large withdrawals. Find out more in our ATM vs Forex card guide.
• If the machine asks if you’d like to pay in Indian Rupees, choose to pay in Sri Lankan Rupees. Find out why in our DCC guide.

Cash regulations in Sri Lanka

According to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s Department of Foreign Exchange FAQ (Updated 19th October 2026):

• Anyone arriving in or departing from Sri Lanka with more than USD 15,000 in foreign exchange must declare this to Sri Lanka Customs.
• If you are arriving and plan to take more than USD 10,000 in unused foreign currency notes back with you, you must declare. This also applies to those leaving.
• You can bring in / take out up to LKR 20,000 in Sri Lankan Rupees.

These can change so ensure you read the FAQ. (Check before travelling).

Indian rules on paying for forex in cash, PAN, carrying rupees, exchanging rupees before you fly and declaring cash when you return are on our India money rules page.

Common money myths at Colombo airport

Myth 1: There’s only 1 money exchange counter so I’ll just take whatever rate they offer.

There are 5 different operators in January 2026. You can compare.

Myth 2: The bank counters will give the best rate.

They may do but we don’t have any specific rates to prove it. Ask for the final amount from 2 money exchange counters.

Myth 3: I can take a lot of Sri Lankan Rupees back & change them in India.

According to the Central Bank FAQ, you can only take out up to LKR 20,000 in Sri Lankan currency. Any left over should be changed back before you leave. Bank of Ceylon offer re-exchanging for foreign passport holders at departure.

Myth 4: It’s easier to pay in Indian Rupees.

This is Dynamic Currency Conversion and usually costs more. Choose to pay in Sri Lankan Rupees.

Money scams and mistakes in Sri Lanka

• Fake Airline Calls/Messages: On the 8th April 2026, SriLankan Airlines issued a warning that people are pretending to be their staff on WhatsApp and over the phone. They are asking you to download apps, share your screen or give them your OTP, PIN or card details. SriLankan Airlines do not contact their customers over WhatsApp and will not make unsolicited calls. Never give anyone your OTP.
• Tuk-Tuk overcharging: This is the most common issue for tourists according to travel guides. Agree a price before getting in or use a ride app.
• Gem Shop redirection: Guides mention strangers trying to direct you to a "gem museum" or shop. Don’t take up any offers.
• Exchanging too much: There are 5 different money exchange counters to compare so you don’t need to exchange your whole budget at the first one.

Simple plan for your first day

We recommend:

1. Before travelling: Ensure your cards are enabled for international use. Ensure your UPI app works abroad. Have some US Dollar cash on hand.
2. At the airport: Compare 2 money exchange counters. Exchange enough for your journey & first day. App prices are around LKR 1,800-2,800 & airport taxi prices are around LKR 4,500-6,500. Add food & SIM card so a small amount should be fine.
3. Why not more? We don’t have any specific rates for any of the counters. The more you exchange the more margin you’ll pay.
4. Later: Use UPI/cards where possible. Have cash on hand for tuk tuks & small shops.

Leaving Sri Lanka

• Re-exchange: Bank of Ceylon offer re-exchanging at their departure & transit counter for foreign passport holders. There are also Sampath Bank, Commercial Bank, Thomas Cook Lanka & Hatton National Bank at departure. (Check before travelling). Usually you’ll pay more to sell back so try to spend small amounts. Find out your options in our Leftover Currency guide.
• Limit: You can only take out up to LKR 20,000 in Sri Lankan currency.
• Large amounts of foreign cash: If you’re leaving with more than USD 10,000 in foreign notes you’ll need to declare. This should have been declared when you arrived. (Central Bank FAQ).
• VAT Refund: If you’re claiming a VAT refund, Bank of Ceylon state they handle this at their transit counter.

FAQ

Which banks offer money exchange at Colombo Airport arrival?
5 money exchange counters in the custom’s area of arrival. (January 2026). These are Commercial Bank of Ceylon, Bank of Ceylon, Thomas Cook Lanka, Sampath Bank & People’s Bank.

Is money exchange available 24/7 at Colombo Airport?
Bank of Ceylon state their counter is open 24/7. (Check before travelling). We couldn’t find any published times for the others.

Can I re-exchange Sri Lankan Rupees?
Bank of Ceylon offer re-exchanging at their departure & transit counter for foreign passport holders.

How much cash can I bring into Sri Lanka?
Any foreign exchange over USD 15,000 must be declared. Any foreign notes over USD 10,000 that you plan to take back with you must be declared. You can only bring in up to LKR 20,000 in Sri Lankan currency. (Central Bank of Sri Lanka FAQ). (Check before travelling).

Where can I get my VAT refund?
Bank of Ceylon state they handle this at their counter in the departure transit area.

Sources and how we checked them

Checked on 30 October 2026. Where a fact comes from one source only, or sources disagree, the guide says so. Prices, hours and rules change, so check before you fly.

• Daily Mirror, Cabinet approves operation of currency exchange counters at BIA arrivals terminal, 13 January 2026.
• Daily FT, New operators bid over Rs. 3.8 b for BIA FX operation contracts, 14 January 2026.
• Daily FT, BIA’s departure terminal currency exchanges get new 3 year contracts, 8 November 2024.
• Bank of Ceylon, currency exchange counter at Bandaranaike International Airport, official page (undated).
• Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Department of Foreign Exchange FAQ, last updated 19 October 2026.
• The Sri Lanka Guides, Colombo airport transfer guide, 25 June 2026, updated 14 July 2026; Airport Transfer Portal and Airconnect, 2026 Colombo airport guides.
• The Week (PTI), UPI launched in Sri Lanka, 12 February 2024; LankaPay, PhonePe launch, May 2024; IANS, NPCI expands UPI acceptance in Sri Lanka, 17 March 2026.
• SriLankan Airlines, official warning on phone and WhatsApp impersonation scams, 8 April 2026.
• WanderOn and Outlook Traveller, travel guides on tourist scams in Sri Lanka.
• Reserve Bank of India FAQ and regulations, and HSBC India’s LRS FAQ, as summarised in our India cash rules guide.

Editorial note: The counter, rate and airport information in this guide is editorial and is not paid for. Rates and fees change, so confirm the final rate at the counter before exchanging.