Are credit and debit cards widely accepted in Sri Lanka? Is the ATM network stable and reliable?

Hey there, regarding using cards and withdrawing cash in Sri Lanka, let me share my experience, hoping it helps you out. Overall, it's a "fifty-fifty" world, so you need to be prepared for both.

Credit and Debit Card Usage

You can think of Sri Lanka in two parts: one is modern and internationalized, and the other is more traditional and localized.

1. Card payments are convenient in these places:

Major cities and main tourist areas: Places like Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya have many establishments that accept card payments.
Star-rated hotels and large resorts: Almost all decent hotels, whether for booking or checkout, will accept card payments without an issue.
Chain supermarkets: Big supermarkets like Food City (Cargills), Keells, and Arpico are just like back home; card payments are very common.
High-end restaurants and shopping malls: In some shopping malls in Colombo, or restaurants, jewelry stores, and souvenir shops specifically catering to tourists, card payment is standard.
Major train stations: Some larger stations now support card payments at ticket counters, but don't expect all small stations to do so.

2. It's best to use cash in these places:

Small restaurants and street food stalls: Want to try authentic Kottu Roti or buy a king coconut? You'll definitely need cash. These small vendors don't have POS machines.
Tuk-tuks and local buses: All transportation fares, especially for tuk-tuks, are 100% cash-only. It's best to have plenty of small change.
Guesthouses and small hotels: Many family-run, cozy guesthouses prefer cash transactions, and some don't even have card facilities.
Local markets and bazaars: Whether buying fruits, spices, or handicrafts, cash is the only way to transact. Bargaining is also easier with cash.
Attraction tickets: Most attraction tickets, such as Sigiriya and the Temple of the Tooth, require cash payment.

A small tip: Visa and Mastercard are absolutely dominant; almost all places that accept cards will recognize them. If you use American Express or Diners Club, you'll find far fewer places that accept them. When paying by card, if the staff asks whether you want to settle in local currency (LKR) or your home currency, always choose local currency (LKR); the exchange rate will be much more favorable.

Is the ATM network stable and reliable?

Regarding ATMs, my feeling is "wide network coverage, but occasionally throws a tantrum."

Reliable aspects:

Numerous and widespread: In any slightly larger town, you can easily find an ATM. There are also many bank branches, such as Commercial Bank, HNB (Hatton National Bank), Sampath Bank, etc., with ATMs spread across the country. There's a row of them right after you exit customs at the airport, which is very convenient.
Supports major bank cards: As long as your card has Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Cirrus, or similar logos, most ATMs will recognize it and dispense cash.

"Tantrums" to be aware of:

Occasionally "goes on strike": Sometimes a particular machine might be out of service due to network issues, system maintenance, or simply being "in a bad mood." Don't worry, this is normal; trying an ATM at another bank just around the corner usually solves the problem.
Cash runs out: Especially on weekends or before public holidays, ATMs in popular areas might run out of cash. So, it's a good habit to withdraw enough cash in advance on weekdays to last a few days, rather than scrambling for an ATM when your wallet is empty.
Withdrawal limits: Most ATMs in Sri Lanka have a single transaction limit of 40,000 to 80,000 LKR (approximately 1000-2000 RMB). Your issuing bank back home might also have a daily withdrawal limit. So, if you need a large amount of cash, you might need to make multiple withdrawals or withdraw over several days.
Fees: Banks in Sri Lanka will charge a service fee, and your issuing bank back home might also charge a cross-border withdrawal fee. It's best to inquire about these fees with your bank before you travel.

My Final Advice for You:

"Cash is king, cards are supplementary" is the smartest strategy in Sri Lanka.
Withdraw cash upon arrival: After clearing customs at Colombo Airport, immediately withdraw enough cash from an ATM to last a few days (e.g., enough for transportation, meals, and tickets for the next few days).
Use cards for large expenses: Use your credit card strategically for things like hotel bills, dining at larger restaurants, or shopping. This is safer and reduces the risk of carrying large amounts of cash.
Always carry cash: Ensure you always have enough cash in your wallet to cover daily transportation, snacks, tickets, and various small expenses.
Prepare a backup card: It's best to bring two cards from different banks, so if one has an issue, you have another to use.

All in all, payment convenience in Sri Lanka is better than you might expect, but it's not as ubiquitous as in some other countries. As long as you're prepared with both "cash + credit card," you'll have a very smooth trip!