Is it easy to withdraw cash in Sri Lanka?

Overall, withdrawing money in Sri Lanka is quite convenient, especially in major cities and popular tourist areas. However, there are a few small details you should pay attention to, and preparing in advance will make your trip more worry-free.

Here are a few points I've summarized based on my own experience, so you'll know what to expect:

1. Are there many ATMs?

Airports and popular cities: Very many! As soon as you arrive at Colombo Airport, you'll see a row of ATMs right after customs, which is very convenient. In places frequently visited by tourists like Colombo, Kandy, Galle, and Negombo, ATMs are practically everywhere, similar to finding one in your home country.
Small towns and remote areas: This is where you need to be careful. If you're heading to some less-visited mountainous regions (like the deep tea plantations of Ella or Nuwara Eliya) or more pristine coastal areas, ATMs will be much scarcer, sometimes several kilometers apart. So, if your next stop is one of these places, it's best to withdraw enough cash in a major city beforehand.

2. Which bank's ATM is better to use?

Commercial Bank (Sri Lanka Commercial Bank) is highly recommended, with its distinctive blue logo. Their machines are generally newer, have stable networks, are less likely to swallow cards, and all the ones I've used support UnionPay cards.
Next are Sampath Bank and HNB (Hatton National Bank), which are also very common and support UnionPay and Visa/Mastercard.
Small tip: Try to find ATMs that look newer, are located within bank branches, or in large shopping malls, as they generally feel safer.

3. Which cards should you use to withdraw money?

UnionPay card (debit/savings card): Absolutely your main choice! Most ATMs in Sri Lanka now support UnionPay. Using a debit card to directly withdraw local currency (Sri Lankan Rupees) gives you the real-time exchange rate, which is very cost-effective.
Visa/Mastercard: As a backup option. Almost all ATMs support them, but sometimes using a credit card for cash advances can incur higher fees, depending on your issuing bank's policy.
My advice: It's best to carry two cards, for example, a UnionPay debit card as your primary, and a Visa or Mastercard credit card just in case. If a machine doesn't support UnionPay, or if there's an issue with your card, you'll have a backup.

4. What about fees and limits?

Fees: This needs to be looked at from two sides.
- Sri Lankan banks: They charge a fixed service fee per withdrawal, usually around 400-500 LKR (approximately 10-15 RMB), varying slightly by bank.
- Your home issuing bank: Some banks offer 1-3 fee-free overseas withdrawals per month, while others charge a fee for every transaction. You must call your bank to clarify this before you depart!
Withdrawal limits: The maximum amount per single withdrawal varies by ATM, generally between 40,000 and 80,000 LKR (approximately 1000-2000 RMB). If you need a larger amount of cash, you might need to make multiple withdrawals.

Summary and Super Practical Tips:

Cash is King: Although withdrawing money is convenient, cash is still most important in Sri Lanka, especially when experiencing local life. Taking a TukTuk, eating at roadside stalls, buying fruit, browsing local markets, and paying for some attraction tickets almost always require cash. Credit cards are only widely accepted in large hotels, major shopping malls, and some upscale restaurants.
Bring some USD for emergencies: I usually exchange one or two hundred US dollars at home and carry them with me. If both your bank cards fail, or you can't find an ATM temporarily, you can directly exchange USD at local money changers, or some hotels also accept USD. This is your "lifeline" money.
Get small change after withdrawing: ATMs often dispense large denominations like 1000 or 5000 LKR notes. If you use these directly for a TukTuk ride or to buy a coconut, the vendor might not have change. After withdrawing money, you can buy a bottle of water at a supermarket or ask the hotel reception to break your large notes into smaller denominations like 100 or 50 LKR, which will be much more convenient.
Safety first: When operating an ATM, observe your surroundings and cover the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN. This is a universal rule no matter where you are.

All in all, go ahead and enjoy your trip! Withdrawing money in Sri Lanka is not difficult. As long as you plan ahead, withdraw enough cash in major cities for your visits to smaller places, and carry two different types of cards, the financial aspect of your entire journey will be very smooth.