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How to send money to Sri Lanka
Sending money to Sri Lanka doesn’t have to break the bank. Here’s how to send a secure and affordable transfer from the US to Sri Lanka.
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When you need to send money to Sri Lanka, don’t let high fees or bad exchange rates get in your way. Compare your options to find a good deal, and ensure your money transfer goes smoothly by understanding the process. Between banks and money transfer companies, you have plenty of options to choose from to get funds to your recipient in Sri Lanka.
Our pick: InstaReM
InstaReM offers fast transfers at no-margin mid-market rates adding only a nominal fee.
- Sends to popular currencies. InstaReM sends to 51 countries and 21 currencies.
- Loyalty points and bonus coupons. The more you use, the more you earn in bonus and points.
- Charges only a nominal fee. No hidden fees.
Compare international money transfers to Sri Lanka
How do international money transfers work?
International money transfers allow you to send money to a recipient in Sri Lanka by converting your US dollars to Sri Lankan rupees. All you need to do is provide the funds to a bank or independent money transfer provider. Then your money will be converted to rupees, sent to your recipient in Sri Lanka and made available for cash pickup or directly deposited into their bank account.
Banks versus money transfer companies
The Sri Lankan rupee is an exotic currency, which means it isn’t widely traded. If you’re looking to your bank to make a transfer, you may be out of luck — many banks don’t conduct transfers for exotic currencies. Those that do often charge high fees and offer a low exchange rate.
Money transfer companies are a popular alternative to banks. They often offer transfers for exotic currencies like the Sri Lankan rupee, and you may not be charged as high of a fee as with a bank. On top of these two excellent features, money transfer companies also tend to have faster processing times, meaning you can get money to your recipient quickly.
Case Study: James Sends Money to Sri Lanka
James is working in the United States and wants to send some money back home to his mom and dad. His bank doesn’t offer international transfers to Sri Lanka, so James decides to shop around for the money transfer company that offers the best deal.
| Money transfer company 1 | Money transfer company 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Exchange rate | 1 USD = $169.10 LKR | 1 USD = $167.95 LKR |
| Transfer fee | $15 | $10 |
| Transfer method | Bank account deposit | Cash pickup |
| Processing time | 2 business days | 10 minutes |
| Amount received (in LKR) | 169,100 LKR | 167,950 LKR |
While James’ parents would have to wait a little longer for the first transfer company, he thinks the extra 1,150 LKR is worth the longer processing time and higher fee on his end.
How to send money to Sri Lanka
- Compare your options in the table above.
- Click Go to site to be redirected to the provider’s website.
- Create an account with the provider.
- Start a transfer, then supply your recipient’s information.
- Select how much you want to send.
- Pay for your transfer.
- Keep your tracking number handy to check on the progress of your transfer.
Foreign exchange rates explained
Banks and other international companies use exchange rate to calculate how much one currency is worth when traded for another currency. A country with a strong currency, like the United States, has an advantage — it will yield more money when exchanged for a weak currency. This number is flexible and can change with fluctuations in the market. If you’re planning on making multiple money transfers to Sri Lanka, keep an eye out for dips in the exchange rate that could get your recipient even more money.
Emergency cash transfers in Sri Lanka
When you need to send an emergency transfer to Sri Lanka, watch out for high fees and poor exchange rates. The fast processing time often translates to a worse deal, but when you’re in a rush, it could be worth it. If you decide an emergency transfer is your best decision, you should still check and make sure that you know exactly how much your transaction will cost.
Tips for picking up cash in Sri Lanka
If your recipient decides to pick up a cash transfer, remind them to stay safe and be on the lookout for thieves. Avoid high crime areas and never take out large sums of money in public. The best course of action is to deposit all cash in a safe or at the bank as quickly as possible to lower the chances of losing any money or having it stolen.
Bottom line
Money transfers to Sri Lanka may not be readily available through your bank, but you still have choices when it comes to getting a decent deal. Compare your money transfer company options and review our guide to money transfers to ensure that you know how to spot a good exchange and take advantage of low fees.Back to top
Ask an Expert
How Can I by the money to Sri Lanka from Friend in USA? And he transfer money through the process in shipment. Is suitable or not and is it legal or not?
Hi Lakshika,
Thanks for getting in touch with finder. I hope all is well with you. :)
Regarding your question, did you mean how you can receive the money from the US? If yes, your friend can send you the money by using one of the money transfer service providers listed on this page. Your friend can indicate how you can receive the money. It could be deposited directly into your bank account or you can visit a pick-up location. Physically shipping the money would be more costly and inconvenient.
Yes, it is legal to send money from the US to Sri Lanka.
I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.
Have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Joshua
I wish to send money to India from Srlanka, what is the quickest method of sending the money?
Hi Charmaine,
Thank you for your inquiry.
If you wish to do a money transfer to India the options here might be helpful for you.
I hope this information has helped.
Cheers,
Harold