Every day, someone asks the chick, "Do I need to exchange RMB for US dollars in China before I can exchange US dollars for rupees in Lanka?" Many of the latest travel posts are actually recommended in this way. It was like this a long time ago, but now the situation is completely different! Let's talk about it today
The UnionPay debit card can directly withdraw rupees
The currency of Sri Lanka is rupees. At present, the exchange rate of the US dollar against the Sri Lankan rupee is about 144 rupees to the US dollar. There is an exchange counter at the airport, but the exchange rate is slightly lower. There are many money exchange shops in the fortress area of Colombo, and the exchange rate is better than that of the airport.
Since 212, all over 5 ATMs in Sri Lanka can accept UnionPay cards. Up to now, UnionPay cards can be used to withdraw cash and check the balance at ATMs of commercial banks in Sri Lanka and ATMs marked with UnionPay, Standard Chartered, HSBC and Citibank. UnionPay cards can also be used by some well-known brands, making it more convenient to use them.
The airport bank has set up an exchange counter. There is an ATM of Sri Lanka Commercial Bank in the departure hall of Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo.
note: for some time, many people reported that the difference between magnetic stripe card and chip card may lead to the inability to withdraw money. Now, the banking system has been basically upgraded. But just in case, I suggest you bring more cards.
even if there is no unionpay logo on the ATM, you can still try it.
About the withdrawal fee
The issuing bank that withdraws money overseas will charge a certain handling fee. Please consult the issuing bank for the specific rate, the number of withdrawals per card per day, the amount of each withdrawal and the accumulated withdrawal amount. Basically, the smaller the bank, the less the handling fee for UnionPay cards. Now people use Huaxia card more (the first payment is free every day). Similar to Changsha Bank, Chengdu Bank and so on, it seems that the handling fee is more advantageous.
what is the best deal?
after reading the above, are you still in a fog? That chick tells you a paragraph directly:
National Bank of Sri Lanka has fully supported UnionPay. There is basically no need to exchange foreign exchange. Just take two or three UnionPay cards (some spare ones) directly to Lanka to withdraw money.
withdrawing money from unionpay card according to the real-time exchange rate is much more affordable than any manual exchange point!
However, in case there is no ATM in a small place or UnionPay is not supported, it is recommended to take some US dollars for self-defense (after all, the US dollar is a universal currency). In other words, bring some UnionPay cards, debit cards, credit cards and a small amount of dollars, and you'll be done.
The author's guide "chinese national geography Sri Lanka Travel Guide", travel notes "India, Unbelievable", translated works "Journey of the Brave: Climbing the Seven Peaks" and so on.
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Sri Lanka Travel Guide:
Endless beaches, hospitable people, herds of elephants, charming waves, interesting train trips, and famous black tea
Among the relics of Sinhalese dynasty, the ancient city with lingering charm and the blue beaches set each other off; Shuttling through the beautiful spotless pagodas and temples with flowers in full bloom, watching pious and happy people pray. This is the endless Sri Lanka.
If you plan to go to Langkawi and don't have time to make your own strategy, then this article is just what you need!
Experience in West Lamby
The scenic spots in Lancashire are all over the island, but especially the southwest coast, the ancient city in the middle, Kandy and the mountains. The types of these scenic spots are also very diverse: from seashore to mountainous areas, from religious shrines to fresh tea gardens, from ancient world cultural heritage cities to wildlife gathering places, which proves that Sri Lanka is "small in territory and rich in resources".
Those who like religious culture and historical sites must go to the cultural delta and the north-central mountainous areas.
The four world cultural heritages, the Holy City of Anura Depreux in the central part, the ancient city of Naruwo in Tsukagoshi Hirotaka, the lion rock in Sigiriya and the Temple of Dambulijin, form one of the few large-scale sites in the world.
Kandy is an ancient city that best represents Sri Lankan culture. There is not only the Buddha's Tooth Temple that the Sri Lankan people are proud of, but also a cultural city that embodies traditional artistic styles such as sculpture, architecture, dance, music and painting.
Jaffna in the north was once a war zone of civil war. The perennial war made the development here very late, and few tourists came to visit. It is a gathering place for Tamils who believe in Hinduism and has a style different from the mainstream culture in Sri Lanka. The most beautiful scenery is the sea beside Jaffna Castle. When the weather is fine, it is suitable for watching the sunset.
Cat Tip: In the ancient city of Naruwo in Anura Depreux, Bronn, some local bus drivers will recommend it to you. They don't have to buy tickets or take you to the ancient city at a low price. In fact, they sneaked into the ancient city by bypassing the ticket inspection. Although it's easy to get in, there are special patrolmen in the local area who can check your ticket at any time. I saw some China people caught red-handed and punished. Don't be greedy for petty gains, blindly believe in fare evasion strategies, and put yourself in an awkward position.
people who like to relax and be in a daze must go to the southwest coast: Mataramatara, Mirissa Merisha, Galle, Unawatuna Unawatuna Beach.
The blue sky and rippling sea water are places that many tourists must visit when they come to Sri Lanka.
Colombo, the capital, and Galle, the ancient city, are both rich in exotic colors. The colonists left behind western-style buildings and streets, adding a different style to these two cities.
beautiful seascape, recommend Unawatuna to play in the water, recommend Sikadua to surf, and recommend Melissa.
Watching whales and dolphins in the sea is a special tourism product of Merisha, attracting countless tourists. In addition, the figure of stilt fishermen also appears in this sea area, and lucky people can see their style.
people who enjoy the natural scenery of forest tea gardens, love outdoor hiking, geoparks and wildlife must go to Elie, Nouara, nHaragaForestReserve, HortonPlain and YalaNationalPark.
Elie, Nouara, located on the plateau, is a summer resort developed during the British rule, with a refreshing climate and a strong colonial flavor.
the new halaga forest reserve is a natural scenic spot that has been rated as a world heritage. There are rich species and vast virgin forests here, which are suitable for outdoor travelers to explore.
Horton Plain is a beautiful, quiet and strange place. It is located at the foot of the second and third peaks in Sri Lanka, and is covered with primitive grassland. There are many kinds of wild animals, which are very suitable for hiking. During the journey, the jungle suddenly disappeared, and heaven and earth returned to the empty place. Huangni Road points the destination to "the end of the world", which is an 87-meter-deep cliff and marks the end of the southern end of Horton Plain.
Yala National Park is a paradise for crocodiles, elephants, deer, bears, wild buffaloes, peacocks, wild boars and various birds. It is also recognized as the forest park with the highest density of leopards in the world.
central Sri Lanka is mountainous. The tea garden is represented by ella. You can see green hills and waterfalls, as well as black tea planted on the mountains. The weather is cool and pleasant, and the air is fresh.
people who like the original ecological beaches and local culture can visit Batticaloa and other towns in the east.
compared with the more developed scenic spots along the southwest coast, it can be regarded as a coastline without any pollution. There are fewer tourists, but the scenery is not inferior at all.
Route recommendation:
D1: From: Colombo.
D2: Colombo -—Pinnawela (Elephant Orphanage) -DambullaDambra (Rock Temple).
D3: Dan Bradin Bula-Polonaruwa, Bronn (the capital of Mediaaeval, the seat of Pologama Hu Ba Palace).
D4: Naluwo, Ping Naveira, Bronn-XiGiria Lion Rock, Bronn.
D5: Bolongnaruwa, Naruwo-Batticaloa, Bronn (KachcheriBatticaloa fortress)-Kalkku Da.
D6: Eternal Holy City
D7: Anula Depreux-Foya Temple Kandy Temple
D8: Kandy Kandy (Royal Botanical Garden of Nia, Pellade)
D9: Kandy Kandy-Valle Ariel, Elianu, Nouara-Nanu-Oya Railway Station-Elara-Tisama Halama, Selmo Haram.
D1:Tissamaharama (Yala National Park Yala National Park-DondraHeadLighthouse Lighthouse, the most beautiful sea temple in Sri Lanka)
D11: Mataramatara-Mirisamirisa (beach).
D12: Mirisami Risa-Ahangama Kanda-Unawatuna Unawatuna (beach)
D13: Unawatuna Unawatuna-Gallegale (ancient city of Galle)
D14: Gallegale-Bentota Bentota-Colombo Colombo
D15: Colombo Colombo
. Visitors can also choose to transfer to Sri Lanka in Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
Cat Tip: Taxi is the most convenient way to get to Colombo from the airport. There are two taxi counters at the airport, serving local people and international tourists respectively. Please note that the counter in the arrival hall of the airport only provides services for local people, and international tourists must arrange taxi service through the travel agency counter on the other side of the connecting corridor. Every company clearly marks the price, and the price is similar. It's about Rs 25 to Colombo, about an hour.
How to get to Sri Lanka
The most common intercity modes of transportation in Sri Lanka are trains and intercity buses, while chartered buses are the most comfortable modes of travel, but the price is much higher than that of public transportation.
The most convenient means of transportation in cities are taxis and rickshaws with local characteristics.
caterpillar tip:
the price limit of electric tricycles is rupees. 1/km, and the smaller the place, the lower the charge. Remember to confirm the price with the driver before getting on the bus Long-term rental of electric tricycles is not recommended.
taxis in Sri Lanka are a relatively small mode of transportation in the local area, and they are basically reserved. You need to make an appointment by phone .5-1 hour in advance. The price of most taxis is rupees. 6-1/ km.
The lanes in Sri Lanka are opposite to those in China. Cars drive on the left, so be careful when crossing the road.
Train
The railway network in Sri Lanka is widely distributed, so it is a good choice to travel to Sri Lanka by train. Although the train speed in Sri Lanka is slow and the facilities are outdated, its price is very low, which also provides tourists with an opportunity to go deep into the local people and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. However, it is not uncommon for trains in Sri Lanka to be late, sometimes even half a day late.
Ordinary trains (local trains)
Ordinary trains in Sri Lanka are mostly steam locomotives with three types of carriages. First-class seats are air-conditioned and the fare is very expensive. There are three types of seats, sleepers and boxes. Second-class seats and third-class seats are ordinary seats, and you are not seated according to the ticket number. Third-class cars are usually very crowded.
Intercity Express
There are also intercity express trains between Colombo and major cities. Although the speed is very fast. But these lines can only go back and forth between two places, and can't go to a third place.
luxury sightseeing train
this is a special line for international tourists, which is operated by ExpoRail and RajadhaniExpress. Luxury sightseeing trains have excellent facilities, including air conditioning, LED TV and WIFI, but the price is 2.5-3 times higher than that of ordinary trains.
automobile
coach is divided into ordinary coach and air-conditioned coach. The latter is naturally more expensive than the former, and the former is about twice as expensive.
SLTB/CTB State-owned Coach Company
SLTB for short. The red body is a sign with the lion pattern and the word "SLTB" printed on it. Usually there is no air conditioning, the price is very cheap, and there are many lines.
Personal trainer
There are two types of private long-distance buses: ordinary buses and intercity buses. Ordinary car facilities are average, but they are very cheap. The price is similar to that of state-owned long-distance buses, and so are big stations. However, it is convenient to park anywhere on the road. Intercity buses are air-conditioned and not too crowded, but the price is more expensive, twice that of ordinary buses. Intercity bus runs between two cities and does not stop at will.
High-speed bus
At present, the high-speed bus only has Colombo-Galle section, and the price is Rs. 47, 3 minutes. Luxurious facilities and high transportation efficiency, it only takes one hour to reach the destination. More new lines will be opened in the future.
chartered bus/train/coach
chartered bus is the most comfortable way to travel, but compared with trains and coaches, the charging standard of chartered bus is much more expensive, which is a very high consumption level in the local area. Columb Airport has a counter to provide charter service. You can also contact the hotel through a travel agency. The charter price is 7-9 rupees/day. If you think the driver's service is good, you can tip 1%.
Silan cuisine
The main course in Sri Lanka is "curry", which is a dark sauce with various ingredients, accompanied by rice, cakes and other staple foods. Besides curry, fried snacks are also common here. In addition, as a tropical island country, Sri Lanka also needs cheap seafood and tropical fruits to taste.
Typical Sri Lankan food is: a plate of rice with several Fluttershy dishes, mainly chicken, fish, potatoes, beans and green vegetables. It's rare to see a plate of vegetables. I often ask for vegetables, but the result is beans. They think it's vegetables.
there are many local marine fish, which are also very cheap. I ate a plate of tuna in a restaurant on the beach by the sea, 75 rupees. Grouper, shrimp and crab are not expensive, so you can have a taste.
Sri Lankan people love hopper, which is a bowl-shaped pancake made of rice flour and coconut milk. People often stand in the shop and wait for the owner to make a funnel. It's a dozen when you buy it. Hopper's small round pot with pointed bottom, only one foot in diameter, is lined up in front of the store. Rice paste mixed with coconut milk was prepared early in the morning to make a funnel. Pour a spoonful, turn the pot, spread the rice paste evenly in the pot, and cover it. After a while, the funnel is ready. One is only Rs. 5-6 Serve with curry or other sauces.
Caterpillar tip:
Naturally, everything is expensive in tourist gathering areas, and the prices of restaurants that local people will go to will be similar to or slightly lower than those of small restaurants in China. One staple food 15-5 yuan RMB.
Sri Lankans eat with their hands. If you can't accept this way, it doesn't matter. Restaurants have spoons. You can have a spoon. If you want to try grasping with your hands, please remember to grasp the rice with your right hand.
Some restaurants in Sri Lanka give you tap water. If your stomach is bad, you'd better buy bottled water.