Sri Lanka in cash.
Tuk-tuks, guides and guesthouses live on cash. A few US dollars in reserve reassure — and the plantation train costs next to nothing in rupees.
Helvetica Exchange prepares your LKR travel envelope at Rue Pierre-Fatio 19, 1204 Geneva (Rive district) — the posted rate, no separate commission, Monday–Friday 08:30–18:30 and Saturday 09:00–17:00. Reserve and your rate is held for 3 hours during opening hours; ID from the LBA thresholds.
The cities, chosen.
Kandy
The capital of the Sinhalese kings around its lake and the Sacred Tooth.
Temple of the Tooth — The Buddha's relic, pujas at dawn and dusk.
Ella
The hill village — tea bushes, waterfalls and the Nine Arch Bridge.
The Kandy → Ella train — Seven hours of tea, tunnels and waving children.
Little Adam's Peak — An hour's gentle climb for an immense panorama.
Galle
The Dutch fort with ocean-beaten ramparts — boutiques, cafés and golden light.
The ramparts at sunset — The full circuit in an hour, lighthouse included.
Getting around.
The Kandy → Ella train, doors open onto the tea fields, is one of the world's loveliest (book the reserved 2nd class). Elsewhere: a driver by the day, the local custom.
Cash & banknotes.
Rupees for everything daily; keep US$50–100 in reserve — hotels and excursions accept them gladly. A full rice & curry runs Rs800; negotiate the tuk-tuk before you board.
| Rate reservation | held 3 hours, during opening hours |
| Counter hours | Mon–Fri 08:30–18:30 · Sat 09:00–17:00 |
| Commission | none — the margin lives in the posted rate |
Before you go.
How many Sri Lankan rupees per day?
Rs15'000 travelling simply, Rs28'000 in comfort — full rice & curry at Rs800, tuk-tuk agreed before boarding.
Dollars or rupees?
Rupees for the everyday; keep US$50–100 as backup — hotels and excursions take them happily.
Indicative amounts — rate reservable for 3 hours · Rue Pierre-Fatio 19, Geneva · Guide complet en français