Sri Lanka is a land of wonder, where every market stall offers something unique, and every boutique is packed with treasures just waiting to be discovered. Whether you want to visit the bustling bazaars redolent with spices or modern malls housing the latest fashions and luxury brands, the shopping scene here is just as diverse as the cultural heritage.
At Crown Currency Exchange, we want you to experience the best possible holiday, and that’s why we’ve put together this complete guide to shopping in Sri Lanka. There’s no need to spend time thinking about where to go or worrying about missing out on certain items - this guide is your passport to shopping in the heart of the Indian Ocean!
What to Buy When Shopping in Sri Lanka
Let’s start by looking at some of the incredible items you’ll find on sale in Sri Lanka, many of which you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Here are some must-buy items to add to your Sri Lankan shopping list:
Gemstones and Jewellery
There’s a very good reason why Sri Lanka is known as the “Gem Island”, and here you’ll find a wealth of precious and semi-precious stones, including sapphires, rubies, and moonstones. In both markets and malls, you’ll find a dazzling array of jewellery featuring these gemstones that you can buy as a treat for yourself or as a unique gift for a loved one.
Naturally, the price of jewellery in Sri Lanka varies from piece to piece, but you can find some items at Sri Lankan shops for a reasonable price. For example, an 18k rose gold necklace with diamonds and sapphires can cost around Rs150,480 Sri Lanka Rupees ($400 AUD).
Spices
Sri Lanka is also one of the best places in the world to buy spices, and as you walk through the markets, you’ll find an aromatic assortment of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and more, many of which are integral to the island’s cuisine. These are essential items for any food lover!
Spices in Sri Lanka are also reasonably priced, and you can expect to pay just Rs95 LKR ($0.50 AUD) per 100g on average.
Tea
There is a huge tea culture in Sri Lanka, and you’ll find many market stalls and shops selling a variety of teas. So, whether you prefer green, black, white, or a specific herbal mix, any tea-lover needs to stock up on the high-quality teas you’ll find here.
Much like spices, the price of tea in Sri Lanka is very reasonable, and you can pick up 250g of Wijaya Tea (a unique blend of tea leaves picked throughout Sri Lanka) for Rs618 LKR ($3.20 AUD).
Batik Clothing and Accessories
From sarongs and dresses to bags and scarves, you’ll find a range of Batik clothing and accessories throughout Sri Lanka that are just begging for fashion lovers to find! The intricate designs and vibrant colours are hand-dyed, too, making for a truly one-of-a-kind piece that will serve as a unique memento of your time in Sri Lanka.
Prices for clothing and accessories vary between items, but you can find a beautiful sarong in Sri Lanka’s markets for around Rs2,690 LKR ($14 AUD) or a leather handbag for an average of Rs14,550 ($75 AUD).
Handloom Textiles
As well as some beautiful clothing items, you’ll find markets selling handloom textiles in a range of colours and patterns. There aren’t just reams of fabric available, though, you can also find woven shawls, tablecloths, and pillowcases that will add a touch of Sri Lankan glamour to your home and remind you of your trip.
Prices for these textiles aren’t too high either, and you can expect to pay an average of Rs660 LKR ($3.40 AUD) for smaller pieces of fabric, with prices rising the longer each textile is in length.
Handicrafts and Souvenirs
You’ll also find some one-of-a-kind souvenirs created by local artisans and craftsmen in Sri Lanka’s markets in various materials, including wood, glass, and metal. These are ideal if you’re looking for unique souvenirs for your home or to gift to friends and family, and with so many to choose from, you’re almost guaranteed to find something that fits the bill perfectly.
In terms of prices, things aren’t overly expensive, but each piece will be priced according to the materials, size, quality of craftsmanship and more. So, we recommend setting a budget for souvenir shopping and searching for some amazing items that fall within these constraints.
Best Markets in Sri Lanka
Now you know some of the unmissable items you should consider buying when shopping in Sri Lanka. But where are the best places to find them? Below, we’ve listed some top shopping destinations, each with something different to offer and all offering an incredible shopping experience.
Pettah Floating Market
One of Colombo’s most popular tourist attractions, at Petttah Floating Market you’ll find a plethora of stalls selling everything from fresh produce and spices to clothing, handicrafts, and household goods. There’s a buzzing atmosphere here, too, and with haggling encouraged, it’s a great way of experiencing the true Sri Lankan shopping experience.
Galle Fort Market
Located within the historic walls of Galle Fort, Galle Fort Market features an eclectic mix of stalls selling handmade crafts, jewellery, clothing, and souvenirs. It’s also one of the most beautiful markets in all of Sri Lanka, with cobbled streets beckoning you to explore the unique treasures on offer.
Good Market
Good Market is a haven of sustainable goods, organic products, and fair-trade products that are perfect for the eco-conscious shopper. It’s held weekly in Colombo and showcases a curated selection of locally sourced foods, handmade crafts, and more, offering something for everyone to buy safely in the knowledge that ethical practices have been followed.
Peraliya Floating Market
Nestled along the picturesque Hikkaduwa Lake, Peraliya Floating Market is a must-visit for food lovers. This is a vibrant culinary hub where vendors sell fresh produce, seafood, snacks, as well as handicrafts.
Ambalangoda Mask Market
If you’re looking for a truly unique shopping experience, you need to visit Ambalangoda Mask Market. Here, you’ll find stalls selling wooden masks, which the area is famous for, as well as workshops where you can witness these amazing creations being made. There is often live music and dancing here, too, making it a great place to spend an entire day.
Best Modern Malls in Sri Lanka
While Sri Lanka is best known for its vibrant markets and the unique items they contain, there are also some modern malls here that any shopaholic needs to visit, especially if you’re looking for a wide range of international and local brands, dining options, and more in one place.
Majestic City
One of Colombo’s most popular shopping malls, Majestic City offers a diverse range of shops, boutiques, and eateries. From clothing and accessories to electronics and household goods, Majestic City caters to a wide range of tastes and budgets and is also easily accessible from all parts of the city.
Liberty Plaza
Situated in the heart of Colombo’s shopping district, Liberty Plaza is a multi-storey shopping complex that is well-known for its extensive selection of retail outlets, including clothing stores, jewellery shops, beauty salons, and more. There is also a food court and a cinema here, making it a great spot to enjoy an evening of family fun.
Colombo City Centre
Located in the central business district, Colombo City Centre is one of the most luxurious malls in Sri Lanka and boasts a variety of luxury boutiques, high-end fashion brands, and gourmet dining options. The mall also houses a state-of-the-art cineplex and recreational facilities, making it a one-stop destination for shopping and entertainment.
One Galle Face Mall
At Galle Face Mall, which is one of Sri Lanka’s newest and most upscale shopping destinations, you’ll find a range of international fashion brands and designer boutiques. There are some fine dining restaurants to enjoy here, too, and the whole building offers panoramic views of the Indian Ocean while you eat, drink, and shop.
Best Places for Clothes Shopping in Sri Lanka
Whether you want to find some traditional Batik clothing to take home or you’re a label-lover seeking bargains from your favourite designers, Sri Lanka offers a diverse range of stores for clothing enthusiasts.
ODEL
As one of Sri Lanka’s leading fashion retailers, ODEL is renowned for its stylish and contemporary clothing collections for men, women, and children. You’ll find several ODEL branches across Colombo, but if you only have time to visit one, we’d highly recommend the flagship store in Alexandra Place.
House of Fashions
House of Fashions is a popular department store that sells a wide range of clothing, footwear, and accessories to suit any taste. You’ll find multiple floors here, each dedicated to different categories of apparel, making it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for and ensuring you’re able to find something that perfectly fits your budget.
Boutique Stores
While not a specific shopping location, Sri Lanka’s coastal towns, including Unawatuna, Mirissa, and Bentota, are home to some great boutique stores where you’ll find beachwear, resort wear, and bohemian-inspired clothing that is perfect for lounging by the sea.
Top Tip: While some stores accept card payments, it’s best to use cash when shopping in Sri Lanka, as this means you won’t have any fees to worry about, and you aren’t limited to where you can shop. You can find the best rates on AUD to LKR here.
Tips for Shopping in Sri Lanka
Shopping in Sri Lanka offers an experience unlike any other. But, it is important to follow some practical guidelines and ensure you remain culturally sensitive to make the most of it. Here are some of our top tips for shopping in Sri Lanka.
Shopping Etiquette and Cultural Sensitivity
Sri Lanka is a culturally diverse country with a mix of traditional and modern values, but when shopping, it’s important to dress modestly, especially when visiting markets and rural areas. With this in mind, you should avoid wearing revealing clothing or clothing with offensive language or symbols on it, as this will be seen as highly disrespectful.
Politeness and respect are also highly valued in Sri Lankan culture, and when you enter a shop or engage with vendors, you should greet them with a smile while saying “Vanakkam”, which means “Greetings”. This will be hugely appreciated and open you up to positive communication moving forward.
Bargaining is a common practice in Sri Lanka, too, particularly in markets and smaller shops. However, it’s very important that you negotiate prices respectfully and avoid being overly aggressive or trying to bring the price too low, as this will be seen as rude and imply you don’t respect the time and craftsmanship put into creating the product.
No matter what you’re buying or where you’re shopping, you should also express gratitude and appreciation for the products and services you receive while shopping in Sri Lanka. A simple “Sthoo-thi” (“Thank You”), along with a smile, is all you need to do, but it will go a long way in building a positive rapport with vendors and shopkeepers.
Practical Advice for Shopping in Sri Lanka
One of the biggest pieces of advice we can offer in terms of practicality when shopping in Sri Lanka is to use cash. While major credit and debit cards are accepted in larger stalls and malls, markets and smaller vendors will likely only accept cash payments, and you’ll find yourself in a very awkward situation if you aren’t able to pay for goods or services.
You should also plan your shopping trips around your transportation options, whether you’re using tuk-tuks, taxis, or public buses. Think about the distance between shopping destinations and factor in travel time, taking into account peak hours and busy periods and the cost of getting there and back.
It’s also a good idea to carry a reusable water bottle with you when shopping so you can stay hydrated, particularly during warm weather. If this isn’t an option, make sure you take the time to stop at a vendor or store selling fresh coconut water or fruit juices to quench your thirst!
Budget Your Money for Shopping in Sri Lanka
We also highly recommend creating a travel budget ahead of your trip and allocating a portion of that to shopping and then prioritising your expenses. For example, if you know that you want to pick up loads of souvenirs and gifts, set a budget for this within your shopping budget and focus on these first. You can then move on to secondary items, and so on. That way, you don’t run the risk of missing out on anything or, worse, running out of money altogether.
Remember to also keep track of your spending when shopping in Sri Lanka to avoid accidentally overspending. This doesn’t have to be a complicated spreadsheet - a simple notebook and pen will do. Or, if you prefer, there are some great budgeting apps that will help you monitor your purchases and finances.
It’s also a good idea to earmark a portion of your budget as “contingency funds”, which you can use to cover unexpected expenses or fall back on if you’ve exhausted your shopping budget but spot something you must have! Having a buffer like this will give you peace of mind and offer you the flexibility to move money across to other sections of your budget as needed.
Get the Best Rates on Sri Lanka Rupees at Crown Currency
There really is something for everyone when shopping in Sri Lanka, not only in terms of products but different ambiences. So, whether you like the idea of getting caught in the buzzing atmosphere of markets or prefer the luxury of modern malls, this beautiful county can cater to every shopping preference while delivering a memorable experience.
But in order to make the most of your Sri Lankan shopping experience, it’s best to take cash with you. This will avoid expensive International Transaction Fees charged by your card issuer, as well as ATM fees you’ll incur for withdrawing cash abroad.
At Crown Currency Exchange, you’ll find the best rates on AUD to LKR with no commission fees or hidden costs. Head to one of our many locations today, and our expert team will guide you through everything you need to know, exchange your money, and set you up for an amazing Sri Lankan shopping adventure!
