Last reviewed: September 2026 by the Aramex Weligama team.
Quick answer: bring your physical passport (not a photo) and the cash you're exchanging, in reasonably clean condition. Sri Lankan residents can use a National Identity Card (NIC) instead. That's all most tourist exchanges require.
This one trips people up more than any other step: you've compared rates, picked a place, walked over — and then realise your ID is back at the hotel. Here's exactly what to bring so that doesn't happen.
What you need
- A valid passport — the standard requirement for foreign visitors exchanging currency in Sri Lanka. A photo of your passport is usually not accepted; bring the physical document.
- The cash you're exchanging — in reasonably clean, undamaged condition. Heavily torn or very old notes can sometimes be refused or exchanged at a lower rate, depending on the currency.
That's genuinely it for most tourist transactions. Sri Lankan residents can typically use a National Identity Card (NIC) instead of a passport.
Why ID is required at all
This isn't specific to any one business — it's a standard part of how licensed currency exchange works in Sri Lanka (and most countries). Recording ID on transactions is part of the anti-money-laundering framework that licensed exchanges operate under, which is actually a good sign: it means the business you're dealing with follows the rules. See our guide on how to spot a licensed money changer in Weligama for more on this.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Leaving your passport at your accommodation "just to be quick".
- Bringing notes that are damaged, taped, or heavily marked — some currencies are stricter about condition than others.
- Assuming a photo of your ID on your phone will be accepted — bring the physical document.
Planning to exchange a large amount? It's worth messaging ahead on WhatsApp so we can have everything ready and minimise your time at the counter.
At Aramex
Bring your passport and the currency you're exchanging to our office at Samaraweera Place, Weligama. We'll confirm the live rate, verify your ID, and have you out the door — usually in under five minutes. For more on choosing where to go in the first place, see our guide to the best money exchange in Weligama.
Aramex Money Exchange — Central Bank of Sri Lanka licensed currency exchange. 1st Floor, 14/A Samaraweera Place, Weligama 81700, Sri Lanka. +94 70 799 9333. Open Mon–Sat, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM, WhatsApp available 7 days. Rated 4.9/5 from 248+ Google reviews.