Sri Lanka VISA question
Sep 6, 2015 | 1:39 pm
#1
Original Poster
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend, In Memoriam
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Yiron, Israel
Programs: Bates Motel Plat
Posts: 69,201
Sri Lanka VISA question
My son will be traveling to Sri Lanka and the only plastic he will have with him is a Schwab Platinum VISA debit card.
He is concerned about the availability of ATMs in the country -- as well as whether most businesses will accept VISA.
Does anyone here have experience along these lines that could help him?
He is concerned about the availability of ATMs in the country -- as well as whether most businesses will accept VISA.
Does anyone here have experience along these lines that could help him?
Sep 6, 2015 | 1:51 pm
#2
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: UK
Programs: Emirates Silver, BA, Flying Blue, Virgin, IHG
Posts: 956
I travel regularly (3 or 4 times a year) to Sri Lanka and have never had trouble using ATMs or paying with a UK debit or credid card so i dont expect you to habe trouble. I've not travelled to the very rural areas though.
Sep 6, 2015 | 5:30 pm
#3
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Houston
Programs: UA
Posts: 289
I traveled to Unawatuna, a pretty small town, last year. There may have only been 1 or 2 ATMs, but I didn't have any issues with my Schwab Visa. I don't even remember trying to use my credit card, so I'm not sure how many places will accept credit.
Where is he headed?
Where is he headed?
Sep 6, 2015 | 7:48 pm
#4
Join Date: Aug 2007
Programs: AA EXP, Amex Plat
Posts: 575
Sri Lanka VISA question
I was there a few weeks ago and my bank (Ally) flagged my card even though I told it I was going there. I had to call Ally once I was there and tell it the withdrawals were legit before I could take money out. After that, I had no problems. Around Galle and Tangalle there were enough ATMs that I had no problems.
I also had no problems using Visa at major establishments (just be realistic... don't expect to go to the local market and pay the lady selling vegetables with plastic...).
I also had no problems using Visa at major establishments (just be realistic... don't expect to go to the local market and pay the lady selling vegetables with plastic...).
Last edited by tacostuff; Sep 6, 2015 at 8:01 pm
Sep 6, 2015 | 8:45 pm
#5
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2013
Programs: AA, HH, UA, Marriott, SW, Club Carlson, IHG
Posts: 202
See my relevant note on another thread:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/asia/...l#post24437561
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/asia/...l#post24437561
Sep 8, 2015 | 4:30 am
#6
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: USA
Posts: 240
The ATM machines might charge for withdrawal. But you should be fine. Visa is a widely accepted card. The major cards are accepted in the main city of Colombo but outside it is safe to carry cash. If he does withdraw make sure he does reasonable amounts since the fees can be fixed.
Sep 8, 2015 | 4:57 am
#7
Original Poster
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend, In Memoriam
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Yiron, Israel
Programs: Bates Motel Plat
Posts: 69,201
However, I have never tried using the debit card to make a purchase in a store. Will any store that accepts Visa charge cards also accept Visa debit cards?
Sep 8, 2015 | 4:21 pm
#8
Flyertalk Posting Legend Moderator: Credit Card Programs, American Express, Capital One, Chase, Citi, Diners Club, Eco Travel, Signatures
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA, IHG & Marriott Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 51,891
Sep 11, 2015 | 8:01 am
#9
Moderator: Chase Ultimate Rewards
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 2P, MR LT Plat, IHG Plat, BW Dia, HH Au, Avis PC
Posts: 5,673
Moving this thread over to our Asia forum, for better visibility. There are a number of similar discussions in the history there, especially this one:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/asia/...-bluebird.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/asia/...-bluebird.html
Sep 12, 2015 | 3:03 pm
#10
Original Poster
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend, In Memoriam
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Yiron, Israel
Programs: Bates Motel Plat
Posts: 69,201
For practical purposes, and except for an emergency situation, he will be using only his Schwab card.