Send Money to Sri Lanka from Australia and New Zealand

Sending money to Sri Lanka from Australia or New Zealand is a common need for families, students, professionals, and those supporting loved ones back home. With modern online transfer services like OrbitRemit, international remittances to Sri Lanka can be faster, safer and more cost-effective than using traditional banks.

In this 2026 guide, you’ll learn how to send money to Sri Lanka from Australia and New Zealand, explore the benefits of using OrbitRemit, and find tips for saving on fees and exchange rates.

Why Australians and New Zealanders send money to Sri Lanka

Australia and New Zealand are home to a significant and close-knit Sri Lankan community, with strong family and financial ties to the island. People send money to Sri Lanka for many reasons:

Family living expenses and regular financial support
Tuition and education fees
Medical costs and emergencies
Property purchases, mortgages, and bills
Business investment and payments
Special occasions and cultural celebrations such as Sinhala and Tamil New Year

Choosing a trusted international money transfer provider helps ensure your funds arrive quickly and securely, with lower fees and better currency value than the banks.

How to send money to Sri Lanka using OrbitRemit

Sending money to Sri Lanka with OrbitRemit’s online platform is simple and transparent.

Create an account or log in

Register online or log into your existing account. New customers will need to complete a one-time biometric verification — a quick identity check that keeps your account secure and meets regulatory requirements.

📋 How to complete biometric verification →
Set up your transfer

Once your account is verified / you’ve logged in:

– Choose Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) as the receiving currency
– Enter the amount you want to send in AUD or NZD, or the amount you’d like your recipient to receive in LKR
– Review the exchange rate and transfer fee before confirming.

OrbitRemit’s currency calculator shows how much your recipient will receive, helping you make informed decisions before sending.
Select delivery method

Under ‘Recipient Type’ select:

– Bank Account Deposit: Funds are sent directly into Sri Lankan bank accounts. Over 85% of OrbitRemit transfers arrive within 2 hours of payment being received.
Add your recipient’s details

You will need to provide your recipient’s details, including:

– Full legal name
– Bank name and account number
– Contact details

Accurate information helps prevent transfer delays and ensures your recipient receives funds smoothly.
Pay for your transfer

Choose your preferred payment method:

Australia: Bank transfer, debit card, PayID, Apple Pay, Google Pay
New Zealand: Bank transfer, debit card, POLi, Apple Pay, Google Pay

Once payment is received, OrbitRemit processes your transfer. You can track its progress in real time from your account.

📋 Full step-by-step guide to your first transfer →

How fast are transfers to Sri Lanka?

Traditional bank international transfers can take two to five working days. OrbitRemit is built for speed — over 85% of transfers arrive within 2 hours of payment being received.

Factor	Details
Bank deposits	Typically within 2 hours once payment is confirmed
First-time transfers	May take slightly longer during verification
Public holidays/weekends	Bank processing schedules may cause minor delays

Important: First-time transfers may take slightly longer while identity verification is completed. Transfers made over weekends or public holidays may experience minor delays due to bank processing schedules.

Key benefits of using OrbitRemit (2026)

Low, transparent transfer fees

OrbitRemit charges a fixed, flat transfer fee so you always know the cost upfront — no percentage-based fees, no surprises.

New customers receive OrbitRemit’s special promo rate plus $0 fees*
AUD to LKR: $4 AUD per transfer
NZD to LKR: $4 NZD per transfer
Transfers of $10,000 or more are fee-free

*New customers only. Limited time offer. Rate subject to change. $500 AUD/$500 NZD limit applies. Terms and conditions apply. Not available in conjunction with any other offer.

Competitive exchange rates

OrbitRemit provides competitive AUD to LKR and NZD to LKR exchange rates that are typically much stronger than those offered by Australian or New Zealand banks. Up to 75% cheaper than the banks.*

Check today’s rates

*Based on internal research conducted in December 2024.

Security and regulation

From login to delivery, your money and personal information are kept safe using industry-leading encryption and fraud detection systems.

OrbitRemit is regulated in Australia by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and registered with AUSTRAC, and in New Zealand supervised by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) as a licensed money remitter. We follow strict financial, compliance and anti-money laundering requirements to ensure your transfers are always safe and transparent.

Easy-to-use online platform

OrbitRemit offers a user-friendly app and website that allows customers to arrange transfers quickly and track transactions in real time. Customer support is available via email and live chat.

Need help?

OrbitRemit vs other money transfer providers

OrbitRemit vs traditional banks

OrbitRemit Advantages

Fixed, visible fees with no hidden charges
More competitive LKR exchange rates
Faster transfer speeds — over 85% arrive within 2 hours
Local in New Zealand and Australia

OrbitRemit vs Wise

Wise Strengths

Uses the mid-market exchange rate
Fully transparent fee structure

OrbitRemit Strengths

Fixed and often lower upfront transfer fees
Fee-free transfers for large amounts above $10,000
Services designed specifically for AU and NZ customers

Wise separates fees from exchange rates, while OrbitRemit includes some margin within the exchange rate — a common and transparent pricing model across the remittance industry.

OrbitRemit vs Western Union

Western Union Strengths

Extensive global cash pickup network

OrbitRemit Strengths

Typically lower fees compared with traditional wire services
Online-first service that helps reduce operational costs
No need to visit a physical location

Western Union and similar providers may charge both transfer fees and exchange rate mark-ups.

OrbitRemit vs WorldRemit and Remitly

Many digital remittance providers offer fast delivery to Sri Lanka. However, pricing structures and exchange rate mark-ups can vary significantly between providers.

OrbitRemit is often favoured for its straightforward fixed-fee model, strong pricing for larger transfers, and its focus on the Australian and New Zealand market.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is OrbitRemit safe to use for transfers to Sri Lanka?

Yes, OrbitRemit is safe. OrbitRemit is regulated in Australia by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and registered with AUSTRAC, and in New Zealand supervised by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) as a licensed money remitter. Every transfer is protected by industry-leading security and encryption.

How much does it cost to send money to Sri Lanka from Australia?

Transfers from Australia to Sri Lanka cost $4 AUD per transfer. New customers receive a special promo rate and $0 fee on their first transfer.* Transfers of $10,000 AUD or more are fee-free.

Fees and availability may vary depending on the payment method and any promotional offers at the time of sending.

How much does it cost to send money to Sri Lanka from New Zealand?

Transfers from New Zealand to Sri Lanka cost $4 NZD per transfer. New customers receive a special promo rate and $0 fee on their first transfer.* Transfers of $10,000 NZD or more are fee-free.

Fees and availability may vary depending on the payment method and any promotional offers at the time of sending.

How long does it take to send money to Sri Lanka with OrbitRemit?

Transfers to Sri Lanka are typically completed the same business day once payment is received. Exact timing depends on your payment method, the time of day, and your recipient’s bank. Transfers made on weekends or public holidays may take slightly longer.

What banks can I send money to in Sri Lanka?

With OrbitRemit, you can send money directly to major Sri Lankan bank accounts including Bank of Ceylon, People’s Bank, Commercial Bank of Ceylon, Hatton National Bank (HNB), Sampath Bank, Seylan Bank, Nations Trust Bank, and more.

Can my recipient receive in USD in Sri Lanka?

Yes. If your recipient holds a USD foreign currency account in Sri Lanka, you can send in USD by selecting USD as the receive currency when setting up your transfer on the OrbitRemit website. The standard option is LKR for most recipients.

What information do I need to send money to Sri Lanka?

You typically need:
– Recipient’s full legal name (as it appears on their bank account)
– Bank name and branch
– Bank account number

Ensuring all details are accurate helps prevent delays and ensures smooth delivery.

Is there a transfer limit for sending money to Sri Lanka with OrbitRemit?

Yes. You can send up to 10,000,000 LKR per transaction to both personal and business accounts in Sri Lanka. If you are sending to a USD foreign currency account, the limit is 1,000 USD per transaction. If you need to send more, you will need to split the transfer into multiple transactions.

Can I send money to Sri Lanka without my recipient having a bank account?

OrbitRemit currently supports bank account deposits for transfers to Sri Lanka. If your recipient does not have a bank account, you may need to consider alternative services.

What payment methods can I use in Australia?

OrbitRemit supports a range of convenient and secure payment methods for customers sending money to Sri Lanka from Australia.

Australia payment methods include:
– Bank transfer
– Debit card
– PayID
– Apple Pay and Google Pay (where available)

Available payment methods may vary depending on your transfer type, bank, and device. Faster payment options such as PayID or debit card may help speed up transfer processing times.

What payment methods can I use in New Zealand?

OrbitRemit supports a range of convenient and secure payment methods for customers sending money to Sri Lanka from New Zealand.

New Zealand payment methods include:
– Bank transfer
– Debit card
– POLi
– Apple Pay and Google Pay (where available)

Available payment methods may vary depending on your transfer type, bank, and device.

Can I track my transfer to Sri Lanka?

Yes. OrbitRemit allows you to track your money transfer in real time through your online account or mobile app. You can view status updates at each stage of the transfer process, from payment confirmation through to successful delivery.

To learn more, visit OrbitRemit’s help centre: https://support.orbitremit.com/hc/en-us/sections/360001212634-Transfer-Status

Why OrbitRemit is a strong choice for AU and NZ transfers in 2026

OrbitRemit combines:

Low fixed fees ($4 flat, fee-free on large transfers)
Competitive AUD→LKR and NZD→LKR exchange rates
Fast transfer speeds — over 85% arrive within 2 hours
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot from over 33,000 reviews
Strong security and regulatory compliance
Services tailored specifically for AU and NZ customers

This balance makes OrbitRemit a reliable and cost-effective choice for sending money to Sri Lanka.

Start sending money to Sri Lanka today

Sending money to Sri Lanka doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated. With OrbitRemit, Australians and New Zealanders can transfer funds to Sri Lanka quickly, securely, and with confidence.

Whether you’re supporting family, celebrating Sinhala and Tamil New Year, or managing financial commitments, choosing the right transfer service helps you save time and money throughout 2026 and beyond.

Start your transfer today