Arriving at the Colombo train station, I eagerly awaited my ride to Anuradhapura, where I was to attend a 10-day Vipassana course. Before the train’s arrival, I took the opportunity to purchase some snacks and savor a comforting cup of coffee. Glancing across the platform, it resembled a bustling Sunday market, teeming with both locals and tourists eagerly anticipating their next adventure.

Navigating through the train proved a bit challenging initially. After traversing halfway through, I realized my oversight: my designated coach awaited me right at the train’s entrance. Finally settling into my seat, I breathed a sigh of contentment.

The plush seat cradled me comfortably as I gazed out the window at the mesmerizing green landscapes. Palm trees swayed gently amidst sprawling rice fields, while blue lakes and muddy ponds added to the picturesque scenery. The early-morning six-hour journey passed swiftly, each vista leaving me awestruck anew.

Upon arriving at the station, I was prepared with Google Maps and knew where to find the bus station.

However, I first needed to do some grocery shopping and exchange currency as I didn’t have enough local money.

Google Maps Direction From The Train Station over the City Center to the Final Destination

As soon as I left the platform, local tuk-tuk drivers started approaching me, offering their services. No, nope, thank you, – I said with a smile several times, continuing to walk, assuring them I would take the bus.

To my surprise, I still considered taking the bus after that horrendous bus-driving experience. I guess the horror story from the previous day had transformed into a hilarious travel anecdote, worthy of its own entertaining blog post entry.

Suddenly, a thought struck me: how would I carry everything? I am already fully packed with a large backpack on my back and a small but heavy one in front. It is hot, and I am sweating like crazy after just a short walk. How will I manage to carry food for 10 days as well?

Lost in my thoughts, a tall man came near me – Ma’am, where are you going? – he asked.

– To the city, I have to buy a few things and then head to the Dhamma Centre. – I replied.

– Do you need a tuk-tuk ma’am? I can give you a good price!

By then I wasn’t so sure I didn’t need one.

How much? – I asked.

I have to go to the city, buy groceries, have brunch and exchange money. After all this is done, I need to go to the Dhamma Center.

This itinerary for the next couple of hours was quickly communicated to the driver, so he would have the necessary information to make me an offer.

I wasn’t standing still and waiting for some magical powers to tell me a reasonable price. I quickly opened the app PickMe , the local version of Uber, on my phone to see how much they would charge from the train station to the Dhamma Centre, just to get a rough idea.

2000 – he said.

Well – I travel smart, prepared and don’t give up without a fight!

1000 – I responded firmly, showing him the app screen where a number over 900 was displayed.

If I can bargain down to 1500, I’ll be happy, I thought to myself.

These apps do offer rock-bottom prices. Besides, we wouldn’t go straight to the center; he would be driving me around for who knows how long until all my tasks were completed. And he does need to earn something, right? So, even if I pay a bit more than what the app shows, I feel fine with it.

Anuradhapura Train station

Sri Lankan Rupee Notes

He mumbled something and said 1600..

1300, I countered bravely. This is my last price. Take it or leave it.

He didn’t resist much. OK, ma’am, please sit, he responded, and I felt we were both happy with the outcome. To tell you a secret,

i think I was born to bargain. I bargain like nothing.

My strategy is to offer half of what they ask and gradually move up. The seller and I usually meet at an agreeable midpoint. I’m aware I still pay more than locals, but it’s fine; I don’t mind paying a bit extra.

I sat in the tuk-tuk, content with the deal. My driver took me to the city and waited while I bought groceries. Then he suggested taking me to a place to exchange currency.

As it turned out that place was a local jewelry shop. I was almost certain that it was owned by one of his friends. Honestly, I did not care. As long as I get a good deal, I am fine I was thinking to myself. it wasn’t a lot of money at stake. so the risk was minimal.

While driving, I searched for useful information and checked the daily exchange rates at the Central Bank Of Sri Lanka.

I entered the jewellery shop as an informed buyer with the exact knowledge of dailys exchange rate.

I also understood they needed to make a profit, so I used my knowledge and bargaining skills once more and left satisfied.

The negotiation was similar to the earlier one and I followed my usual technique. He made a low offer, and so did I. Eventually, we settled on a mutually agreeable price.

There is another amusing travel tale connected with the one above. You know, about the second part of my title, where you will get to read about the wisdom of money exchange I got in the UK! Well, maybe this is not as much as an amusing travel tale as it is an informative one. So if you came so far, stick to the end and maybe you’ll be thanking me at the end!

So here it goes:

While traveling in the UK, Oxford, I spoke with a guy, who worked at a currency exchange shop. I needed to exchange a larger sum of money, so I compared rates at three places: the post office, the bank, and his shop.

The post office offered the best rate.

by many of the lakes in Anuradhapura

Scenery in Anuradhapura

His shop was the last one I visited, so I asked him why his rate was lower than the post office’s.

“Okay, I see you’re an informed customer,” he said. “I’ll give you a much better rate than the post office.” He then explained that currency exchange is just a trade where profits and margins vary. If you don’t ask for better conditions, you won’t get them. It’s as simple as that. You asked, so you’ll get it.

I had always thought that exchange rates were fixed and regulated.

I was very wrong, and I’m grateful to him for sharing this information.

He clearly wanted to make a deal but was very open and transparent about it.

He shared more insights with me, and this honest conversation had a profound impact, staying with me to this day.

As you can see, I apply his currency exchange wisdom whenever possible.

We live, we travel, and we learn new things on the go—that’s the magic of it all!

With caring Love 🫶

T.