If you live in the UK, Australia, or Canada, you know the feeling. You work hard, you save, and you send a chunk of your paycheck back home to Sri Lanka.

Maybe it’s for your parents, maybe it’s for a land payment, or maybe it’s just savings for your future return.

You type “1,000 GBP to LKR” into Google. You see a great number—maybe Rs. 400,000. You log into your bank, hit send… and your family only receives Rs. 385,000.

Where did that Rs. 15,000 go?

It didn’t vanish. It was taken by the “Hidden Tax” of international transfers.

In this guide, I’m going to show you exactly how banks and transfer apps skim money off the top, and the three specific apps you should be using in 2025 to make sure every Rupee reaches home.

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The “Zero Commission” Lie

 

Most banks and high-street transfer shops claim they charge “Zero Commission.”

This is technically true, but it is misleading. Instead of charging you a fee upfront, they hide their fee in the Exchange Rate.

• The “Real” Rate (Mid-Market): £1 = Rs. 400 (This is what banks trade at).

• The “You” Rate (Retail): £1 = Rs. 385 (This is what they give you).

That Rs. 15 difference per pound is their profit. On a £1,000 transfer, you just paid them Rs. 15,000 without even realizing it.

The Top 3 Contenders for 2025

 

I have tested the top services sending to Sri Lanka right now. Here is the verdict.

1. Wise (Formerly TransferWise)

 

Best For: Bank-to-Bank Transfers & Large Amounts.

Wise is unique because they do not mark up the exchange rate. They give you the exact Mid-Market rate (the one you see on Google). Instead, they charge a small, transparent fee (usually around 0.4% – 0.6%).

• Pros: Transparent, excellent mobile app, funds usually arrive in commercial banks (Commercial, Sampath, HNB) within minutes.

• Cons: No cash pickup option. You need the recipient’s bank details.

• Verdict: If you are sending money to a savings account or paying a mortgage in Sri Lanka, this is the mathematical winner.

[Button] Check Today’s Wise Rate > (click here)

2. Remitly

 

Best For: Speed & Cash Pickups.

Remitly is aggressive. They want your business, and they often offer Promotional Rates for new customers that are actually higher than the market rate.

• Pros:

  • Cash Pickup: Your family can pick up cash at commercial banks or Cargills Food City instantly.

  • Speed: Their “Express” option is near-instant.

• The Trick: Their “Economy” rates are okay, but their “New Customer” offer is unbeatable. If you have never used them, do it at least once to grab the bonus.

[Button] Get the Remitly New Customer Offer > (click here)

3. TapTap Send

 

Best For: Smaller, Frequent Transfers (High Risk / High Reward).

TapTap Send is a newer player aggressively targeting the Sri Lankan market with “No Fee” transfers.

• Pros: Often has zero fees and very competitive rates.

• Cons: Mixed reviews on customer support. Some users report delays.

• Verdict: Great for sending smaller amounts (like £50-£100 pocket money), but for your life savings, stick to Wise.

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The “Friday Effect” (Pro Tip)

 

Here is a secret most expats don’t know: Never send money on a Friday night.

The global currency markets (“Forex”) close for the weekend. To protect themselves from the market crashing while they are closed, transfer apps often “lock in” a worse rate for you on weekends.

The Fix: Wait until Monday or Tuesday morning (UK/Aus time). You will often see the rate jump up by a few Rupees.

Final Verdict: Which One Wins?

 

• For Maximum Rupees (Bank Transfer): Use Wise. It is the most honest service on the market.

• For Instant Cash / Emergencies: Use Remitly.

• For Small, Frequent Help: Try TapTap Send.

Stop letting the banks keep your hard-earned money. Switch to one of these apps and give yourself a pay raise.