Volunteering in Sri Lanka is very affordable. Many volunteer programs include housing and meals, and longer duration programs can be a savings when compared to one week volunteer experiences. Prices are comparable to other destinations in southern Asia, though costs on this island nation can run a bit higher than nearby India. If you do choose a volunteer program in a larger city, like Colombo or Kandy, you will have access to ATMs, but don’t expect to find any in smaller cities.

Volunteers can plan on a soda costing less than $1 USD and a fast food meal to be less than $5 USD. The difference in local prices and what tourists are charged can be big (be aware), but in most cases your money will go a long way. Transportation in Sri Lanka is also particularly cheap, so traveling by either bus or train won’t set you back more than a few dollars. Tipping is common in Sri Lankan culture, and 10 percent is a good benchmark to use.