Digital Nomad Information to Residing in Sri Lanka in 2023

For those who’re seeking to work from a tropical paradise that isn’t Bali (or Thailand), then this information containing every little thing you have to find out about residing in Sri Lanka as a digital nomad is for you.

Earlier this 12 months I spent 4 months residing in Sri Lanka and actually fell in love with the place. It’s a beautiful nation with a lot to see and do.

In addition to exploring as a lot of the nation as I may, I additionally frolicked working from a number of of Sri Lanka’s greatest coworking hotspots. I’m pleased to be sharing my ideas and findings with you right this moment.

About Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka (previously often known as Ceylon) is an island nation in South Asia, simply off the coast of southern India. It has a inhabitants of roughly 22 million individuals, the majority of whom are Sinhala Buddhists.

The Sinhalese are the biggest ethnic group, adopted by the Tamils, who’re largely Hindus or Muslims and primarily dwell within the northern and jap components of the nation.

Regardless of its comparatively small measurement, Sri Lanka has an extremely various vary of landscapes. From white sandy seashores and palm bushes on the coast to lush rain forests, tea plantations, rugged mountains, and rolling hills discovered inland.

Residing in Sri Lanka As a Digital Nomad

Earlier than we go any additional, it’s vital to notice that Sri Lanka’s digital nomad scene isn’t anyplace close to as developed or established as in locations like Bali, Thailand, or Portugal.

There are, nevertheless, just a few coworking areas right here, and I’ll talk about a number of the greatest ones under. However don’t count on the identical vary of decisions or services as you’d see in additional common distant working hotspots.

The truth that Sri Lanka remains to be considerably undiscovered as a distant working vacation spot is among the causes I liked being there. It’s a lot much less crowded than a number of the extra common locations. And, regardless of its reputation with vacationers and holidaymakers, it’s straightforward to get off the overwhelmed path and away from generally visited spots.

The price of residing in Sri Lanka can be very low, so long as you keep away from the most well-liked touristy areas. It’s an excellent place to base your self for those who’re seeking to make your cash go additional than it could in locations like Europe or North America.

Is Sri Lanka Protected?

General, Sri Lanka is a very secure nation. In my expertise, there are method fewer scams and insecurities right here than in lots of different locations I’ve visited, and the individuals of Sri Lanka are welcoming and type.

As with anyplace, petty crime will be a problem in some locations. Nevertheless, so long as you control your belongings always, and take the opposite standard precautions, you need to be completely wonderful. Violent crime in opposition to foreigners could be very uncommon.

Throughout my 4 months in Sri Lanka, I didn’t really feel unsafe at any level. Apart from often on the roads – Sri Lankan bus drivers have a (well-earned) repute for recklessness and harmful driving!

Greatest Locations to Stay in Sri Lanka

On the subject of one of the best locations to dwell in Sri Lanka, the 2 most vital issues to contemplate are whether or not you like being primarily based in a giant metropolis or a small city, and what time of 12 months you’ll be visiting (extra on this under). Listed here are my high 5 advisable locations to dwell in Sri Lanka for digital nomads:

1. Colombo

Sri Lanka has two capitals, with Colombo being the industrial capital metropolis, whereas Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is the legislative capital.

Colombo is a contemporary metropolis on the west coast of the island. It’s residence to a number of the nation’s greatest eating places, retailers, bars, cafes, and coworking areas.

As a result of Colombo isn’t actually a lot of a vacationer vacation spot, costs right here are usually significantly decrease than in lots of different coastal areas, making it a superb choice for these on a good finances.

I wouldn’t describe Colombo as stunning, and the air high quality isn’t wonderful. Nevertheless, if you need all the facilities of a giant metropolis whereas inside shut proximity to some nice seashores, Colombo is perhaps a superb choice for you.

Greatest Areas to Stay in Colombo

Kollupitiya, often known as Colpetty, is among the greatest areas to remain in Colombo for digital nomads. Its central location offers you quick access to a variety of fantastic eating places, bars, and retailers.

Cinnamon Gardens is an prosperous residential neighborhood with leafy streets, engaging colonial-era structure, and a number of other stunning parks. It’s a superb place to base your self for those who’re on the lookout for a extra peaceable and serene setting inside the large metropolis.

I stayed in Bambalapitiya throughout my time in Colombo. It’s positioned simply south of Kollupitiya and presents a superb steadiness between being comparatively peaceable and well-connected, and is conveniently near a variety of facilities.

Coworking Areas in Colombo

Issues To Do in Colombo

2. Weligama

Weligama is among the bigger cities within the south of Sri Lanka. Situated on an enormous sweeping bay, it’s a great mid-way compromise between the hustle and bustle of the large metropolis (Colombo) and the sleepier little cities and villages on the south coast (Hiriketiya, under).

Weligama has a great deal of wonderful eating places, retailers, cafes, and bars to take a look at. It’s additionally the most effective locations in Sri Lanka to learn to surf – its mild seashore break supplies a great spot for novices studying find out how to discover their ft on the water.

Greatest Areas to Stay in Weligama

If you wish to be near the major browsing seashore and as most of the greatest eating places, bars, cafes, and retailers as attainable, attempt to discover someplace as near the middle of town as you possibly can (search this space on Google Maps).

On the whole, you’ll get extra on your cash by being a few blocks again from the principle beachfront. There are many wonderful finances choices for those who don’t thoughts being additional out nonetheless, equivalent to round right here (Weligama doesn’t appear to have names for its totally different neighborhoods).

The neighboring city of Mirissa, on the jap fringe of the bay, is residence to many fancy motels and luxurious residences. This can be a good place to dwell for those who’re on the lookout for someplace just a little smarter and extra upmarket.

Coworking Areas in Weligama

Issues To Do in Weligama

3. Ahangama

Ahangama is a small city on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. Lengthy since common with surfers, hippies, and seashore bums, lately it’s additionally began gaining one thing of a repute amongst digital nomads within the know.

Regardless of its measurement, there are many wonderful locations to eat, drink, and have enjoyable in Ahangama. It’s the type of place that’s straightforward to make pals, and also you’ll catch your self often waving whats up to individuals you lately met. There are a few wonderful coworking areas right here too.

Greatest Areas to Stay in Ahangama

Ahangama actually isn’t very large. It’s a city constructed alongside one major avenue, and that is the place a lot of the motion occurs.

If attainable, I’d suggest looking for a spot on one of many facet streets off the principle street. That method, you’ll keep away from the worst of the site visitors noise, however will nonetheless be near every little thing you want.

Coworking Areas in Ahangama

Issues To Do in Ahangama

4. Hiriketiya

Hiriketiya is a beautiful crescent-shaped bay on the central south coast of Sri Lanka. That is certainly one of my absolute favourite locations within the nation and I liked on daily basis of the month I spent residing right here.

It’s sleepy and chilled however nonetheless has a lot of nice locations to eat and drink, common dwell music, and different occasions all through the week. Every little thing is inside straightforward strolling distance, and folks acknowledge and say whats up to you on the road.

What’s extra, you possibly can swim with turtles each morning within the crystal clear, heat waters of the bay – it’s fairly wonderful.

Greatest Areas to Stay in Hiriketiya

Probably the most stunning space to dwell in Hiriketiya is alongside the principle Hiriketiya Bay itself. Unsurprisingly, that is additionally the costliest place to base your self however, for those who can afford it, that’s the place I’d suggest staying.

For those who’re on the lookout for someplace cheaper, take a look at some locations both in, or nearer to, the neighboring city of Dikwella. You may additionally take into account staying in Nilwella, which is far quieter and extra residential.

Coworking Areas in Hiriketiya

Issues To Do in Hiriketiya

5. Arugam Bay

Situated on the wild east coast, Arugam Bay is certainly one of Asia’s most well-known browsing locations. That is primarily resulting from its Fundamental Level, an epic 500-meter-long right-hand level break.

Nevertheless, even for those who’re not a surfer, Arugam Bay and its surrounding space are extremely stunning and properly price visiting.

It’s residence to a number of stunning seashores, framed by palm bushes, dunes, and colourful fishing boats. There’s an excellent vary of lodging choices, a number of wonderful eating places, cafes, and a small however pleasant neighborhood of digital nomads.

Greatest Areas to Stay in Arugam Bay

It doesn’t actually matter the place you select to dwell in Arugam Bay. It’s not a giant place and, so long as you keep central, you’ll hardly ever be greater than a 5-minute stroll from anyplace you wish to go.

Coworking Areas in Arugam Bay

• Nomads (at present the one coworking area on the town)

Issues To Do in Arugam Bay

• Browsing (in fact) – for intermediates and up, take a look at Fundamental Level, Whiskey Level, and Pottuvil Level. Rookies, head to Child Level or Peanut Farm
• Get pleasure from a number of the greatest espresso in Sri Lanka at Kaffi cafe
• Take an extended stroll on one of many many stunning seashores within the space
• Hold a watch out for wild elephants on the sting of city (they’re all over the place!)
• Have brunch at Karma Backyard (which is owned by my buddy Matt – he’s a legend, say hello for me)

The best way to Discover Lodging in Sri Lanka

There are just a few alternative ways to search out lodging in Sri Lanka. Listed here are the strategies I like to recommend:

1. Reserving.com: Though this platform is often related to motels and short-term vacation leases, I discovered some actual gems when looking for locations to remain in Sri Lanka this fashion. Many additionally supply reductions for longer-term journeys. I’d at all times begin your search right here. Click on right here to view the web site.
2. Airbnb: Good previous Airbnb. I’ve used it a number of occasions in Sri Lanka and, though locations are usually dearer on right here than on Reserving.com, their customer support is first-rate. I had a problem with one of many locations I’d booked to remain at, however Airbnb Help resolved it rapidly and effectively. Prime marks. Click on right here to browse.
3. Google Maps: One factor I’ve began doing lately is on the lookout for lodging on Google Maps. You’ll be able to filter by buyer evaluations, and since there isn’t an intermediate reserving platform, you possibly can usually discover locations to remain which are very low cost. Click on right here to view maps.
4. Ask locals: For those who’re seeking to lease someplace long-term, strive reserving the primary few nights upfront utilizing one of many strategies above. Then, when you’ve arrived and settled, go about asking as many locals as you possibly can whether or not they know of anyplace that you would be able to lease long-term. There aren’t any ensures, however it can save you a ton of cash this fashion if it really works out.

Price of Residing in Sri Lanka

The price of residing in Sri Lanka could be very low general, akin to different Asian locations like India and the Philippines, making it an excellent place for nomads on a good finances. For instance, see this comparability of the price of residing in Sri Lanka versus the US.

As you’d count on, costs are greater in touristy areas. You’ll be able to simply spend a lot of cash for those who solely ever eat in vacationer eating places, journey all over the place by taxi, and keep in fancy motels, (though it should be stated, it is attainable to do all this for a lot much less in Sri Lanka than it could price in most different components of the world).

Nevertheless, it’s not troublesome to make your cash go a good distance right here, particularly for those who go for longer-term leases (see above), use public transport, and eat in native eating places. Right here’s a breakdown of a number of the residing prices in Sri Lanka:

Eating places and Groceries

On the whole, until you purchase substances in bulk, it’s truly cheaper to eat out in low cost native locations than to cook dinner for your self.

You may get an enormous plate of dal and vegetable rotis for $1–2 for those who keep away from the vacationer locations. In mid-range eating places that cater to vacationers, count on to pay $5–10 per head.

A big bottle of native Lion beer often prices round $1.50, and you may get a bottle of premium arrack (a neighborhood rum-like spirit produced from coconut) for about $10 in liquor shops.

Lodging Prices

I met an American girl who lives in Sri Lanka full-time and pays $80 USD per 30 days in lease. As a extra short-term customer, you’re unlikely to search out something anyplace close to as low cost as that, though there are positively offers available.

Costs are highest on the south and west coasts. In these areas, you possibly can count on to pay round $600 USD per 30 days for a room with a non-public lavatory and AC in a guesthouse with shared kitchen services.

Anticipate to pay extra like $400 USD for those who don’t want AC – though I’d say the additional $200 is unquestionably price spending…

In lots of locations inland and away from the touristy areas, it’s not troublesome to search out guesthouses with a non-public lavatory and AC for as little as $200–$300 USD per 30 days.

As a basic rule, you’ll pay just a little underneath double the price of a non-public room for a easy 1-bedroom residence. So, on the south and west coast, you’re $800 USD -$900 USD per 30 days, and inland round $300 USD – $400 USD.

Transportation Prices in Sri Lanka

Public transport is extraordinarily low cost in Sri Lanka. The prepare from Colombo right down to the south coast takes greater than 4 hours and prices just a little over $1 USD. Taking the general public bus is even cheaper nonetheless.

You may get just about all over the place in Sri Lanka by bus. Trains additionally join a number of of the nation’s main cities together with Colombo, Kandy, Anuradhapura, Trincomalee, Jaffna, and the south coast.

When you’ve got a bigger finances, you too can rent taxis and/or tuk-tuks to get round. All the time agree on a worth upfront.

I’d additionally suggest asking a trusted native what a sure journey ought to price first too. This fashion, you will have a imprecise concept of whether or not the value you’re quoted is affordable or not.

Renting a automobile is sort of costly and a little bit of an administrative headache. Though it’s often low cost and simple to lease mopeds out of your lodging host, you’ll moreover must get a short-term Sri Lankan driving allow with a view to drive legally right here.

I rented my very own tuk-tuk from Tuk-Tuk Ceylon Journey for $13 USD per day. It was superior. For those who’re a assured driver, that is positively essentially the most enjoyable and versatile option to discover Sri Lanka, and the corporate types out all the short-term driving allow admin and paperwork for you.

SIM Playing cards and Information

As famous under, WiFi in Sri Lanka is usually a bit patchy and unreliable in locations. So, I’d positively suggest choosing up a neighborhood SIM card to ensure an uninterrupted web connection whereas working remotely in Sri Lanka.

Dialog is one of the best firm to purchase a neighborhood Sri Lankan SIM card from. They’ve workplaces in most main cities, they provide e-SIMs, and it prices lower than $10 for 50 GB of knowledge, legitimate for a month.

You’ll want to go to certainly one of their branches in particular person and produce your passport with you to get every little thing arrange. Nevertheless, the entire course of could be very easy and solely takes round quarter-hour. There are a lot of methods to get web whereas touring, native SIMs are nice for longer stays, however eSIMs are simpler to kind out.

Cash Saving Ideas for Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a good vacation spot for finances vacationers. Listed here are some tips about find out how to make your cash go even additional:

• Go for longer stays: Most lodging suppliers supply reductions for month-to-month stays. It’s at all times price asking your host if it’s attainable to barter a long-term price.
• Use public transport: Touring by bus or prepare is massively cheaper than taking taxis or tuk-tuks.
• Eat the place the locals eat: When consuming out, go for native eating places over touristy ones.
• Store round: Attempt to store round when reserving actions or excursions – they usually fluctuate in worth relying on the supplier.
• Haggle: Don’t be afraid to barter on the value of things in markets, taxi fares, and even lodging.

Coworking Areas in Sri Lanka and WiFi Velocity

WiFi speeds fluctuate all through the nation. It’s often the quickest and most steady in Colombo and different large cities.

In Colombo, I used to be averaging speeds of round 50 Mbps obtain and 30Mbps add. Outdoors of main cities and cities, the pace tends to be a lot slower and might go out and in at occasions. Typically, the smaller the city, the more serious the web.

Nevertheless, on condition that native SIMs are so low cost (see above), and that Sri Lanka’s 4G protection is mostly wonderful (and quick), you shouldn’t battle to search out sufficient web in most locations.

Listed here are just a few of my favourite coworking areas in Sri Lanka:

1. Focus Hub, Ahangama: $6 USD/day, very pleasant workers, tasty meals, chilled vibes
2. Hari Hari Home, Ahangama: $9 USD/day, beachfront, floor-to-ceiling home windows with beautiful views of the waves, roof terrace
3. Dots Bay Home, Hiriketiya: Free (simply purchase a drink or meals each few hours), nice music, superbly landscaped grounds, pool, pretty workers
4. Outpost, Weligama: $13 USD /day, beautiful roof terrace with a sea view, pool, a lot of social occasions, wonderful smoothie bowls

Actions and Issues To Do in Sri Lanka

There are such a lot of unimaginable issues to do in Sri Lanka. Listed here are 5 of my favorites to get you began:

1. Study to Surf

I used to be first launched to browsing in Sri Lanka. It’s extensively thought of to be the most effective browsing locations on this planet.

The water is heat (no wetsuits wanted) and there are waves for all skills. Among the nation’s high browsing hotspots embody Arugam Bay, Hikkaduwa, Midigama, and Ahangama. Take a look at this highly-reviewed novices surf lesson.

2. Climb Sigiriya

The towering Sigiriya (or Lion’s Rock) is certainly one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks. This large Fifth-century palace fortress is perched on high of an infinite boulder and is among the most spectacular historic websites I’ve ever visited.

Climb the 1,200 steps to the summit, the place you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views over the encompassing space. It’s price spending a minimum of a few hours exploring all the varied terraces, ponds, caves, and water gardens. Take a look at this nice day journey from Colombo.

3. Take the Scenic Mountain Practice

The mountain prepare that runs between Kandy and Ella is certainly one of the scenic on this planet, passing via lush tea plantations and delightful forested valleys.

Most vacationers take the prepare from Kandy to Ella, however my primary tip is to take it the opposite method (from Ella to Kandy). The trains are far much less crowded on this route, so that you don’t must compete with hordes of different vacationers taking images of themselves hanging out of the open doorways – they actually do!

It’s vital to guide tickets as far upfront as attainable as they have an inclination to promote out. Click on here to guide. See the Sri Lanka Railways web site for up-to-date prepare timetables.

4. Feast in Jaffna

Jaffna is the capital of the Tamil-majority Northern Province. It was extensively broken in the course of the civil struggle that ran between 1983–2009 however is present process one thing of a revival these days.

In addition to being a captivating place to go to in its personal proper, the meals in Jaffna is purpose sufficient to go to. Jaffna delicacies is closely influenced by southern Indian cooking; it’s spicy, wealthy, and completely scrumptious.

My favourite restaurant in Jaffna is Lavin’s. Go right here, and order the cashew curry with the masala paneer dosa – I promise you received’t be dissatisfied.

5. Go to Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is an historic metropolis, and a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, that’s residence to lots of Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist websites. These embody a number of big stupas, historic temples, rock monasteries, and a sacred bodhi tree that supposedly derives from the unique tree which Buddha gained enlightenment underneath.

It is advisable to spend a minimum of just a few full days in Anuradhapura to correctly expertise the place. I’d additionally suggest taking a guided tour to be taught in regards to the historical past and significance of the varied websites.

Climate in Sri Lanka

Given its location close to the equator, Sri Lanka has a scorching and humid tropical local weather year-round. On the coast, the common temperature often hovers round 30 levels in the course of the day and infrequently falls under 26 at evening.

Within the mountains and upland areas within the heart of the island, temperatures are usually a number of levels cooler, and it’s often a lot much less humid.

One uncommon factor about Sri Lanka is that it experiences two separate monsoon seasons.

The Northeast Monsoon often begins in October and ends round late March or early April, bringing heavy rainfall to the northern and jap sides of the island. The Southwest Monsoon runs from Could till September and impacts the southern and western areas.

If you wish to keep away from the rains, one of the best time to be within the south and west of Sri Lanka is between November–April. And for the north and east, it’s April–September.

Execs and Cons of Residing in Sri Lanka

As with anyplace on this planet, there are each professionals and cons of residing in Sri Lanka. I’ve listed some to contemplate under:

Execs of Residing in Sri Lanka

• Low cost: The price of residing in Sri Lanka is far decrease than in Europe or North America.
• Protected: General, Sri Lanka is a very secure nation to go to and dwell in. See the above part on security for more information.
• Chilled vibes: I like the slower tempo of life in Sri Lanka – it’s a real tropical paradise.
• Pleasant locals: Sri Lankans are rightfully recognized for his or her heat hospitality and welcoming nature. I used to be at all times made to really feel accepted.
• Scrumptious meals: Sri Lankan delicacies is a scrumptious mix of flavors and spices. From comforting dal and pumpkin curries to coconut pancakes, contemporary tropical fruit, and grilled seafood, you possibly can eat extraordinarily properly right here.
• Lovely landscapes: Sri Lanka has greater than its fair proportion of beautiful pure magnificence, from pristine white sand seashores to lush tea plantations, rugged mountains, and breathtaking nationwide parks.
• Heat and sunny year-round: See the above part on local weather and the 2 monsoon seasons.
• Lengthy visa: Sri Lanka doesn’t at present have a digital nomad visa. Nevertheless, many nationalities can get a 180-day vacationer e-visa on-line earlier than arrival.

Cons of Residing in Sri Lanka

• Lack of meals selection: I like Sri Lankan meals. However, after some time, I began craving different cuisines, which aren’t at all times straightforward to search out outdoors of Colombo.
• Will be laborious to search out imported merchandise/manufacturers: Sri Lanka has very restrictive import tariffs, which means that you would be able to’t at all times pay money for imported merchandise and meals.
• Restricted coworking choices outdoors Colombo: Whereas Colombo has a wide selection of coworking areas, there aren’t many in different components of the nation.
• Energy outages: Sri Lanka experiences energy outages every now and then, particularly in rural areas. All the time preserve your laptop computer absolutely charged.
• Congested roads: That is solely actually an issue within the southwest nook of the island.
• Loopy bus drivers: They drive so aggressively, I used to be practically compelled off the street a number of occasions. Have your wits about you.
• Corrupt police: It’s not unusual for site visitors police to cease drivers on the street and ask for a bribe. All the time say no, politely however firmly.
• It’s not a good suggestion to drink unfiltered faucet water: It’s not as dangerous as in locations like India, however I’d nonetheless suggest filtering water earlier than ingesting it if attainable. Don’t purchase single-use plastic for those who will help it.

Digital Nomad Visa for Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka doesn’t at present have a digital nomad visa. Nevertheless, residents of the USA, Canada, the UK, and plenty of different nations, can apply for a 180-day vacationer e-visa on-line earlier than arrival. It’s known as an ETA and prices about $36 USD. Apply for one right here.

Technically, you’re supposed to have the ability to present proof of an onward ticket (i.e. a return flight) once you arrive at immigration. I wasn’t requested for this, however I’d nonetheless suggest having one simply to keep away from pointless issues.

Digital Nomad in Sri Lanka: FAQs

Listed here are some solutions to often requested questions on Digital Nomad life in Sri Lanka:

In Conclusion

Chilled-out vibes, pleasant individuals, unimaginable surroundings, lush tropical landscapes, scrumptious meals, pounding surf, and epic Indian Ocean sunsets – Sri Lanka is a completely wonderful place.

For those who’re on the lookout for someplace a bit totally different from the usual digital nomad hotspots, this stunning nation is unquestionably price contemplating. I hope this digital nomad information to Sri Lanka has been helpful. I completely liked my time there and might’t wait to return.