Should you’re trying to work from a tropical paradise that isn’t Bali (or Thailand), then this information containing every part you could find out about residing in Sri Lanka as a digital nomad is for you.
Earlier this yr 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 might, I additionally frolicked working from a number of of Sri Lanka’s finest coworking hotspots. I’m completely happy to be sharing my ideas and findings with you immediately.
About Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka (previously referred to 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 most important ethnic group, adopted by the Tamils, who’re principally Hindus or Muslims and primarily reside within the northern and japanese components of the nation.
Regardless of its comparatively small measurement, Sri Lanka has an extremely numerous 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.
Dwelling 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 wherever 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 few of the finest ones under. However don’t anticipate the identical vary of selections or services as you’d see in additional widespread distant working hotspots.
The truth that Sri Lanka continues to be considerably undiscovered as a distant working vacation spot is among the causes I beloved being there. It’s a lot much less crowded than a few of the extra widespread locations. And, regardless of its reputation with vacationers and holidaymakers, it’s straightforward to get off the crushed path and away from generally visited spots.
The value of residing in Sri Lanka can also be very low, so long as you keep away from the most well-liked touristy areas. It’s an awesome place to base your self for those who’re trying to make your cash go additional than it could in locations like Europe or North America.
Is Sri Lanka Protected?
Total, 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 wherever, petty crime could be a difficulty in some locations. Nonetheless, so long as you control your belongings always, and take the opposite regular precautions, you need to be completely high-quality. Violent crime towards foreigners may be very uncommon.
Throughout my 4 months in Sri Lanka, I didn’t really feel unsafe at any level. Apart from sometimes on the roads – Sri Lankan bus drivers have a (well-earned) repute for recklessness and harmful driving!
Finest Locations to Reside in Sri Lanka
On the subject of the perfect locations to reside in Sri Lanka, the 2 most vital issues to think about are whether or not you favor being primarily based in a giant metropolis or a small city, and what time of yr you’ll be visiting (extra on this under). Listed here are my high 5 advisable locations to reside 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 few of the nation’s finest 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 typically significantly decrease than in lots of different coastal areas, making it possibility for these on a good finances.
I wouldn’t describe Colombo as stunning, and the air high quality isn’t wonderful. Nonetheless, if you would like all the facilities of a giant metropolis whereas inside shut proximity to some nice seashores, Colombo is perhaps possibility for you.
Finest Areas to Reside in Colombo
Kollupitiya, also referred to as Colpetty, is among the finest areas to remain in Colombo for digital nomads. Its central location provides you quick access to a spread of wonderful 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 place to base your self for those who’re in search of a extra peaceable and serene surroundings throughout the massive metropolis.
I stayed in Bambalapitiya throughout my time in Colombo. It’s positioned simply south of Kollupitiya and affords stability between being comparatively peaceable and well-connected, and is conveniently near a spread 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 perfect 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 gives a perfect spot for rookies studying the best way to discover their toes on the water.
Finest Areas to Reside in Weligama
If you wish to be near the primary browsing seashore and as most of the finest eating places, bars, cafes, and retailers as doable, attempt to discover someplace as near the middle of town as you possibly can (search this space on Google Maps).
Basically, you’ll get extra to 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, similar to round right here (Weligama doesn’t appear to have names for its completely different neighborhoods).
The neighboring city of Mirissa, on the japanese fringe of the bay, is residence to many fancy motels and luxurious residences. It is a good place to reside for those who’re in search of 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 widespread 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 incessantly waving good day to individuals you lately met. There are a few wonderful coworking areas right here too.
Finest Areas to Reside in Ahangama
Ahangama actually isn’t very massive. It’s a city constructed alongside one primary road, and that is the place a lot of the motion occurs.
If doable, I’d suggest looking for a spot on one of many facet streets off the principle highway. That method, you’ll keep away from the worst of the visitors noise, however will nonetheless be near every part 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 one in all my absolute favourite locations within the nation and I beloved day-after-day of the month I spent residing right here.
It’s sleepy and chilled however nonetheless has plenty of nice locations to eat and drink, common reside music, and different occasions all through the week. Every thing is inside straightforward strolling distance, and other people acknowledge and say good day 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.
Finest Areas to Reside in Hiriketiya
Probably the most stunning space to reside in Hiriketiya is alongside the principle Hiriketiya Bay itself. Unsurprisingly, that is additionally the most costly place to base your self however, for those who can afford it, that’s the place I’d suggest staying.
Should you’re in search of someplace cheaper, try some locations both in, or nearer to, the neighboring city of Dikwella. You could possibly additionally think about 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 one in all Asia’s most well-known browsing locations. That is primarily because of its Primary Level, an epic 500-meter-long right-hand level break.
Nonetheless, even for those who’re not a surfer, Arugam Bay and its surrounding space are extremely stunning and properly value visiting.
It’s residence to a number of stunning seashores, framed by palm bushes, dunes, and colourful fishing boats. There’s an awesome vary of lodging choices, a number of wonderful eating places, cafes, and a small however pleasant group of digital nomads.
Finest Areas to Reside in Arugam Bay
It doesn’t actually matter the place you select to reside 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 wherever you wish to go.
Coworking Areas in Arugam Bay
- Nomads (at the moment the one coworking house on the town)
Issues To Do in Arugam Bay
- Browsing (in fact) – for intermediates and up, try Primary Level, Whiskey Level, and Pottuvil Level. Novices, head to Child Level or Peanut Farm
- Take pleasure in a few of the finest 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 in every single place!)
- Have brunch at Karma Backyard (which is owned by my good friend Matt – he’s a legend, say hello for me)
How you can Discover Lodging in Sri Lanka
There are just a few alternative ways to seek out lodging in Sri Lanka. Listed here are the strategies I like to recommend:
- Reserving.com: Though this platform is normally related to motels and short-term vacation leases, I discovered some actual gems when looking for locations to remain in Sri Lanka this manner. Many additionally provide reductions for longer-term journeys. I’d at all times begin your search right here. Click on right here to view the web site.
- Airbnb: Good outdated Airbnb. I’ve used it a number of occasions in Sri Lanka and, though locations are typically costlier on right here than on Reserving.com, their customer support is first-rate. I had a difficulty with one of many locations I’d booked to remain at, however Airbnb Help resolved it shortly and effectively. High marks. Click on right here to browse.
- Google Maps: One factor I’ve began doing just lately is in search of lodging on Google Maps. You may filter by buyer critiques, and since there isn’t an intermediate reserving platform, you possibly can usually discover locations to remain which can be very low-cost. Click on right here to view maps.
- Ask locals: Should you’re trying to hire 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 wherever you could hire long-term. There are not any ensures, however it can save you a ton of cash this manner if it really works out.
Price of Dwelling in Sri Lanka
The price of residing in Sri Lanka may be very low general, akin to different Asian locations like India and the Philippines, making it an awesome place for nomads on a good finances. For instance, see this comparability of the value of residing in Sri Lanka versus the US.
As you’d anticipate, costs are greater in touristy areas. You may simply spend plenty of cash for those who solely ever eat in vacationer eating places, journey in every single place by taxi, and keep in fancy motels, (though it should be mentioned, it is doable to do all this for a lot much less in Sri Lanka than it could value in most different components of the world).
Nonetheless, it’s not tough to make your cash go a great 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 few of the residing prices in Sri Lanka:
Eating places and Groceries
Basically, until you purchase components in bulk, it’s really more cost effective 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, anticipate to pay $5–10 per head.
A big bottle of native Lion beer normally prices round $1.50, and you will get a bottle of premium arrack (an area rum-like spirit produced from coconut) for about $10 in liquor shops.
Lodging Prices
I met an American lady who lives in Sri Lanka full-time and pays $80 USD monthly in hire. As a extra short-term customer, you’re unlikely to seek out something wherever close to as low-cost as that, though there are undoubtedly offers available.
Costs are highest on the south and west coasts. In these areas, you possibly can anticipate to pay round $600 USD monthly for a room with a non-public rest room and AC in a guesthouse with shared kitchen services.
Count on to pay extra like $400 USD for those who don’t want AC – though I’d say the additional $200 is certainly value spending…
In lots of locations inland and away from the touristy areas, it’s not tough to seek out guesthouses with a non-public rest room and AC for as little as $200–$300 USD monthly.
As a basic rule, you’ll pay just a little below double the price of a non-public room for a easy 1-bedroom condominium. So, on the south and west coast, you’re $800 USD -$900 USD monthly, 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 all the way 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 in every single 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.
You probably have a bigger finances, it’s also possible to rent taxis and/or tuk-tuks to get round. All the time agree on a value upfront.
I’d additionally suggest asking a trusted native what a sure journey ought to value first too. This fashion, you’ve a imprecise thought of whether or not the worth 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 normally low-cost and straightforward to hire mopeds out of your lodging host, you’ll moreover must get a momentary Sri Lankan driving allow with a purpose to drive legally right here.
I rented my very own tuk-tuk from Tuk-Tuk Ceylon Experience for $13 USD per day. It was superior. Should you’re a assured driver, that is undoubtedly essentially the most enjoyable and versatile approach to discover Sri Lanka, and the corporate kinds out all the momentary 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 undoubtedly suggest selecting up an area SIM card to ensure an uninterrupted web connection whereas working remotely in Sri Lanka.
Dialog is the perfect firm to purchase an area Sri Lankan SIM card from. They’ve places of work 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 one in all their branches in particular person and produce your passport with you to get every part arrange. Nonetheless, the entire course of may be very simple 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 type out.
Cash Saving Suggestions for Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a superb vacation spot for finances vacationers. Listed here are some tips about the best way to make your cash go even additional:
- Go for longer stays: Most lodging suppliers provide reductions for month-to-month stays. It’s at all times value asking your host if it’s doable to barter a long-term fee.
- 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 differ in value relying on the supplier.
- Haggle: Don’t be afraid to barter on the worth of things in markets, taxi fares, and even lodging.
Coworking Areas in Sri Lanka and WiFi Velocity
WiFi speeds differ all through the nation. It’s normally the quickest and most steady in Colombo and different massive cities.
In Colombo, I used to be averaging speeds of round 50 Mbps obtain and 30Mbps add. Exterior of main cities and cities, the pace tends to be a lot slower and may go out and in at occasions. Usually, the smaller the city, the more severe the web.
Nonetheless, provided that native SIMs are so low-cost (see above), and that Sri Lanka’s 4G protection is usually wonderful (and quick), you shouldn’t battle to seek out enough web in most locations.
Listed here are just a few of my favourite coworking areas in Sri Lanka:
- Focus Hub, Ahangama: $6 USD/day, very pleasant workers, tasty meals, chilled vibes
- Hari Hari Home, Ahangama: $9 USD/day, beachfront, floor-to-ceiling home windows with beautiful views of the waves, roof terrace
- Dots Bay Home, Hiriketiya: Free (simply purchase a drink or meals each few hours), nice music, superbly landscaped grounds, pool, pretty workers
- Outpost, Weligama: $13 USD /day, beautiful roof terrace with a sea view, pool, plenty 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 the earth.
The water is heat (no wetsuits wanted) and there are waves for all talents. A few of the nation’s high browsing hotspots embrace Arugam Bay, Hikkaduwa, Midigama, and Ahangama. Take a look at this highly-reviewed rookies surf lesson.
2. Climb Sigiriya
The towering Sigiriya (or Lion’s Rock) is one in all 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 historical websites I’ve ever visited.
Climb the 1,200 steps to the summit, the place you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views over the encircling space. It’s value spending not less than 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 the earth, passing via lush tea plantations and exquisite 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 course, so that you don’t should compete with hordes of different vacationers taking pictures of themselves hanging out of the open doorways – they actually do!
It’s vital to e book tickets as far upfront as doable as they have a tendency to promote out. Click on here to e book. 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 throughout the civil conflict that ran between 1983–2009 however is present process one thing of a revival these days.
In addition to being an enchanting place to go to in its personal proper, the meals in Jaffna is cause sufficient to go to. Jaffna delicacies is closely influenced by southern Indian cooking; it’s spicy, wealthy, and totally 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 disillusioned.
5. Go to Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura is an historical metropolis, and a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, that’s residence to lots of Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist websites. These embrace a number of large stupas, historical temples, rock monasteries, and a sacred bodhi tree that supposedly derives from the unique tree which Buddha gained enlightenment below.
It’s essential to spend not less than 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 normally hovers round 30 levels throughout the day and infrequently falls under 26 at evening.
Within the mountains and upland areas within the heart of the island, temperatures are typically a number of levels cooler, and it’s normally a lot much less humid.
One uncommon factor about Sri Lanka is that it experiences two separate monsoon seasons.
The Northeast Monsoon normally begins in October and ends round late March or early April, bringing heavy rainfall to the northern and japanese 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, the perfect 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 Dwelling in Sri Lanka
As with wherever on the earth, there are each professionals and cons of residing in Sri Lanka. I’ve listed some to think about under:
Execs of Dwelling in Sri Lanka
- Low-cost: The value of residing in Sri Lanka is far decrease than in Europe or North America.
- Protected: Total, Sri Lanka is a very secure nation to go to and reside 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, recent tropical fruit, and grilled seafood, you possibly can eat extraordinarily properly right here.
- Lovely landscapes: Sri Lanka has greater than its justifiable share 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 the moment have a digital nomad visa. Nonetheless, many nationalities can get a 180-day vacationer e-visa on-line earlier than arrival.
Cons of Dwelling 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 seek out outdoors of Colombo.
- Might be onerous to seek out imported merchandise/manufacturers: Sri Lanka has very restrictive import tariffs, which means you could’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 sometimes, 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 almost compelled off the highway a number of occasions. Have your wits about you.
- Corrupt police: It’s not unusual for visitors police to cease drivers on the highway 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 unhealthy as in locations like India, however I’d nonetheless suggest filtering water earlier than consuming it if doable. Don’t purchase single-use plastic for those who may help it.
Digital Nomad Visa for Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka doesn’t at the moment have a digital nomad visa. Nonetheless, residents of the USA, Canada, the UK, and plenty of different international locations, 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) while 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 incessantly requested questions on Digital Nomad life in Sri Lanka:
Sri Lanka is an rising digital nomad vacation spot. It doesn’t have wherever close to the identical vary of coworking areas and associated services as locations like Thailand or Bali. However, for those who’re in search of someplace just a little completely different, it’s undoubtedly value contemplating.
Colombo is town with the perfect coworking areas. Nonetheless, for those who’re in search of extra of a chilled-out seashore city vibe, I’d suggest both Ahangama, Hiriketiya, or Arugam Bay, relying on the time of yr you’ll be there.
The price of residing in Sri Lanka varies quite a bit relying on the place you base your self, what sort of lodging you need, the way you journey round, and the place you select to eat and drink. I’d say $1,000 USD monthly is a snug mid-range finances.
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 fully wonderful place.
Should you’re in search of someplace a bit completely different from the usual digital nomad hotspots, this stunning nation is certainly value contemplating. I hope this digital nomad information to Sri Lanka has been helpful. I completely beloved my time there and may’t wait to return.
