For those who’re seeking to work from a tropical paradise that isn’t Bali (or Thailand), then this information containing the whole lot you could learn about dwelling in Sri Lanka as a digital nomad is for you.
Earlier this yr I spent 4 months dwelling in Sri Lanka and actually fell in love with the place. It’s a stunning nation with a lot to see and do.
In addition to exploring as a lot of the nation as I may, I additionally hung out working from a number of of Sri Lanka’s finest coworking hotspots. I’m blissful to be sharing my ideas and findings with you at this time.
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 largely Hindus or Muslims and primarily stay within the northern and japanese components of the nation.
Regardless of its comparatively small dimension, 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.
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 anyplace close to as developed or established as in locations like Bali, Thailand, or Portugal.
There are, nonetheless, a couple of coworking areas right here, and I’ll focus on among the finest ones beneath. However don’t count on the identical vary of decisions or services as you’d see in additional well-liked distant working hotspots.
The truth that Sri Lanka remains 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 among the extra well-liked 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 dwelling in Sri Lanka can be very low, so long as you keep away from the preferred touristy areas. It’s an excellent place to base your self if you happen to’re seeking to make your cash go additional than it will in locations like Europe or North America.
Is Sri Lanka Secure?
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 sort.
As with anyplace, petty crime may be a difficulty in some locations. Nevertheless, so long as you keep watch over your belongings always, and take the opposite normal precautions, you have to be completely superb. Violent crime towards foreigners could be very uncommon.
Throughout my 4 months in Sri Lanka, I didn’t really feel unsafe at any level. Aside from often on the roads – Sri Lankan bus drivers have a (well-earned) status for recklessness and harmful driving!
Greatest Locations to Reside in Sri Lanka
Relating to one of the best locations to stay in Sri Lanka, the 2 most vital issues to think about are whether or not you favor being based mostly in a giant metropolis or a small city, and what time of yr you’ll be visiting (extra on this beneath). Listed below are my high 5 really helpful locations to stay 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 dwelling to among the nation’s finest eating places, outlets, 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 an excellent possibility for these on a decent funds.
I wouldn’t describe Colombo as lovely, and the air high quality isn’t wonderful. Nevertheless, if you would like the entire facilities of a giant metropolis whereas inside shut proximity to some nice seashores, Colombo could be an excellent possibility for you.
Greatest 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 offers you quick access to a spread of fantastic eating places, bars, and outlets.
Cinnamon Gardens is an prosperous residential neighborhood with leafy streets, engaging colonial-era structure, and a number of other lovely parks. It’s an excellent place to base your self if you happen to’re searching for a extra peaceable and serene atmosphere throughout the large metropolis.
I stayed in Bambalapitiya throughout my time in Colombo. It’s positioned simply south of Kollupitiya and gives an excellent 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 an excellent mid-way compromise between the hustle and bustle of the massive metropolis (Colombo) and the sleepier little cities and villages on the south coast (Hiriketiya, beneath).
Weligama has a great deal of wonderful eating places, outlets, cafes, and bars to take a look at. It’s additionally among the best locations in Sri Lanka to learn to surf – its mild seashore break supplies an excellent spot for freshmen studying how you can discover their toes on the water.
Greatest Areas to Reside in Weligama
If you wish to be near the essential browsing seashore and as lots of the finest eating places, bars, cafes, and outlets as attainable, try to discover someplace as near the middle of town as you possibly can (search this space on Google Maps).
Typically, you’ll get extra to your cash by being a few blocks again from the primary beachfront. There are many wonderful funds choices if you happen to don’t thoughts being additional out nonetheless, resembling round right here (Weligama doesn’t appear to have names for its totally different neighborhoods).
The neighboring city of Mirissa, on the japanese fringe of the bay, is dwelling to many fancy resorts and luxurious flats. This can be a good place to stay if you happen to’re searching for someplace a bit 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 well-liked with surfers, hippies, and seashore bums, lately it’s additionally began gaining one thing of a status amongst digital nomads within the know.
Regardless of its dimension, there are many wonderful locations to eat, drink, and have enjoyable in Ahangama. It’s the form of place that’s straightforward to make mates, and also you’ll catch your self ceaselessly waving whats up to individuals you lately met. There are a few wonderful coworking areas right here too.
Greatest Areas to Reside in Ahangama
Ahangama actually isn’t very large. It’s a city constructed alongside one essential road, and that is the place many of the motion occurs.
If attainable, I’d advocate looking for a spot on one of many aspect streets off the primary street. That method, you’ll keep away from the worst of the site visitors noise, however will nonetheless be near the whole lot 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 considered one of my absolute favourite locations within the nation and I beloved each day of the month I spent dwelling right here.
It’s sleepy and chilled however nonetheless has plenty of nice locations to eat and drink, common stay music, and different occasions all through the week. Every thing is inside straightforward strolling distance, and other people 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 Reside in Hiriketiya
Probably the most lovely space to stay in Hiriketiya is alongside the primary Hiriketiya Bay itself. Unsurprisingly, that is additionally the costliest place to base your self however, if you happen to can afford it, that’s the place I’d advocate staying.
For those who’re searching for someplace cheaper, try some locations both in, or nearer to, the neighboring city of Dikwella. You possibly can additionally take into account staying in Nilwella, which is way 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 considered one of Asia’s most well-known browsing locations. That is primarily as a result of its Major Level, an epic 500-meter-long right-hand level break.
Nevertheless, even if you happen to’re not a surfer, Arugam Bay and its surrounding space are extremely lovely and effectively value visiting.
It’s dwelling to a number of lovely 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 Reside in Arugam Bay
It doesn’t actually matter the place you select to stay 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 (presently the one coworking house on the town)
Issues To Do in Arugam Bay
- Browsing (in fact) – for intermediates and up, try Major Level, Whiskey Level, and Pottuvil Level. Inexperienced persons, head to Child Level or Peanut Farm
- Get pleasure from among the finest espresso in Sri Lanka at Kaffi cafe
- Take a protracted stroll on one of many many lovely seashores within the space
- Preserve 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)
How you can Discover Lodging in Sri Lanka
There are a couple of alternative ways to search out lodging in Sri Lanka. Listed below are the strategies I like to recommend:
- Reserving.com: Though this platform is often related to resorts 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.
- Airbnb: Good previous Airbnb. I’ve used it a number of occasions in Sri Lanka and, though locations are typically dearer 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. Prime marks. Click on right here to browse.
- Google Maps: One factor I’ve began doing lately is searching for lodging on Google Maps. You possibly can filter by buyer evaluations, and since there isn’t an intermediate reserving platform, you possibly can typically discover locations to remain which might be very low cost. Click on right here to view maps.
- Ask locals: For those who’re seeking to hire someplace long-term, attempt 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 you can hire long-term. There aren’t any ensures, however it can save you a ton of cash this fashion if it really works out.
Value of Dwelling in Sri Lanka
The price of dwelling in Sri Lanka could be very low total, akin to different Asian locations like India and the Philippines, making it an excellent place for nomads on a decent funds. For instance, see this comparability of the value of dwelling in Sri Lanka versus the US.
As you’d count on, costs are larger in touristy areas. You possibly can simply spend plenty of cash if you happen to solely ever eat in vacationer eating places, journey all over the place by taxi, and keep in fancy resorts, (though it have to be mentioned, it is attainable to do all this for a lot much less in Sri Lanka than it will value in most different components of the world).
Nevertheless, it’s not troublesome to make your cash go a great distance right here, particularly if you happen to go for longer-term leases (see above), use public transport, and eat in native eating places. Right here’s a breakdown of among the dwelling prices in Sri Lanka:
Eating places and Groceries
Typically, 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 will get an enormous plate of dal and vegetable rotis for $1–2 if you happen to 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 will get a bottle of premium arrack (an area rum-like spirit comprised of 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 thirty days in hire. As a extra short-term customer, you’re unlikely to search out something anyplace 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 count on to pay round $600 USD per thirty days for a room with a personal lavatory and AC in a guesthouse with shared kitchen services.
Anticipate to pay extra like $400 USD if you happen to don’t want AC – though I’d say the additional $200 is unquestionably value spending…
In lots of locations inland and away from the touristy areas, it’s not troublesome to search out guesthouses with a personal lavatory and AC for as little as $200–$300 USD per thirty days.
As a normal rule, you’ll pay a bit underneath double the price of a personal room for a easy 1-bedroom condo. So, on the south and west coast, you’re $800 USD -$900 USD per thirty days, and inland round $300 USD – $400 USD.
Transportation Prices in Sri Lanka
Public transport is extraordinarily low cost in Sri Lanka. The practice from Colombo right down to the south coast takes greater than 4 hours and prices a bit over $1 USD. Taking the general public bus is even cheaper nonetheless.
You will get nearly 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.
In case you have a bigger funds, it’s also possible to rent taxis and/or tuk-tuks to get round. At all times agree on a value upfront.
I’d additionally advocate asking a trusted native what a sure journey ought to value first too. This manner, you might have a obscure concept of whether or not the value you’re quoted is cheap or not.
Renting a automotive is sort of costly and a little bit of an administrative headache. Though it’s often low cost and simple to hire mopeds out of your lodging host, you’ll moreover have to get a short-term Sri Lankan driving allow as a way to drive legally right here.
I rented my very own tuk-tuk from Tuk-Tuk Ceylon Trip for $13 USD per day. It was superior. For those who’re a assured driver, that is undoubtedly probably the most enjoyable and versatile approach to discover Sri Lanka, and the corporate types out the entire short-term driving allow admin and paperwork for you.
SIM Playing cards and Knowledge
As famous beneath, WiFi in Sri Lanka is usually a bit patchy and unreliable in locations. So, I’d undoubtedly advocate choosing up an area SIM card to ensure an uninterrupted web connection whereas working remotely in Sri Lanka.
Dialog is one of the best firm to purchase an area 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 information, legitimate for a month.
You’ll want to go to considered one of their branches in individual and convey your passport with you to get the whole lot arrange. Nevertheless, the entire course of could be very easy and solely takes round quarter-hour. There are lots of methods to get web whereas touring, native SIMs are nice for longer stays, however eSIMs are simpler to type out.
Cash Saving Ideas for Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a superb vacation spot for funds vacationers. Listed below are some recommendations on how you can 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 value asking your host if it’s attainable to barter a long-term charge.
- Use public transport: Touring by bus or practice 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 typically range in value 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 Pace
WiFi speeds range all through the nation. It’s often the quickest and most secure 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. Usually, the smaller the city, the more serious the web.
Nevertheless, provided that native SIMs are so low cost (see above), and that Sri Lanka’s 4G protection is mostly wonderful (and quick), you shouldn’t wrestle to search out enough web in most locations.
Listed below are a couple of of my favourite coworking areas in Sri Lanka:
- Focus Hub, Ahangama: $6 USD/day, very pleasant employees, 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, beautiful employees
- 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 unbelievable issues to do in Sri Lanka. Listed below are 5 of my favorites to get you began:
1. Be taught to Surf
I used to be first launched to browsing in Sri Lanka. It’s broadly thought of to be among the best browsing locations on the earth.
The water is heat (no wetsuits wanted) and there are waves for all skills. A number of the nation’s high browsing hotspots embody Arugam Bay, Hikkaduwa, Midigama, and Ahangama. Try this highly-reviewed freshmen surf lesson.
2. Climb Sigiriya
The towering Sigiriya (or Lion’s Rock) is considered one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks. This enormous 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 encircling space. It’s value spending a minimum of a few hours exploring the entire varied terraces, ponds, caves, and water gardens. Try this nice day journey from Colombo.
3. Take the Scenic Mountain Practice
The mountain practice that runs between Kandy and Ella is for sure one of the vital scenic on the earth, passing by lush tea plantations and delightful forested valleys.
Most vacationers take the practice 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 must compete with hordes of different vacationers taking images of themselves hanging out of the open doorways – they actually do!
It’s vital to ebook tickets as far upfront as attainable as they have an inclination to promote out. Click on here to ebook. See the Sri Lanka Railways web site for up-to-date practice 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 battle 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 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 gained’t be dissatisfied.
5. Go to Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura is an historic metropolis, and a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, that’s dwelling to a lot 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 a couple of full days in Anuradhapura to correctly expertise the place. I’d additionally advocate taking a guided tour to study in regards to the historical past and significance of the assorted websites.
Climate in Sri Lanka
Given its location close to the equator, Sri Lanka has a sizzling and humid tropical local weather year-round. On the coast, the typical temperature often hovers round 30 levels in the course of the day and infrequently falls beneath 26 at evening.
Within the mountains and upland areas within the middle of the island, temperatures are typically 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 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, 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.
Professionals and Cons of Dwelling in Sri Lanka
As with anyplace on the earth, there are each execs and cons of dwelling in Sri Lanka. I’ve listed some to think about beneath:
Professionals of Dwelling in Sri Lanka
- Low cost: The value of dwelling in Sri Lanka is way decrease than in Europe or North America.
- Secure: General, Sri Lanka is a very secure nation to go to and stay in. See the above part on security for more information.
- Chilled vibes: I really 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 effectively 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 presently have a digital nomad visa. Nevertheless, 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 really like Sri Lankan meals. However, after some time, I began craving different cuisines, which aren’t at all times straightforward to search out exterior of Colombo.
- Might be exhausting to search out imported merchandise/manufacturers: Sri Lanka has very restrictive import tariffs, which means you can’t at all times pay money for imported merchandise and meals.
- Restricted coworking choices exterior Colombo: Whereas Colombo has a wide variety 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. At all times maintain your laptop computer totally 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 pressured 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. At all times 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 advocate filtering water earlier than consuming it if attainable. Don’t purchase single-use plastic if you happen to can assist it.
Digital Nomad Visa for Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka doesn’t presently 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 referred to 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 advocate having one simply to keep away from pointless issues.
Digital Nomad in Sri Lanka: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to ceaselessly requested questions on Digital Nomad life in Sri Lanka:
Sri Lanka is an rising digital nomad vacation spot. It doesn’t have anyplace close to the identical vary of coworking areas and associated services as locations like Thailand or Bali. However, if you happen to’re searching for someplace a bit totally different, it’s undoubtedly value contemplating.
Colombo is town with one of the best coworking areas. Nevertheless, if you happen to’re searching for extra of a chilled-out seashore city vibe, I’d advocate both Ahangama, Hiriketiya, or Arugam Bay, relying on the time of yr you’ll be there.
The price of dwelling in Sri Lanka varies lots 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 per thirty days is a snug mid-range funds.
In Conclusion
Chilled-out vibes, pleasant individuals, unbelievable surroundings, lush tropical landscapes, scrumptious meals, pounding surf, and epic Indian Ocean sunsets – Sri Lanka is a completely wonderful place.
For those who’re searching for someplace a bit totally different from the usual digital nomad hotspots, this lovely nation is unquestionably value contemplating. I hope this digital nomad information to Sri Lanka has been helpful. I completely beloved my time there and might’t wait to return.
