If you happen to’re seeking to work from a tropical paradise that isn’t Bali (or Thailand), then this information containing every thing you could find out 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 beautiful nation with a lot to see and do.
In addition to exploring as a lot of the nation as I might, I additionally hung out working from a number of of Sri Lanka’s finest coworking hotspots. I’m comfortable to be sharing my ideas and findings with you as we speak.
About Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka (previously generally 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 most important ethnic group, adopted by the Tamils, who’re principally Hindus or Muslims and primarily reside within the northern and japanese elements of the nation.
Regardless of its comparatively small measurement, Sri Lanka has an extremely various vary of landscapes. From white sandy seashores and palm timber 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 essential to notice that Sri Lanka’s digital nomad scene isn’t anyplace close to as developed or established as in places like Bali, Thailand, or Portugal.
There are, nonetheless, a number of coworking spaces right here, and I’ll talk about a few of the finest ones under. However don’t anticipate the identical vary of selections or amenities as you’d see in additional popular remote working hotspots.
The truth that Sri Lanka continues to be considerably undiscovered as a distant working vacation spot is without doubt one of the causes I liked being there. It’s a lot much less crowded than a few of the extra well-liked locations. And, regardless of its reputation with vacationers and holidaymakers, it’s simple to get off the overwhelmed path and away from generally visited spots.
The cost of living in Sri Lanka can also be very low, so long as you keep away from the preferred touristy areas. It’s an awesome place to base your self should you’re seeking to make your cash go additional than it could in locations like Europe or North America.
Is Sri Lanka Secure?
General, Sri Lanka is a very safe nation. In my expertise, there are means 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 may be a difficulty in some locations. Nevertheless, 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. Aside from often on the roads – Sri Lankan bus drivers have a (well-earned) fame for recklessness and harmful driving!
Greatest Locations to Reside in Sri Lanka
Relating to one of the best locations to reside in Sri Lanka, the 2 most essential issues to contemplate 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 under). Listed here are my high 5 really helpful locations to reside in Sri Lanka for digital nomads:
1. Colombo
Sri Lanka has two capitals, with Colombo being the business 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 a few of 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 possibility for these on a decent finances.
I wouldn’t describe Colombo as stunning, and the air high quality isn’t wonderful. Nevertheless, in order for you all the facilities of a giant metropolis whereas inside shut proximity to some nice seashores, Colombo may be possibility for you.
Greatest Areas to Reside in Colombo
Kollupitiya, also called Colpetty, is without doubt one of 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, enticing colonial-era structure, and several other stunning parks. It’s place to base your self should you’re in search of a extra peaceable and serene setting throughout the massive metropolis.
I stayed in Bambalapitiya throughout my time in Colombo. It’s situated simply south of Kollupitiya and presents steadiness 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 without doubt one of the bigger cities within the south of Sri Lanka. Positioned on an enormous sweeping bay, it’s a super 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, under).
Weligama has a great deal of glorious eating places, outlets, cafes, and bars to take a look at. It’s additionally probably the greatest locations in Sri Lanka to discover ways to surf – its light seashore break offers a super spot for rookies studying how you can discover their toes on the water.
Greatest Areas to Reside in Weligama
If you wish to be near the main surfing beach and as most of the finest eating places, bars, cafes, and outlets as doable, attempt to discover someplace as near the middle of the town as you possibly can (search this space on Google Maps).
Normally, you’ll get extra to your cash by being a few blocks again from the principle beachfront. There are many glorious finances choices should you don’t thoughts being additional out nonetheless, such as around 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 inns and luxurious residences. This can be a good place to reside should you’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 well-liked with surfers, hippies, and seashore bums, lately it’s additionally began gaining one thing of a fame amongst digital nomads within the know.
Regardless of its measurement, there are many glorious locations to eat, drink, and have enjoyable in Ahangama. It’s the sort of place that’s simple to make buddies, and also you’ll catch your self often waving hiya to individuals you latterly met. There are a few glorious coworking areas right here too.
Greatest 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 many of the motion occurs.
If doable, I’d suggest looking for a spot on one of many aspect streets off the principle street. That means, you’ll keep away from the worst of the site visitors noise, however will nonetheless be near every 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 each day of the month I spent dwelling right here.
It’s sleepy and chilled however nonetheless has a lot of nice locations to eat and drink, common reside music, and different occasions all through the week. All the pieces is inside simple strolling distance, and folks acknowledge and say hiya 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 stunning space to reside in Hiriketiya is alongside the principle Hiriketiya Bay itself. Unsurprisingly, that is additionally the costliest place to base your self however, should you can afford it, that’s the place I’d suggest staying.
If you happen to’re in search of someplace cheaper, take a look at some locations both in, or nearer to, the neighboring city of Dikwella. You possibly can 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
Positioned on the wild east coast, Arugam Bay is certainly one of Asia’s most well-known browsing locations. That is primarily as a consequence of its Main Point, an epic 500-meter-long right-hand level break.
Nevertheless, even should you’re not a surfer, Arugam Bay and its surrounding space are extremely stunning and effectively price visiting.
It’s dwelling to a number of stunning seashores, framed by palm timber, dunes, and colourful fishing boats. There’s an awesome vary of lodging choices, a number of glorious 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 reside in Arugam Bay. It’s not a giant place and, so long as you keep central, you’ll not often be greater than a 5-minute stroll from anyplace you need to go.
Coworking Areas in Arugam Bay
- Nomads (presently the one coworking house on the town)
Issues To Do in Arugam Bay
- Browsing (after all) – for intermediates and up, take a look at Main Point, Whiskey Point, and Pottuvil Point. Novices, head to Baby Point or Peanut Farm
- Take pleasure in a few of the finest espresso in Sri Lanka at Kaffi cafe
- Take a protracted stroll on one of many many stunning seashores within the space
- Maintain an eye fixed out for wild elephants on the sting of city (they’re in all places!)
- Have brunch at Karma Garden (which is owned by my pal Matt – he’s a legend, say hello for me)
The right way to Discover Lodging in Sri Lanka
There are a number of alternative ways to search out lodging in Sri Lanka. Listed here are the strategies I like to recommend:
- Reserving.com: Though this platform is often related to inns and short-term vacation leases, I discovered some actual gems when trying to find locations to remain in Sri Lanka this fashion. Many additionally provide reductions for longer-term journeys. I’d at all times begin your search right here. Click here to view the website.
- Airbnb: Good outdated Airbnb. I’ve used it a number of instances 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 rapidly and effectively. High marks. Click here to browse.
- Google Maps: One factor I’ve began doing not too long ago is in search of lodging on Google Maps. You may 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 here to view maps.
- Ask locals: If you happen to’re seeking to hire someplace long-term, attempt reserving the primary few nights prematurely 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.
Price of Dwelling in Sri Lanka
The price of dwelling in Sri Lanka may be very low total, corresponding to different Asian locations like India and the Philippines, making it an awesome place for nomads on a decent finances. For instance, see this comparability of the cost of living in Sri Lanka versus the US.
As you’d anticipate, costs are greater in touristy areas. You may simply spend a lot of cash should you solely ever eat in vacationer eating places, journey in all places by taxi, and keep in fancy inns, (though it have to be mentioned, it is doable to do all this for a lot much less in Sri Lanka than it could price in most different elements of the world).
Nevertheless, it’s not tough to make your cash go a great distance right here, particularly should you 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 dwelling prices in Sri Lanka:
Eating places and Groceries
Normally, until you purchase elements in bulk, it’s truly less expensive to eat out in low-cost native locations than to prepare dinner for your self.
You will get an enormous plate of dal and vegetable rotis for $1–2 should you 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 often prices round $1.50, and you will get a bottle of premium arrack (a neighborhood rum-like spirit created 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 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 positively offers available.
Costs are highest on the south and west coasts. In these areas, you possibly can anticipate to pay round $600 USD per thirty days for a room with a personal toilet and AC in a guesthouse with shared kitchen amenities.
Count on to pay extra like $400 USD should you don’t want AC – though I’d say the additional $200 is certainly price spending…
In lots of locations inland and away from the touristy areas, it’s not tough to search out guesthouses with a personal toilet and AC for as little as $200–$300 USD per thirty days.
As a basic rule, you’ll pay just a little beneath double the price of a personal room for a easy 1-bedroom residence. 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 just a little over $1 USD. Taking the general public bus is even cheaper nonetheless.
You will get just about in all places 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, you may also rent taxis and/or tuk-tuks to get round. At all times agree on a value prematurely.
I’d additionally suggest asking a trusted native what a sure journey ought to price first too. This manner, you’ve got a imprecise thought of whether or not the value you’re quoted is affordable or not.
Renting a car is sort of costly and a little bit of an administrative headache. Though it’s often low-cost and straightforward to hire mopeds out of your lodging host, you’ll moreover must get a temporary Sri Lankan driving permit with a purpose to drive legally right here.
I rented my very own tuk-tuk from Tuk-Tuk Ceylon Ride for $13 USD per day. It was superior. If you happen to’re a assured driver, that is positively essentially the most enjoyable and versatile option to discover Sri Lanka, and the corporate kinds out all the momentary driving allow admin and forms for you.
SIM Playing cards and Knowledge
As famous under, WiFi in Sri Lanka generally is 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 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 certainly one of their branches in particular person and produce your passport with you to get every thing arrange. Nevertheless, the entire course of may be very simple and solely takes round quarter-hour. There are lots of ways to get internet while traveling, native SIMs are nice for longer stays, however eSIMs are easier to sort out.
Cash Saving Suggestions for Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a superb vacation spot for finances vacationers. Listed here are some tips about how you can 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 price asking your host if it’s doable to barter a long-term fee.
- 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 usually fluctuate 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 fluctuate all through the nation. It’s often the quickest and most secure in Colombo and different massive cities.
In Colombo, I used to be averaging speeds of round 50 Mbps obtain and 30Mbps add. Outdoors of main cities and cities, the velocity tends to be a lot slower and might go out and in at instances. 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 glorious (and quick), you shouldn’t battle to search out ample web in most locations.
Listed here are a number of of my favourite coworking areas in Sri Lanka:
- Focus Hub, Ahangama: $6 USD/day, very pleasant workers, tasty meals, chilled vibes
- Hari Hari House, Ahangama: $9 USD/day, beachfront, floor-to-ceiling home windows with gorgeous views of the waves, roof terrace
- Dots Bay House, Hiriketiya: Free (simply purchase a drink or meals each few hours), nice music, superbly landscaped grounds, pool, pretty workers
- Outpost, Weligama: $13 USD /day, gorgeous roof terrace with a sea view, pool, a lot of social occasions, glorious 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. Be taught to Surf
I used to be first launched to browsing in Sri Lanka. It’s broadly thought-about to be probably the greatest browsing locations on the earth.
The water is heat (no wetsuits wanted) and there are waves for all talents. A number of the nation’s high browsing hotspots embrace Arugam Bay, Hikkaduwa, Midigama, and Ahangama. Try this highly-reviewed beginners surf lesson.
2. Climb Sigiriya
The towering Sigiriya (or Lion’s Rock) is certainly one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks. This big Fifth-century palace fortress is perched on high of an unlimited boulder and is without doubt one of 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 encompassing space. It’s price spending no less than a few hours exploring all the numerous terraces, ponds, caves, and water gardens. Try this great day trip from Colombo.
3. Take the Scenic Mountain Practice
The mountain practice that runs between Kandy and Ella is surely one of the scenic on the earth, passing via lush tea plantations and exquisite forested valleys.
Most vacationers take the practice from Kandy to Ella, however my primary tip is to take it the opposite means (from Ella to Kandy). The trains are far much less crowded on this route, so that you don’t need to compete with hordes of different vacationers taking pictures of themselves hanging out of the open doorways – they actually do!
It’s essential to ebook tickets as far prematurely as doable as they have a tendency to promote out. Click here to ebook. See the Sri Lanka Railways website 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 war that ran between 1983–2009 however is present process one thing of a revival these days.
In addition to being an interesting place to go to in its personal proper, the meals in Jaffna is motive 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 dissatisfied.
5. Go to Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura is an historical metropolis, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that’s dwelling to a lot of Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist websites. These embrace a number of big stupas, historical temples, rock monasteries, and a sacred bodhi tree that supposedly derives from the unique tree which Buddha gained enlightenment beneath.
It’s worthwhile to spend no less than a number of full days in Anuradhapura to correctly expertise the place. I’d additionally suggest taking a guided tour to study concerning the historical past and significance of the assorted websites.
Climate in Sri Lanka
Given its location close to the equator, Sri Lanka has a hot and humid tropical climate year-round. On the coast, the typical temperature often hovers round 30 levels in the course of the day and infrequently falls under 26 at night time.
Within the mountains and upland areas within the heart 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 contemplate under:
Professionals of Dwelling in Sri Lanka
- Low-cost: The cost of living in Sri Lanka is far decrease than in Europe or North America.
- Secure: General, Sri Lanka is a very safe country 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 identified 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.
- Stunning landscapes: Sri Lanka has greater than its fair proportion of gorgeous 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 tourist e-visa online 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 simple to search out outdoors of Colombo.
- Might be laborious 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 outdoors Colombo: Whereas Colombo has a wide variety of coworking areas, there aren’t many in different elements of the nation.
- Energy outages: Sri Lanka experiences energy outages infrequently, particularly in rural areas. At all times maintain your laptop 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 compelled off the street a number of instances. 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 unhealthy as in locations like India, however I’d nonetheless suggest filtering water earlier than ingesting it if doable. Don’t purchase single-use plastic should you may also help 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 lots of different international locations, 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 here.
Technically, you’re supposed to have the ability to present proof of an onward ticket (i.e. a return flight) whenever you arrive at immigration. I wasn’t requested for this, however I’d nonetheless suggest having one simply to keep away from pointless problems.
Digital Nomad in Sri Lanka: FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to often 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 amenities as locations like Thailand or Bali. However, should you’re in search of someplace just a little totally different, it’s positively price contemplating.
Colombo is the town with one of the best coworking areas. Nevertheless, should you’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 dwelling in Sri Lanka varies loads 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 cushty 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.
If you happen to’re in search of someplace a bit totally different from the usual digital nomad hotspots, this stunning nation is certainly 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.
