Should you’re trying to work from a tropical paradise that isn’t Bali (or Thailand), then this information containing the whole lot it’s good to 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 stunning 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 completely satisfied to be sharing my ideas and findings with you right now.
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 vast majority of whom are Sinhala Buddhists.
The Sinhalese are the biggest ethnic group, adopted by the Tamils, who’re principally 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 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 essential 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, a number of coworking areas right here, and I’ll talk about a few of the finest ones beneath. However don’t count on the identical vary of decisions or amenities as you’d see in additional well-liked distant working hotspots.
The truth that Sri Lanka continues to be considerably undiscovered as a distant working vacation spot is among the causes I cherished being there. It’s a lot much less crowded than a few of the extra well-liked locations. And, regardless of its recognition with vacationers and holidaymakers, it’s simple 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 a fantastic place to base your self in the event you’re trying to make your cash go additional than it will in locations like Europe or North America.
Is Sri Lanka Secure?
Total, Sri Lanka is a really protected 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 might be a difficulty in some locations. Nonetheless, so long as you keep watch over your belongings always, and take the opposite normal precautions, you ought to be completely superb. 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. Aside from sometimes on the roads – Sri Lankan bus drivers have a (well-earned) fame for recklessness and harmful driving!
Finest Locations to Dwell in Sri Lanka
In the case of the very best locations to stay in Sri Lanka, the 2 most essential issues to contemplate are whether or not you like 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 here are my high 5 beneficial 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 house 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 usually significantly decrease than in lots of different coastal areas, making it a superb choice for these on a good funds.
I wouldn’t describe Colombo as lovely, 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 could be a superb choice for you.
Finest Areas to Dwell 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 variety of wonderful eating places, bars, and outlets.
Cinnamon Gardens is an prosperous residential neighborhood with leafy streets, enticing colonial-era structure, and a number of other lovely parks. It’s a superb place to base your self in the event you’re in search of a extra peaceable and serene setting inside the massive metropolis.
I stayed in Bambalapitiya throughout my time in Colombo. It’s positioned simply south of Kollupitiya and provides a superb stability 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. Positioned on an enormous sweeping bay, it’s a super 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, beneath).
Weligama has a great deal of wonderful eating places, outlets, cafes, and bars to take a look at. It’s additionally the most effective locations in Sri Lanka to discover ways to surf – its light seashore break offers a super spot for rookies studying how one can discover their toes on the water.
Finest Areas to Dwell in Weligama
If you wish to be near the principle browsing seashore and as lots of the finest eating places, bars, cafes, and outlets as attainable, attempt to discover someplace as near the middle of town as you’ll be able to (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 wonderful funds choices in the event you don’t thoughts being additional out nonetheless, similar to 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 house to many fancy inns and luxurious flats. It is a good place to stay in the event you’re in search of someplace somewhat 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 dimension, there are many wonderful locations to eat, drink, and have enjoyable in Ahangama. It’s the sort of place that’s simple to make associates, 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 Dwell in Ahangama
Ahangama actually isn’t very massive. It’s a city constructed alongside one foremost avenue, 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 principle street. That method, you’ll keep away from the worst of the 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 one among my absolute favourite locations within the nation and I cherished daily 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 stay music, and different occasions all through the week. Every thing is inside simple strolling distance, and other people acknowledge and say good day to you on the road.
What’s extra, you’ll be able to swim with turtles each morning within the crystal clear, heat waters of the bay – it’s fairly wonderful.
Finest Areas to Dwell in Hiriketiya
Essentially the most lovely space to stay in Hiriketiya is alongside the principle Hiriketiya Bay itself. Unsurprisingly, that is additionally the most costly place to base your self however, in the event you can afford it, that’s the place I’d advocate staying.
Should you’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 contemplate 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 one among Asia’s most well-known browsing locations. That is primarily as a consequence of its Fundamental Level, an epic 500-meter-long right-hand level break.
Nonetheless, even in the event you’re not a surfer, Arugam Bay and its surrounding space are extremely lovely and effectively price visiting.
It’s house to a number of lovely seashores, framed by palm bushes, dunes, and colourful fishing boats. There’s a fantastic vary of lodging choices, a number of wonderful eating places, cafes, and a small however pleasant neighborhood of digital nomads.
Finest Areas to Dwell 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 not often be greater than a 5-minute stroll from wherever you wish to go.
Coworking Areas in Arugam Bay
- Nomads (presently the one coworking area on the town)
Issues To Do in Arugam Bay
- Browsing (after all) – for intermediates and up, take a look at Fundamental Level, Whiskey Level, and Pottuvil Level. Learners, head to Child Level 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 lovely 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 one can Discover Lodging in Sri Lanka
There are a number of 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 inns and short-term vacation leases, I discovered some actual gems when looking for locations to remain in Sri Lanka this manner. Many additionally supply reductions for longer-term journeys. I’d all the time 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 instances in Sri Lanka and, though locations are usually 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. Prime marks. Click on right here to browse.
- Google Maps: One factor I’ve began doing lately is in search of lodging on Google Maps. You possibly can filter by buyer opinions, and since there isn’t an intermediate reserving platform, you’ll be able to typically discover locations to remain which might be very low cost. Click on right here to view maps.
- Ask locals: Should you’re trying to lease 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’ll be able to whether or not they know of wherever you could lease long-term. There are not any ensures, however it can save you a ton of cash this manner if it really works out.
Value of Dwelling in Sri Lanka
The price of residing in Sri Lanka could be very low general, corresponding to different Asian locations like India and the Philippines, making it a fantastic place for nomads on a good funds. For instance, see this comparability of the price of residing in Sri Lanka versus the US.
As you’d count on, costs are increased in touristy areas. You possibly can simply spend a lot of cash in the event you solely ever eat in vacationer eating places, journey in every single place by taxi, and keep in fancy inns, (though it have to be mentioned, it is attainable to do all this for a lot much less in Sri Lanka than it will price in most different components of the world).
Nonetheless, it’s not troublesome to make your cash go a great distance right here, particularly in the event 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 residing prices in Sri Lanka:
Eating places and Groceries
Normally, until you purchase components in bulk, it’s really more cost effective to eat out in low cost native locations than to prepare dinner for your self.
You may get an enormous plate of dal and vegetable rotis for $1–2 in the event you 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 normally prices round $1.50, and you may 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 lease. As a extra short-term customer, you’re unlikely to seek out something wherever 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’ll be able to 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 amenities.
Count on to pay extra like $400 USD in the event you 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 seek out guesthouses with a personal lavatory and AC for as little as $200–$300 USD per thirty days.
As a common rule, you’ll pay somewhat underneath 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 prepare from Colombo all the way down to the south coast takes greater than 4 hours and prices somewhat 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 funds, you may as well rent taxis and/or tuk-tuks to get round. All the time agree on a value upfront.
I’d additionally advocate asking a trusted native what a sure journey ought to price first too. This manner, you’ve got a imprecise concept of whether or not the value you’re quoted is cheap or not.
Renting a automobile is sort of costly and a little bit of an administrative headache. Though it’s normally low cost and simple to lease mopeds out of your lodging host, you’ll moreover have to get a short lived 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 positively essentially the most enjoyable and versatile strategy to discover Sri Lanka, and the corporate types out all the non permanent driving allow admin and forms for you.
SIM Playing cards and Information
As famous beneath, WiFi in Sri Lanka is usually a bit patchy and unreliable in locations. So, I’d positively advocate choosing up an area SIM card to ensure an uninterrupted web connection whereas working remotely in Sri Lanka.
Dialog is the very best 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 information, legitimate for a month.
You’ll want to go to one among their branches in particular person and convey your passport with you to get the whole lot arrange. Nonetheless, the entire course of could be very simple 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 good vacation spot for funds vacationers. Listed here are some tips about how one can make your cash go even additional:
- Go for longer stays: Most lodging suppliers supply reductions for month-to-month stays. It’s all the time 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 typically 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 normally 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. Exterior 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 severe the web.
Nonetheless, on condition 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 satisfactory 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 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, fantastically landscaped grounds, pool, beautiful workers
- 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 unbelievable 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-about 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 number of the nation’s high browsing hotspots embrace Arugam Bay, Hikkaduwa, Midigama, and Ahangama. Try this highly-reviewed rookies surf lesson.
2. Climb Sigiriya
The towering Sigiriya (or Lion’s Rock) is one among Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks. This big 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 price spending no less than a few hours exploring all the varied terraces, ponds, caves, and water gardens. Try this nice day journey from Colombo.
3. Take the Scenic Mountain Prepare
The mountain prepare that runs between Kandy and Ella is indubitably one of the scenic on the earth, passing by means of 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 path, 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 essential to guide tickets as far upfront as attainable as they have a tendency to promote out. Click on right 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 battle 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 motive 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 gained’t be upset.
5. Go to Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura is an historic metropolis, and a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, that’s house to a lot of Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist websites. These embrace a number of large stupas, historic temples, rock monasteries, and a sacred bodhi tree that supposedly derives from the unique tree which Buddha gained enlightenment underneath.
You must spend no less than a number of full days in Anuradhapura to correctly expertise the place. I’d additionally advocate taking a guided tour to study concerning 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 typical temperature normally hovers round 30 levels in the course of the day and barely falls beneath 26 at night time.
Within the mountains and upland areas within the heart of the island, temperatures are usually 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 Might till September and impacts the southern and western areas.
If you wish to keep away from the rains, the very 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 wherever on the earth, there are each execs and cons of residing in Sri Lanka. I’ve listed some to contemplate beneath:
Professionals of Dwelling in Sri Lanka
- Low cost: The price of residing in Sri Lanka is far decrease than in Europe or North America.
- Secure: Total, Sri Lanka is a really protected 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 all the time 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’ll be able to 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. 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 really like Sri Lankan meals. However, after some time, I began craving different cuisines, which aren’t all the time simple to seek out outdoors of Colombo.
- May be laborious to seek out imported merchandise/manufacturers: Sri Lanka has very restrictive import tariffs, which means you could’t all the time 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 so often, particularly in rural areas. All the time hold 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 compelled off the street a number of instances. Have your wits about you.
- Corrupt police: It’s not unusual for 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 unhealthy as in locations like India, however I’d nonetheless advocate filtering water earlier than ingesting it if attainable. Don’t purchase single-use plastic in the event you may help it.
Digital Nomad Visa for Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka doesn’t presently have a digital nomad visa. Nonetheless, 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 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 advocate having one simply to keep away from pointless problems.
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 amenities as locations like Thailand or Bali. However, in the event you’re in search of someplace somewhat totally different, it’s positively price contemplating.
Colombo is town with the very best coworking areas. Nonetheless, in the event you’re in search of 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 residing in Sri Lanka varies rather a lot 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.
Should you’re in search of someplace a bit totally different from the usual digital nomad hotspots, this lovely nation is unquestionably price contemplating. I hope this digital nomad information to Sri Lanka has been helpful. I completely cherished my time there and might’t wait to return.
