Ahangama, Sri Lanka 🇱🇰
#1898
,
Nomad Score:
65%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Ahangama is a coastal town located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, known for its beautiful beaches and surfing spots. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 10,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25 Mbps, with options for fiber connections in some areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). 1 USD ≈ 360 LKR. Local banks include Commercial Bank and HNB. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; it's recommended to use bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, with Type D and G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Dialog and Mobitel are popular mobile providers with good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Revolut and local banks like Commercial Bank are widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include beach bungalows, guesthouses, and Airbnb rentals. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, but cash is still commonly used; it’s best to have cash for small transactions. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses offer short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like "The Hangtime" provide affordable lodging. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The beach area near Midigama is popular among tourists. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The vicinity of Kabalana Beach is recommended for its cafes and coworking options. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Kochchi's Co-Working Space offers a great environment for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Ceylon Coffee and Dreamsea offer good coffee and Wi-Fi for working. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups at local cafes for freelancers and remote workers. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Ahangama Community Facebook Group organizes local events for expats. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | PickMe is the local ride-sharing app widely used. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local shops offer scooter rentals starting around LKR 1,500 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Kabalana Beach is the closest and known for surfing. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | SriLankan Airlines covers most domestic routes. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Major international carriers include Qatar Airways and Emirates. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the Southern Expressway is about 20 minutes away. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Ahangama Railway Station provides connections to Colombo and Galle. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local bus passes can be purchased, but trips are usually paid as you go. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Available by bus or train, with frequent services to nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Ahangama Hospital is the primary healthcare facility, with basic services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Yoga House offers classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Local gyms include Sabaragamuwa Fitness Center. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are available at many guesthouses and local laundromats. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | PickMe Food is popular for takeout and delivery options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the Sri Lankan Rice and Curry, available at many local restaurants. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Vegan Restaurant and Cafe offers a few good plant-based choices. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Gelato Factory serves delicious ice cream by the beach. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Ahangama has a few small markets for fresh fruits and local snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Daraz is a popular online shopping platform in Sri Lanka. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermart.lk offers grocery delivery within the area. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Kabalana Beach area is great for casual beach bars and nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | There are no local breweries, but beers can be found at local shops. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine is available in high-end restaurants; specific wine bars are limited. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer a variety of local snacks around the beach area. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Higher-end restaurants feature Italian, Indian, and Middle Eastern cuisines. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The historic Galle Fort is about 20 km away and a must-visit. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | There are limited art venues; nearby Galle has a few galleries. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The old Dutch Fort in Galle is a significant historical site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Weligama's famous statue of Buddha is within short driving distance. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Festival of the Sea celebrated in mid-July attracts many visitors. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The streets near Galle Fort are rich in cultural heritage. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited theater options, mostly in Galle. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Weekly markets at Weligama with local crafts and produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various bars host live music events, especially on weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Galle's streets feature various local street art and murals. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Ahangama offers cooking classes at some local homes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited options, with several located in nearby Galle. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old colonial buildings around Galle Fort reflect architectural heritage. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Ahangama's fishing culture is embraced in local festivals and traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Koggala Lake offers serene boat rides and birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Yala National Park is a few hours away and famous for wildlife. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Scenic routes along the coast are ideal for cycling or walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at Galle Fort is perfect for sunset views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Koggala Lake is a hotspot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas at Kabalana Beach are suitable for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local post office and private couriers like DHL available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Minor tech repairs can be handled in Galle; shops are available. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | A local sports club may have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Offers for English classes can be found at local schools. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Few local libraries; quiet cafes serve as great study spots. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Limited community centers; most events are at private venues. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Not available; most gaming is done at home or on personal devices. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos in Ahangama; nearest are in Colombo. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. LKR 10,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = LKR 300,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. LKR 8,500 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = LKR 255,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. LKR 9,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = LKR 540,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. LKR 7,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = LKR 450,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. LKR 8,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = LKR 640,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. LKR 6,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = LKR 520,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Tax rate is 28%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The rate is 14%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Resident taxation is based on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum rate is 24%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 8%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, under Sri Lankan law. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes based on local authority rates. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Stamp duty of 3% on property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Flexible visa options are available for remote workers with income abroad. |