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Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka 🇱🇰
#1900
,
Nomad Score:
61%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Arugam Bay is a coastal town located in Sri Lanka's eastern region, famous for its surfing and laid-back atmosphere. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 10,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 20-25 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 LKR ≈ 0.0027 USD, 1 USD ≈ 371 LKR |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type D/M sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Dialog, Mobitel, and Airtel are popular providers. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Local banks like Commercial Bank and Sampath Bank; international cards widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from guesthouses to beach bungalows and surf camps. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless transactions are becoming more common, especially in tourist areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses offer flexible short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Options include Upali Villas and Surf Camp Arugam Bay. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Stay near the main beach area for proximity to restaurants and surf spots. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The southern end of Arugam Bay is popular for longer-term rentals and coworking options. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Wave Coworking Space offers productive environments with good internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe 3Sixty provides a relaxed atmosphere with internet access. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Occasional meetups at local cafes, digital nomad groups on Facebook. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Check out the Arugam Bay Expats Facebook group for weekend activities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | PickMe is a popular ride-hailing app in Sri Lanka. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooter rentals are available at several shops along the beach. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Main Arugam Bay beach is known for great surfing and relaxation. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | SriLankan Airlines services Colombo, the main hub. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates and Qatar Airways provide flights to Colombo. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access via A4 highway connects to major cities and airports. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The nearest major transit hub is in Batticaloa, about 100 km away. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus services operate between Arugam Bay and major towns. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and tuk-tuks are available for getting around locally. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Arugam Bay Hospital for basic needs; several private clinics available. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yogi's Retreat offers various wellness programs and yoga classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Limited options; check out local beach gyms for workouts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats are available; some accommodation offer laundry service. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats and local apps like Takaway are gaining popularity. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the Kottu Roti, a local favorite. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Spice Route and Rice & Curry offer great vegetarian options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Vegan Love Cafe has delicious dessert offerings. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets provide fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Online shopping available via Daraz.lk for various needs. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited options; best to shop locally at nearby markets. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The beach area comes alive with bars like The Hangout and The Surf Shack. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | No local breweries; imported beers available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited wine options; restaurants often carry a small selection. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Enjoy street food at local markets, especially in the evenings. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Various beachfront restaurants offer international menus. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Explore the Pottuvil lagoon and Arugam Bay lighthouse. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Limited art venues; local crafts can be found at various markets. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Nearby temples and ancient ruins reflect the rich local history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Visit the nearby Hindu temples and Buddhist stupas. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Surf competitions and beach festivals are held throughout the year. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Local markets offer a glimpse into the culture and daily life. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited; local performances may occur during festivals. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Weekend markets feature handmade crafts and local foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Check out live music events at local bars and surf camps. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Some murals and local art can be found around the beach area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Sri Lanka Cooking Class provides hands-on culinary experiences. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited options; local art can be found at markets. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Explore colonial-era buildings in nearby Pottuvil. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Rich fishing and surfing culture celebrated widely. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Kumana National Park is nearby, known for wildlife and birdwatching. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Kumana and Yala National Parks are accessible for safari experiences. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along the beach are popular for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Lookout points around the beaches and lagoons are perfect for sunsets. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Kumana National Park is a hotspot for birdwatchers. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Check with local regulations; bonfires may be permitted in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local post offices handle parcel deliveries; some private couriers available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited options; basic tech support available in town. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers occasionally host table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Check local ads for language exchange events and classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited; best to find quiet spots in cafes or accommodations. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Some local initiatives provide cultural and community activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited; some cafes may have gaming options. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos available; closest are in Colombo. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $36,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $56,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 28% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 14% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on local income; foreign income exempted. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 24% |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable for foreign companies earning in Sri Lanka. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Based on property value; typical rates apply. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2% on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No special tax exemptions; general income tax rules apply. |