Bentota, Sri Lanka 🇱🇰
#891
,
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Bentota is a coastal town located in the southern province of Sri Lanka, known for its picturesque beaches and vibrant culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 20,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speeds are around 20-50 Mbps, depending on the service provider. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 365 LKR. ATMs are widely available, with many accepting international cards. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type D/M sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Mobitel, Dialog, and Hutch are popular mobile providers with good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like Commercial Bank and Sampath Bank offer services for expats; also widely accepted are Revolut and Wise. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and serviced apartments. Airbnb is also popular. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit and debit cards are accepted in many places, but cash is still widely used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is widely used, with prices ranging from $20 to $100 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Examples include Villa Kura and Villa 46, with rates starting from $15 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Bentota Beach area is especially popular due to its proximity to the ocean and local attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The coastal area near Aluthgama offers both tranquility and access to coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Regus Coworking Space located in Ahungalla, a short distance from Bentota. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Randy's Restaurant offers free Wi-Fi and a relaxed atmosphere for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local expat meetups organized through social media platforms and the Bentota Entrepreneurs Facebook group. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Events are often held at local cafes and community centers for networking. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | PickMe is the most popular ride-hailing app in Sri Lanka. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooter rentals are available from local shops, prices around $5-$10 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Bentota Beach, located just minutes from the town center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | SriLankan Airlines is the main regional carrier. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Air India offer strong international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The Southern Expressway provides fast access to Colombo and Galle. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Bentota Railway Station serves as the primary transportation hub for train travel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific transit passes; buses operate on a pay-per-ride basis. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and trains connect Bentota to major cities like Colombo and Galle. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Dharmawijaya Hospital in nearby Aluthgama is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Buddhi Yoga offers classes and retreats for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Recreation Club Bentota offers fitness facilities and outdoor sports activities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available in town, or many accommodations offer laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | LankaFood and UberEats are popular for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Seafood rice and curry is a must-try while in Bentota. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Good Market is known for excellent vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Mango Tree Restaurant offers great desserts, including local sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets and small grocery stores are good for budget shopping. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Daraz.lk is a popular online marketplace. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery options are available through HappyFresh. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Vivid Lounge is a popular spot for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | There are small local breweries, but popular local beers include Lion Lager. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited, but some restaurants offer good wine selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors along the shoreline serve snacks and local delicacies. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | The Sunshine Restaurant offers a mix of local and international cuisines. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Bentota Temple and the heritage site of Brief Garden. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Kande Viharaya temple nearby offers a cultural experience. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the ancient bathing place of the Dutch fort at Matara, nearby. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Kande Viharaya is a prominent Buddhist temple with a large stupa. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Bentota Beach Fest held in January is popular among tourists. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The fishing village area is rich with local culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local performances are held at community centers. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Bentota Weekly Market is vibrant and offers local products. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars occasionally host live music events, showcasing traditional Sri Lankan music. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art is less common, but murals can be found in Aluthgama. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Visit local cooking schools for traditional Sri Lankan cooking classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited, but local artisans display their work at markets. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old colonial buildings along the coast reflect Sri Lanka's history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Bentota has a rich history tied to ancient trade routes. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Visit the Bentota River and Kalutara beach for natural beauty and water sports. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Richmond Castle is a historical site near the town with beautiful gardens. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The riverside path along Bentota River is great for walks and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at the top of Kande Viharaya offers panoramic views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Biodiversity in nearby wetlands attracts numerous bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas along Bentota Beach allow bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and USPS provide reliable delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer repairs for common electronics and gadgets. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some community centers may offer table tennis tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools in nearby cities offer Sinhala and Tamil classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Local cafes with quiet areas are suitable for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Bentota Community Center hosts events and classes for locals and expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited availability; most gaming is done at home or in private settings. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Limited in Bentota; larger casinos can be found in Colombo. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 24% for most businesses. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 14%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents taxed on worldwide income but there are incentives for foreign investments. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 24% for income above LKR 3 million. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT is 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are CFC rules in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on assessed values. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 4% on property sales. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | 0% tax on income generated offshore and under specific conditions. |