Bentota, Sri Lanka 🇱🇰
#891
6.421527, 79.997854
Nomad Score:
62%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Bentota is a coastal town in the south of Sri Lanka, known for its beautiful beaches and water sports. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 20,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is about 25 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 368 LKR. Local currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type D/M sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Dialog and Mobitel are the popular providers. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Most banks work with VISA and MasterCard. HSBC and Sampath Bank are accessible. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from guesthouses to luxury resorts like Centara Ceysands Resort & Spa. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Some establishments accept cards, but cash is preferred. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are widely available. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Affordable hostels such as The Villa Bentota start from around $15 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Design Collective, located near Bentota Beach. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Deli and the Amal Café are great for working remotely. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Occasional meetups can be found posted in Facebook groups for expats. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Typical events include local market visits and beach clean-ups organized in expat groups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | PickMe is the most commonly used ride-hailing app. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Rentals available through local shops like Bentota Watersports. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Bentota Beach, known for its water sports and beautiful sunsets. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | SriLankan Airlines operates flights within South Asia. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates, Qatar Airways, and SriLankan Airlines connect to major international airports. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The Southern Expressway provides easy access to Colombo and Galle. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Bentota Railway Station connects to major cities along the coast. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local buses are inexpensive, but passes are uncommon. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains and buses to Galle and Colombo are frequent and affordable. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Bentota Hospital offers basic medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Siddhalepa Ayurveda Health Resort for wellness and yoga. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness center at Centara Ceysands Resort & Spa. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats, such as Bentota Street Laundry, are available. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | PickMe Eats is popular for food delivery in Bentota. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the fresh seafood curry, a local specialty. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Chill Cafe offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Gelato Ice Cream Corner for local ice cream delicacies. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Bentota Market for local fruits and vegetables. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Daraz.lk for online shopping in Sri Lanka. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local stores may deliver groceries upon request. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The beach bars near Bentota Beach offer nightlife options. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Lion Brewery in the nearby city of Benthota provides tours. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local vendors at the Bentota market sell fresh street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | The Hotel Blue Water serves a good range of international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Bentota's Buddhist temples and the Brief Garden are must-visits. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Lanka Dhanasiri Museum near Bentota showcases local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Kande Viharaya temple is significant for its history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Tsunami Memorial and several Buddhist temples are notable. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Bentota Full Moon Poya Day celebrations are significant. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore local villages for authentic Sri Lankan culture. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Bentota Market is vibrant and offers local crafts. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Madu River offers eco-tours and is a biodiversity hotspot. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Brief Garden is a beautiful landscaped area nearby. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along the Bentota Beach are ideal for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The cliff near the Bentota Fortress offers stunning views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Madu River is great for birdwatching, particularly around its wetlands. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local post offices provide delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local phone shops offer repair services. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Private language classes are available through local tutors. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited libraries; cafes serve as popular study spots. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers host various activities. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per sq. m (e.g., 30 sq. m = $36,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per sq. m (e.g., 30 sq. m = $24,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per sq. m (e.g., 60 sq. m = $90,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per sq. m (e.g., 60 sq. m = $60,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per sq. m (e.g., 80 sq. m = $144,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per sq. m (e.g., 80 sq. m = $96,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 28% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 14%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax rates applicable to residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 24%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | 1% based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2% on property purchases. |