Colombo, Sri Lanka 🇱🇰
#879
6.938861, 79.8542
Nomad Score:
62%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Colombo is the commercial capital and largest city of Sri Lanka, known for its rich history and vibrant culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 750,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 360 LKR; local currency is Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type D/G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Dialog and Mobitel are popular mobile service providers with good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International banks like HSBC, CitiBank, and local options like Seylan Bank are available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, 3-star hotels, and serviced apartments. Average rates start from $30 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely in urban areas, but cash is preferred in local markets. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies like Mt. Lavinia Realty are common. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include 'Colombo City Hostel' and 'Backpack Lanka' starting from $10 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | WeWork Colombo, offering flexible workspaces and good amenities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Coffee Stop Colombo, known for its free Wi-Fi and quiet atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Colombo Startup Meetup regularly hosts events for entrepreneurs and freelancers. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Colombo Expats Meetup Group organizes social events every month. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | PickMe is the leading ride-hailing app in Colombo. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Use services like Rent A Bike Sri Lanka for scooter rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Mount Lavinia Beach, just 12 km from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | SriLankan Airlines for regional travel within South Asia. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates and Qatar Airways offer frequent flights to Colombo. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to Southern and Outer Circular Highways is available. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Colombo Fort Station is the central railway hub for domestic travel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No dedicated transport passes, but tickets are available for each journey. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and trains connect Colombo to nearby cities like Kandy and Galle. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Asiri Surgical Hospital is considered one of the top healthcare facilities. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga & Meditation with Susanna, located in Borella. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First Colombo provides comprehensive gym facilities and classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats and services like 'Quick Wash' are available. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | PickMe Eats is popular for food delivery in Colombo. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Kottu Roti', a well-loved street food in Colombo. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Vegan Kitchen offers a diverse plant-based menu. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Cinnamon Grand Colombo for a selection of decadent desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Pettah Market offers fresh produce and local goods at bargain prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Daraz.lk is the leading online shopping platform in Sri Lanka. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Keells and Cargills deliver groceries through their apps. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The club scene is vibrant in areas like Colombo's Dutch Hospital precinct. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Lion Brewery is well-known for its local beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Loft offers a good selection of wines and tapas. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Explore Galle Road for a variety of street food vendors. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Taste the diverse international fare available at The Mall at Colombo City Centre. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Gangaramaya Temple and Independence Memorial Hall are popular attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The National Museum of Colombo showcases Sri Lankan history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Old Fort and Galle Face Green are key historical sites to visit. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Visit the beautiful Buddhist temples like the Seema Malaka. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Colombo Arts Festival is a major cultural event held yearly. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore Pettah for its vibrant market and cultural experience. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Lionel Wendt Theatre hosts various performances and arts events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Pettah market is bustling with trade and cultural experiences. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Watch live performances at venues like the Barefoot Gallery. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore street art along Marine Drive for vibrant urban expression. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Learn local cooking at the 'Colombo Cooking Class'. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Talangama Art Gallery showcases local artists' works. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Visit the Old Parliament Building for its colonial architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The flags and symbols of Sri Lanka reflect its rich cultural heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Visit the Sinharaja Forest Reserve for lush biodiversity. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Yala National Park is approximately a 5-hour drive from Colombo. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Bicycle along the picturesque Galle Face Green promenade. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Enjoy sunset views from the Colombo Harbour. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Minneriya National Park is a great spot for birdwatching, especially in the dry season. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain beach areas near Mount Lavinia allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local providers offer reliable parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech repair is available at places like iFix, located in Colombo 3. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | The Table Tennis Club in Havelock Town has facilities available for all. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | English language classes are available at institutions like the British Council. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Colombo Public Library is a great place for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Colombo's local community centers host various events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Game On! in Colombo has a range of gaming facilities. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Bally's Casino is a popular gambling venue in Colombo. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $90,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $60,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,100 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $126,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $104,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 24% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 14% rate on dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Primarily controlled by local tax regulations with resident taxation. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 24% maximum personal income tax rate. |
| 🧾 VAT | 8% standard Value Added Tax rate on goods and services. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules applicable. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on assessed property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2% standard tax rate on property purchases. |