Colombo, Sri Lanka 🇱🇰
#879
,
Nomad Score:
61%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Colombo is the largest city and commercial capital of Sri Lanka, known for its diverse culture and vibrant urban life. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 5.6 million residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25 Mbps with good plans available for remote work. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 275 LKR. Major currency used is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type D/M sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include Dialog, Mobitel, and Hutch, with good data plans available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Local banks like Commercial Bank, and international options such as HSBC and Standard Chartered. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local guesthouses, and serviced apartments. Monthly rentals range from $300 to $800. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Partially cashless; credit cards accepted at major establishments but cash is commonly used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and short rental platforms are widely available, especially in areas like Colombo 3 and Colombo 7. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like 'Sri Lanka Hostels' offer dormitory beds from $10 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Colombo 7 (Cinnamon Gardens) is recommended for tourists for its attractions and cafes. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Colombo 3 (Kollupitiya) offers coworking spaces, eateries, and a vibrant atmosphere suitable for longer stays. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Hatch is a popular coworking space in Colombo, offering flexible plans starting from $50/month. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Commons Coffee House offers a great atmosphere for work with Wi-Fi and delicious food. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events hosted by Startup Sri Lanka and local expat groups provide networking opportunities. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Colombo Expat Meetup is active on Facebook, hosting events regularly for networking. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | PickMe and Uber are widely used for convenient rides throughout Colombo. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Renting scooters is popular; services like LankaScoot offer competitive rates. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Mount Lavinia Beach is approximately 12 km from Colombo and accessible via public transport. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | SriLankan Airlines is the main regional carrier. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates and Qatar Airways frequently connect Colombo with various international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to Southern Expressway and Colombo-Katunayake Expressway provides good connectivity. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Colombo Fort Railway Station is the main transit hub for intercity travel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is affordable; however, passes are not commonly used. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains and buses are available for regional travel to places like Kandy and Galle. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Asiri Surgical Hospital is one of the top facilities with good services for expats. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga with Lianne and Green Lotus Yoga offer classes at various levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First and Gold's Gym offer memberships and personal training. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services like 'Wash & Fold' provide convenient and affordable options. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | EatMe offers a variety of food delivery options from local and international cuisine. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Sri Lankan rice and curry is a must-try dish, available at most local restaurants. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Mangosteen Cafe offers a wide variety of plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Cupcake Factory is famous for its delicious cupcakes and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Pettah Market provides a budget-friendly shopping experience for local produce and goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Daraz.lk is the leading online marketplace for shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Keells and Cargills offer grocery delivery services to homes. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Colombo 3 and 4 (Kollupitiya) have vibrant nightlife with bars and lounges. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Lion Brewery is a renowned local beer producer with tours available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Colombo Wine Company offers a curated selection of local and imported wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food at Galle Face Green is popular for local snacks and quick bites. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Nihonbashi is well-known for its Japanese cuisine and authentic dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Galle Face Green and Sri Lanka National Museum are must-visit spots. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Colombo National Museum exhibits a rich history and cultural artifacts. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Old Colombo Dutch Hospital offers a glimpse into colonial heritage. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Gangaramaya Temple is a famous Buddhist temple worth visiting. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Colombo Art Biennale and the Sinhala and Tamil New Year are significant cultural events. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Colombo 7 is known for its art galleries and cultural centers. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Lionel Wendt Theatre hosts various performing arts events and shows. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Pettah Market is famous for its vibrant bazaars and local vendors. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Muzik Café is a popular venue for live music and local bands. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art can be seen in areas like Kolpetty, showcasing local talent. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking with the Masters offers classes on traditional Sri Lankan cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Saskia Fernando Gallery showcases contemporary art from local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Parliament Building and various colonial structures reflect historical architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city is rich in cultural heritage, including influences from Sinhalese, Tamil, and colonial periods. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Viharamahadevi Park offers a green retreat within the city. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage site approximately 3 hours away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The waterfront promenade at Galle Face Green is perfect for cycling and walks. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The rooftop bars in Colombo, such as 'Cloud Red', offer stunning views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Attidiya Bird Sanctuary is known for its diverse bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some beaches allow bonfires, but check local regulations before lighting one. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx provide international parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Compusolutions offers reliable tech repair services in Colombo. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Table Tennis Academy in Colombo offers facilities and coaching for enthusiasts. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | English, Sinhala, and Tamil language classes are available through various local schools. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Colombo Public Library is an excellent place for study and research. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The American Center hosts various cultural events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Game Loft is a popular gaming lounge offering console gaming experiences. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Bellagio Casino is one of the few casinos available in Colombo for entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $100,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $72,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $180,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $132,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $256,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $200,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 24%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 14%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents taxed on worldwide income with progressive rates. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 24%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules, but foreign income tax applies. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax assessed annually based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2% to 4% based on value. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No tax on non-resident income; potential for residency benefits. |