Dikwella, Sri Lanka 🇱🇰
#1899
,
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Dikwella is a coastal town located in the southern part of Sri Lanka, known for its beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 30,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 360 LKR. ATMs and local banks are available for currency exchange. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type D/G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Dialog, Mobitel, and Hutch offer good coverage and prepaid SIM options. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards accepted; HSBC and Sampath Bank are popular choices. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include guesthouses, beachside hotels, and homestays. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, but cash is still widely used; mobile payments are growing. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available on platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Dikwella Beach Resort, starting from $15 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Dikwella Beach area is ideal for tourists. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Wewala Beach offers quiet surroundings with access to cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Mellow Coconut is a great coworking space with ocean views. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Fish & Co Café provides power outlets and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Frequent meetups at Mellow Coconut for digital nomads. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Regular expat gatherings are organized on Meetup.com. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | PickMe is the preferred ride-hailing app. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Sri Lanka Rent a Scooter offers affordable rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Dickwella Beach is renowned for its golden sand and surf. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | SriLankan Airlines is the main regional carrier. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad provide excellent international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access via the Galle-Matara Highway, approximately 15 minutes away. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Matara Railway Station is the nearest train station. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Limited public transport passes; most travel done by bus or tuk-tuk. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Local buses connect Dikwella to Matara and Galle frequently. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Dikwella Base Hospital provides basic healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Sahaja Yoga Center offers classes in Dikwella. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Dakwala Fitness Center is available for workouts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundries available, such as Dikwella Launderette. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats and local delivery services are available. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the traditional rice and curry dishes. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Dikwella has several vegetarian eateries, including Good Vibes Café. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sundown Café for delicious desserts and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Dikwella Fish Market for fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Daraz.lk is the most popular online shopping platform. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Carrefour and local options offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Dikwella Beach has a few bars with live music. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | No significant local breweries, but imported beers are available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Lanka Wine Merchants for limited selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food is available near the beach, particularly fried snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Local pizza and seafood restaurants are recommended. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Dikwella temple and the famous Dikwella blowhole are must-visit attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Minimal art venues; local artisans showcase crafts. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Local temples embody historical significance. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Wewurukannala Buddhist Temple is famous for its giant Buddha statue. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Dikwella Festival is celebrated annually in September. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The coastal stretch is culturally rich, showcasing local art and handicrafts. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local performances can be found in community halls. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Weekly markets feature local produce and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Traditional Sri Lankan music can be found in local gatherings. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited street art; however, local craftsmen create artistic displays. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking classes available at various guesthouses. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Small local galleries showcase Sri Lankan art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Ancient temples reflect the rich history of the area. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Embodies traditional Sri Lankan coastal culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Nearby beaches and the lush countryside provide ample outdoor activities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Yala National Park is about 1.5 hours away, great for wildlife watching. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Coastal paths are perfect for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Lookouts along the coastline offer fantastic views of the ocean. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Nearby wetlands attract a variety of bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas at the beach for night bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops provide general repair services for devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Limited; inquire at local community centers. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | English is widely spoken; local language classes may be organized. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited library services; cafes serve as study spots. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers host various events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming options available in local cafes. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos, entertainment primarily through local music and gatherings. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $40,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $750 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $60,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 24% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 14% tax rate applied to dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Tax residents pay taxes on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Progressive rates up to 24%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 8%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply to foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Tax applied based on the assessed value of the property. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate of 4% during property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific tax incentives; assess with local regulations. |