Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka 🇱🇰
#884
6.134694, 80.099714
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Hikkaduwa is a coastal town in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant coral reefs. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 10,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25-30 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). 1 USD ≈ 370 LKR. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. Recommended to use bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type D/G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include Dialog, Mobitel, and Airtel. Prepaid SIM cards available at the airport and local shops. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | ATMs widely available. Major cards accepted at many establishments. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from guesthouses to beachfront villas. Airbnb is also popular. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless options; cards accepted in tourist areas but cash is preferable. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are common for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Guesthouse options like Hikkaduwa Beach Hotel and Surf House start around 3,000 LKR per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hikka Tranquil is a popular coworking space in Hikkaduwa. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Home Grown, offering good coffee and wifi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | There are sporadic digital nomad meetups, often organized in local cafes or via social media. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Hikkaduwa Expat Community' host various gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | PickMe is widely used for rides in Hikkaduwa. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local rental shops offer bikes and scooters around town; prices start from 500 LKR per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Hikkaduwa Beach is right at your doorstep, known for its surfing and snorkeling. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | SriLankan Airlines serves the region. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates and Qatar Airways frequently operate flights to Colombo. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Close to Southern Expressway providing easy access to Galle and Colombo. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Hikkaduwa Railway Station connects with main cities along the coast. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No official transport passes; local buses run frequently. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and trains connect Hikkaduwa to Colombo and Galle easily. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hikkaduwa Private Hospital offers quality medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Ayurveda Healing Facilities are popular for wellness treatments. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Local gyms such as Hikka Gym are available for workout enthusiasts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Several local laundromats and laundry services operate within town. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | PickMe Food delivers local cuisine across Hikkaduwa. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Seafood curry is a must-try, available at various local restaurants. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Mamasita and Red Onion offer excellent plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Surf Coffee serves delightful cakes. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets provide fresh produce and snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Daraz.lk is a popular online marketplace in Sri Lanka. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local supermarkets may offer delivery, subject to availability. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Hikkaduwa Beach strip has numerous bars and beach parties. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Though limited, Lion Brewery products can be found in local bars. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | A few restaurants offer wine selections, though not widespread. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local vendors sell fresh fish and tropical fruits on the beach. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza and pasta options can be found at places like Roti Hut. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Hikkaduwa Coral Sanctuary is a key attraction. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Local galleries showcase Sri Lankan art; check at the beach for pop-ups. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Tsunami Memorial is a significant site for visitors. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Seenigama Muhudu Viharaya, a tranquil Buddhist temple, is nearby. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Hikkaduwa Beach Festival occurs annually in February. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the beachfront and local crafts markets. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Cultural performances may occur in local community centers. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Hikkaduwa Market is ideal for shopping and local experiences. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Many local bars host live music events, especially during tourist season. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Some wall murals can be found around the town, adding color to the streets. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer cooking classes featuring traditional Sri Lankan cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Small art exhibits pop up in beachfront cafes. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Colonial-era structures are scattered throughout the town. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural practices thrive through various local traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Sinharaja Forest Reserve and Udawalawe National Park are accessible for day trips. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Yala National Park is a popular choice for wildlife enthusiasts. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Scenic paths along the beach are great for walking or cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Sunsets at Hikkaduwa Beach are breathtaking and popular among tourists. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Coastal areas and nearby wetlands attract various bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beachfront areas allow for bonfires with prior permission. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services are available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops can handle basic tech repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some guesthouses provide table tennis tables for guests. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local institutions offer informal Sinhala language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Quiet cafes serve as good study spots, though formal libraries are scarce. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community events occasionally occur in venues near the beach. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited options; local cafes may provide gaming services. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No major casinos; nearby cities offer limited gambling options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 200,000 USD per m² (e.g., 50 m² = 10,000,000 LKR) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 150,000 USD per m² (e.g., 50 m² = 7,500,000 LKR) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 250,000 USD per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 15,000,000 LKR) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 180,000 USD per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 10,800,000 LKR) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 300,000 USD per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 24,000,000 LKR) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 220,000 USD per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 17,600,000 LKR) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 24%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 14%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Worldwide income basis for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 24%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable to foreign income. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax system based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2% standard rate; |