Passikudah, Sri Lanka 🇱🇰
#1901
7.92282, 81.56513
Nomad Score:
59%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Passikudah is a coastal town located on the eastern coast of Sri Lanka, known for its beautiful beaches and shallow waters. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 5,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 20-30 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 300 LKR. ATMs are available, but cash is widely used. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type D and G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Dialog, Mobitel, and Hutch are popular providers offering good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Most places accept cash, but Visa and Mastercard are commonly accepted in hotels and larger stores. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include beachfront hotels, guesthouses, and Airbnb rentals. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is preferred, although some establishments accept cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses offer great options for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Options: $10-$30 per night at places like The Beach House Passikudah. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Currently, there are no dedicated coworking spaces; local cafes with good Wi-Fi serve as alternatives. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Kachaloo, known for its environment and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local expat meet-ups are infrequent; check community boards for any events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Expats in Sri Lanka' are helpful for connecting with others in the area. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | PickMe is a popular ride-hailing app in Sri Lanka. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Available through local rental shops for around $5-$10 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Passikudah Beach is renowned for its stunning beauty and clear waters. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | SriLankan Airlines operates domestic flights to Colombo. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | SriLankan Airlines and Qatar Airways are leading options for international travel. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Passikudah is accessible via the A11 highway connecting to other major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The closest major train station is in Batticaloa, about 30km away. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Sri Lanka Railways offers various passes for train travel. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and tuk-tuks are common for local travel. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Batticaloa Teaching Hospital, approximately 30 minutes away. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga classes available at various resorts. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Limited; check hotel facilities for workout options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Available in most hotels; local services charge around $2 per load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats is available in nearby Batticaloa. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Seafood curry, a local specialty. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Many restaurants offer vegetarian Sri Lankan meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Beach House serves great desserts, including traditional sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets in Batticaloa have various fresh produce and snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Daraz.lk is the go-to for online shopping in Sri Lanka. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited; local grocery stores are accessible with good selections. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Beach Bar offers a lively atmosphere for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brewery options are limited; some hotels brew their own beer. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited; upscale hotels may offer wine selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Many vendors sell samosas, roti, and fresh fruit. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Some hotels offer Italian and Chinese cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Batticaloa Dutch Fort is a historical site nearby. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Cultural centers in Batticaloa offer insights into local traditions. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The ancient temples in the area are worth visiting. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Bhagavaan Temple, a local Hindu temple, is a must-visit. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Local festivals, including Tamil New Year, involve vibrant celebrations. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Batticaloa is rich in Tamil culture and traditions. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited options; local community centers may host performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Batticaloa Market offers a glimpse of local life. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local artists often perform at beachside bars. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited, but local murals can be found in Batticaloa. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Some hotels offer cooking classes focusing on Sri Lankan cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited in Passikudah; Batticaloa has a few local art showcases. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Portuguese and Dutch forts in the area showcase rich architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The cuisine and festivals reflect the cultural heritage of the Tamil people. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Kalkudah Bay is a stunning natural area, perfect for relaxation. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Mannar Island National Park is accessible for day trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Along the coastline and through local villages. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoints along Passikudah Beach are breathtaking. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Kalkudah Sanctuary is well-known for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated beach areas allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Sri Lanka Post and local courier services available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited options; best to check in Batticaloa. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Available in local community centers or larger hotels. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Some schools offer Tamil and Sinhala language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Local community centers may have reading spaces. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Available in Batticaloa, hosting various cultural events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited; check local cafes for gaming options. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | None available in Passikudah; check in Colombo if interested. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $136,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 24% for companies in Sri Lanka. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 14% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Generally, a progressive tax system based on income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 24% for income over LKR 3 million. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard rate is 8%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, with specific thresholds and rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, local councils levy taxes based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Stamp duty applies, typically 3% for property transfers. |