Unawatuna, Sri Lanka 🇱🇰
#886
6.020177, 80.247483
Nomad Score:
62%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Unawatuna is a coastal town located in the Galle District of Sri Lanka, known for its stunning beaches and vibrant sunset views. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 5,000, with a fluctuating number due to tourism. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speeds are around 25 Mbps, with some cafes and coworking spaces offering higher speeds. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 320 LKR; ATMs are available, and most accept major cards. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; it's advisable to use bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type D/G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Dialog and Mobitel are the main providers, offering data packages suitable for tourists. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Foreign cards accepted, but local banks have limited hours. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Various options including guesthouses, hotels, and short-term rentals like Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Partially; cash is still preferred in many local shops. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb, Booking.com offer numerous short-term rental options ranging from $20 to $100 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Guesthouses like 'The Butterfly' for $15-25 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Co-Working Space, Unawatuna offers a productive environment for remote working. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Hangout Cafe provides good WiFi and a relaxing atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local expat groups often meet at cafes; check Facebook groups for updates. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Regular meetups at cafes organized via expat community pages on social media. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | PickMe and Uber operate in the area for easy transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Many local shops rent bikes and scooters, costing about $5-10 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Unawatuna Beach is right in the town, offering beautiful sunsets and safe swimming. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | SriLankan Airlines offers flights to and from Colombo. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines provide international routes. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the A2 highway connects Unawatuna to Galle and Colombo. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Galle railway station is approximately 10 km away. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific transit passes; local buses are affordable for travel to nearby areas. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and tuk-tuks are common; fares are around $0.50-1 for local trips. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Galle Hospital is the nearest major hospital about 7 km away. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Unawatuna Yoga Center offers classes in a serene environment. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fit4Life Gym available with standard memberships. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats and washing services available near the beach. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats and PickMe Food provide delivery services in the area. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the Sri Lankan rice and curry at local eateries for an authentic meal. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Naked Fish offers a variety of vegetarian options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Dewmini Roti Shop for delicious local sweets and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets near the beach offer fresh produce and groceries. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Daraz is the popular online shopping destination in Sri Lanka. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery services are less common; local shops are recommended. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Unawatuna has vibrant beach bars like 'The One' for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Lion Brewery is one of the local beer producers, widely available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Local restaurants often serve a selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer fresh fish and other local specialties during the evenings. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Various Italian and Western restaurants are available throughout Unawatuna. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Japanese Peace Pagoda and Galle Fort are must-visit spots nearby. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Galle National Museum showcases local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the Dutch Reformed Church in Galle for its historical significance. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Unawatuna Temple offers a glimpse into local spirituality. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Unawatuna Beach Festival held every December attracts many visitors. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing colonial architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | There are few local theaters; check for seasonal performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Unawatuna's daily market features local fruits, vegetables, and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars often host live music; inquire at The One or Lucky Tuna. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Galle Fort has several street art installations worth exploring. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking classes are available, such as at the Unawatuna Cooking School. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallery Cafe usually features art from local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Explore the colonial architecture within Galle Fort. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Visit local craftsmen and artists to learn about traditional Sri Lankan arts. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Explore the nearby Koggala Lake for its natural beauty. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Yala National Park is approximately a 2-hour drive for wildlife viewing. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Tropical paths along the coast are popular for casual walks and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Japanese Peace Pagoda offers stunning views of the coast. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Koggala Lake is also a great spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Many beaches allow bonfires; inquire locally for safe areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local post office services as well as international courier services are available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer basic repairs; for complex issues, Galle has better options. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some guesthouses have recreational table tennis tables available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local language schools provide Sinhala and Tamil language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited, but some cafes provide quiet spaces for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural and community events are often held at local temples. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Not widely available; gaming is generally limited to mobile devices. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos in Unawatuna; nearest options are in Colombo. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m², making it about $40,000 for a typical studio. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m², resulting in about $32,000 for a standard studio. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m², so about $72,000 for a larger unit. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m², which totals around $54,000. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m², estimated at $120,000. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m², estimating around $80,000. |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Income tax for corporations is around 28%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividends are taxed at 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Individual taxpayers are taxed on a progressive scale ranging from 6% to 24%. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | The highest rate is 24%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict regulations apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property owners are taxed based on the annual rental value of properties. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate is 3% during property purchases. |