Unawatuna, Sri Lanka 🇱🇰
#886
,
Nomad Score:
62%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Unawatuna is a popular coastal town located in the Galle District of Sri Lanka, known for its stunning beaches and relaxed atmosphere. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 4,000 residents live in Unawatuna, with many expats and tourists contributing to a dynamic community. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speeds are around 15-25 Mbps, with fiber connections available in some accommodations. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 365 LKR. ATMs are available, and major credit cards are accepted at most establishments. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, with Type G (UK) sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Dialog and Mobitel are popular mobile providers with extensive coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Local banks like Commercial Bank and Bank of Ceylon. Services like Revolut are also accessible. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include guesthouses, boutique hotels, and seaside villas with prices ranging from $10 to $100 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted but carrying cash is advisable for local markets. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is popular, with many short-term rental options available directly on the beach. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like The Villa is available for around $10 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Stay near Unawatuna Beach for easy access to restaurants and activities. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The beachside areas near Jungle Beach or Dalawella are favored for their tranquility and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Good Vibes Co-Working is a popular space for remote work with fast internet and a collaborative atmosphere. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Chippy is known for its good coffee and quiet ambiance, ideal for working. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Occasional meetups are organized at Good Vibes that cater to remote workers and expats. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Expats in Galle' host regular social events and activities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is available in major cities nearby but taxis can be arranged locally. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooters are readily available for rent, with prices around $5-$10 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Unawatuna Beach is the most accessible and scenic beach. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | SriLankan Airlines operates flights to major cities from Bandaranaike International Airport. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates and Qatar Airways offer flights from major international hubs. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the Southern Expressway connects Unawatuna to Colombo in about 2 hours. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Galle Railway Station is the nearest station, about 5 km from Unawatuna. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses are available, but no formal passes. It’s advisable to buy tickets for trips. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Local buses and three-wheelers (tuk-tuks) serve the area frequently. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Galle Medical Hospital is the nearest comprehensive healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga in Unawatuna offers classes for various levels by the beach. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Some hotels offer basic gym facilities; no large fitness centers are available. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundries provide drop-off services, with prices around $5 for a full load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | PickMe is the local favorite for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the local seafood curry, a must-have in coastal areas. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Several cafes offer vegan menus, including a variety of fresh local produce. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Gelato Factory is a popular spot for desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets in Galle offer fresh produce and snacks at low prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local stores are now using platforms like Daraz for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Several local shops offer delivery; check local listings. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Unawatuna Beach offers several beach bars with a lively atmosphere at night. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brewery tours are limited, but you can find local beers at bars across town. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | A few restaurants offer wines from local estates, especially in Galle. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors along the beach sell fresh fruits and local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Testuba serves excellent Japanese cuisine and sushi. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visiting the Japanese Peace Pagoda offers panoramic views of the bay. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Galle Fort Museum showcases the colonial history of the area. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is rich in history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Unawatuna Temple offers insight into local Buddhist practices. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Galle Literary Festival takes place every January. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Galle Fort has a unique blend of colonial architecture and local art. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local performances may be hosted at Galle Fort on occasion. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Galle Market offers a glimpse into daily life and fresh produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local beach bars occasionally host live music events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Galle Fort features many murals and art installations. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are offered by local chefs focusing on Sri Lankan cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Art Gallery at Galle Fort features local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Dutch Reformed Church in Galle is a notable historical structure. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The remnants of Dutch colonial buildings reflect the area’s diverse history. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The serene beaches like Dalawella and Jungle Beach are perfect for relaxation. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Kanneliya Rain Forest is about 30 km away, featuring diverse wildlife. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Walking paths along the coastline provide scenic views. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Visit the viewpoint at the Japanese Peace Pagoda for stunning ocean views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands around Galle are great for birdwatching enthusiasts. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some beach spots allow bonfires, but check local regulations first. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services operate in Galle. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in Galle can handle basic tech repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some bars may feature ping pong tables for leisure. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools in Galle offer Sinhala and Tamil classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Many cafes offer reading areas, though there are no formal libraries. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Check local Facebook groups for community events and gatherings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited; primarily found in nearby Galle. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos; however, other entertainment options are available. |
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. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $128,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 24% corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 14% tax rate applied to dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on Sri Lankan income only. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 24%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 8% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules in place regarding taxation of foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax applies based on estimated market value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2% standard rate during property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No taxation on foreign income for non-residents. |