When searching for our first winter escape as digital nomads to Asia, we had a clear checklist in mind: a comfortable time difference for working European hours, consistent surf, enough infrastructure to support remote work, wild nature, and a laid-back vibe without overwhelming crowds of tourists. While it felt very tempting to go to Bali, we decided against it because of how mainstream this island became and decided to go to Sri Lanka for 3 months. Was this a good decision?

If you’re planning to work remotely from this amazing island, and you are looking for tips for digital nomads in Sri Lanka, this comprehensive guide has everything you need to know. From navigating safety, visa requirements, and the political situation to understanding costs, finding accommodation, and dealing with power cuts, internet connection, and coworking spaces – I covered it all. Ready to plan your next digital nomad adventure?

1. Visa for digital nomads in Sri Lanka

Digital nomads planning to stay in Sri Lanka typically apply for a tourist visa, which is initially granted for 30 days. It’s recommended to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online before arrival for a hassle-free process, but a visa on arrival is also available. Keep in mind that visa regulations can change, so always check the latest updates on the official Sri Lankan immigration website.

Extension

If you want to stay in Sri Lanka for more than 30 days, you can apply for an extension. The short-term visit visa can be extended up to a maximum of 270 days from the date of arrival in three consecutive instances: 30 days on entry, 60 days for the first extension, and 90 days for the second and third instances.

Usually, applications for an extension should be submitted to the visa section of the Department of Immigration & Emigration (Head office) by visiting the department. However, for an extension of up to 6 months, you can apply online on the e-Visa extension website. If you are unable to use any of the above options, you can use the help of an authorized visa agency.

☀️ My experience: We got our visa online and extended it online as well for the whole 3 months of our stay. It went very smoothly except for the fact that getting the extension took longer than expected and we were in Sri Lanka for 2 days without a valid visa. If you want to avoid this kind of stress, apply for the extension as much in advance as possible.

2. Prices in Sri Lanka

If you talk to anyone who has recently been to Sri Lanka, you will for sure hear that Sri Lanka is expensive. At least this is what we heard from many friends before going there.

Indeed, in recent years, the prices in Sri Lanka rose significantly. I visited Sri Lanka for the first time in 2016 and back then it was a heaven for backpackers travelling on a low budget, often compared to Southeast Asia in terms of affordability. This changed mainly due to a big economic crisis in 2022 and the collapse of tourism during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prices for basic goods like fuel and rice have risen by 100% and more. To give you an example, a litre of petrol cost around 150 LKR in 2016 and approximately 350–400 LKR in 2024.

Considering that Sri Lanka is an Asian country with less developed infrastructure, it can be seen as expensive in comparison to other countries in the region. However, it can still be very affordable for digital nomads who are willing to embrace the local way of living more (e.g. renting a villa from the locals instead of a fancy co-living or changing avocado toasts for Sri Lankan rice and curry).

Daily costs for digital nomads in Sri Lanka

Here are a few exemplary costs of living for digital nomads in Sri Lanka.

• Accommodation: The price can be very different. You can get a whole two-bedroom local villa for €800-€1000 per month, but also a room in a co-living for €1200-€1600 per month.

• Food: A meal at a local restaurant costs around €2–€5. Western-style cafes charge €7–€15 for meals like avocado toasts, bowls, pizzas, or salads.

• Transport: Public transport (train/bus) is extremely affordable (€0.50–€2). Tuk-tuks typically charge around 50–100 LKR (€0.14–€0.28) per kilometre.

• Co-working spaces: Prices vary by location, with examples including Outpost in Weligama (€180/month) and Nets in Ahangama (€150/month).

Price vs. quality

Although the prices have risen, this doesn’t mean the quality and infrastructure have too. Seeing some prices similar to or only slightly lower than the European ones, it’s natural to expect a similar quality – however, this is mostly not the case. Sri Lanka is still catching up with many things, especially when it comes to specific needs and expectations foreigners have. You can see this especially when looking for accommodations, renting out scooters/surfboards, or having to deal with power cuts.

ATMs

Accessing cash in Sri Lanka is straightforward, with ATMs readily available in cities and popular tourist areas. Most machines accept international debit and credit cards, including Visa and Mastercard. That said, withdrawing money often comes with fees: local banks charge 300–500 LKR (€0.85–€1.40), and your home bank might add foreign transaction fees. To save on costs, it’s a good idea to withdraw larger amounts when possible, but note that most ATMs limit withdrawals to 40,000–60,000 LKR per transaction.

☀️ My experience: If an ATM doesn’t work, don’t stress – just try another bank. Some machines handle foreign cards better than others. From our experience, Commercial Bank, Sampath Bank, and People’s Bank were reliable with our German DKB card, which worked at every ATM we tried. On the other hand, our Revolut card didn’t work at People’s Bank, so having a backup card is always a smart move.

Currency

The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) is the official currency. As of December 2024, 1 Euro equals approximately 350-400 LKR, though rates fluctuate.

3. Internet connection

Sri Lanka has decent internet infrastructure, particularly in urban areas and popular digital nomad or touristic hubs – so it’s definitely possible to work remotely from the island. You just need to prepare well and keep a few things in mind.

Internet speed

With an average speed of 20–50 Mbps, the internet in Sri Lanka is usually sufficient for remote work and video calls. We are both freelancers with demanding full-time schedules, including many video calls, and download and upload of files, and we had no issues with the internet in our villa in Ahangama. However, when looking for accommodation, always ask for a speed test. This way you can make sure you will have access to good internet.

When choosing accommodation, it’s also important to ask if the house has a fiber optic connection. If not, ask the owners if they could provide it. Keep in mind that even if an accommodation has fiber optic internet, the internet might still be slow due to a low-speed package.

☀️ My experience: We needed to ask the owner of our villa for both: providing a fiber optic connection and buying a better package – both worked without any issues since the owner knew that we would stay for 3 months. It works similarly with all other improvements (e.g. providing office furniture) – mostly they are willing to do them if you plan to stay for a few months.

Mobile data

Mobile data is affordable and widely available in Sri Lanka, with providers like Dialog and Mobitel offering 4G coverage across much of the island. Monthly data packages range from €5–€20 and typically include 10–40 GB of data, depending on the provider and package.

☀️ My experience: We used Dialog because our friends recommended it to us, saying that it has a much better coverage in the south than Mobitel. We bought one card each for our mobile phones + one for the router in case we need the internet to work. They have two stands at the exit of the airport so you can buy a SIM card right after landing. In February 2024, we paid 2450 LKR (€6.50–€7.00) for 50 GB.

4. Power cuts in Sri Lanka

When preparing for our digital nomad trip to Sri Lanka, our biggest worry was the power cuts. Many of our friends told us that it was still a real problem on the island. These outages, often caused by fuel shortages, rising energy demand, and the country’s reliance on outdated infrastructure, could occur a few times a week or only once every two weeks – the frequency varies greatly depending on the location. They can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. While major cities and tourist hotspots (including restaurants, hotels, and coworkings) often have backup generators or solar panels, smaller towns or rural areas may not have such solutions.

Power cuts in the Ahangama area

When we first arrived in Ahangama, power cuts were still a part of daily life. On our first Sunday, we experienced an 8-hour outage (from 9:00 to 17:00), which was a bit of a shock. Thankfully, that was the only full-day power cut we faced. Afterwards, the power cuts were much shorter, lasting only 15–30 minutes and happening just 3–4 times over our entire three-month stay.

In March 2024, we noticed significant construction work on the electricity supply system in the area. New electricity lines have since been installed, which may help. It’s definitely a step in the right direction, although it’s important to keep in mind that power cuts in Sri Lanka are also caused by issues beyond infrastructure.

Tips on how to prepare for power cuts

Since power cuts can happen during the week, during working hours, and they can last up to several hours, you need to make sure that you have an alternative solution to be able to continue working. Here are a few tips which will save you a lot of headaches:

• Coworking space with AC and solar panels: it’s a good idea to find a coworking space close to your accommodation that has solar panels (an alternative energy source) and an AC (you will need one since the one at your home won’t be working). This could be your go-to place in case of power cuts. We chose Nets during our stay in Ahangama. You can read more about our experience with coworking spaces in Ahangama here.

• Power bank: It’s a good idea to invest in a big power bank, one that can charge your laptop. We bought this power bank, which has a very big capacity, as we wanted to make sure both our laptops can be charged at the same time. It worked great and now it travels with us everywhere we go.

• Wi-fi router: Take a wi-fi router with you on your digital nomad trip to Sri Lanka. You can buy a local SIM card and use it as an alternative internet source. We took with us our Netgear router to make sure we have internet at all times. It worked great for the two of us during power cuts.

• Power cut app: There is an app in Sri Lanka that shows when the power cuts will happen. From our experience, it was reliable only 50% of the time – better than nothing. 😉 You can access it under this link. If you want to use it, the owner of your accommodation will need to share his account number with you.

• Portable light: if you want to stay at home during power cuts and plan to have calls in the evening, remember to take a portable light with you. The sunset in Sri Lanka is at 18:00, which is the middle of the working day in Europe.

5. Destinations for digital nomads in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka offers several destinations that are particularly appealing to digital nomads due to the availability of coworking spaces and a vibrant community of people from around the globe. Most of the places visited by remote workers are in the south of the island and offer access to good surf spots. What differentiates them is the size, level of infrastructure, and how touristy they are – which means everyone can find a spot serving their needs.

Weligama

Weligama is also located in the south in a big bay with a wide and long beach. Compared to Ahangam, it can be described rather as a town, which means it has a bit more to offer in terms of shops and services.

• It’s holiday infrastructure, including a Marriott hotel, attracts many tourists. However, it’s also a popular spot among digital nomads looking for a more vibrant vibe.
• You can surf along the whole bay, and there is a coworking space called Outpost.
• Minus: since Weligama is a bigger town and a fishing spot, the big beach in Weligama is not very clean with a lot of trash coming from the town and the fishing boats as well as stray dogs living on it. There is also an ugly river flowing into the ocean. Of course, the bay is huge, so you won’t feel any of this at first sight, but seeing this doesn’t make you feel comfortable with the water quality. Despite its size, the surf spots in the bay can also get very crowded with hundreds of beginners bumping into one another.

☀️ My opinion: for me, Weligama is too touristy, with many people coming here for vacation. It has a less authentic vibe than other smaller villages like Ahangama or Midigama.

Ahangama

Ahangama is located in the south of the island, around 20 min. drive from Weligama. It has become very popular in recent years and is growing rapidly, adapting more and more to the needs of digital nomads with its fancy cafes, boutiques, and yoga studios.

• The area offers many surf spots along the coast and it already has two proper co-working spaces (FocuseHub and Nets).
• It’s smaller than Weligama and not so focused on parties so it’s a good fit for people looking for a calmer environment.
• It is also less touristy than Weligama since there is a limited amount of sandy beaches and no mainstream holiday infrastructure (only smaller boutique hotels) which gives it a more authentic vibe.
• Minus: one big downside of Ahangama is the super busy main road and the fact that all surf spots and most restaurants and shops are located on it. In the beginning, every drive feels like a life-threatening experience, but with time you get used to this. Because of that, it’s also not really possible to go anywhere for a walk since there are no sidewalks.

☀️ My opinion: We decided to stay in Ahangama because we were looking for a less mainstream place that would be more focused on digital nomads than tourists. And since the infrastructure of Ahanagma increased significantly in the last year, it offered enough coworking spaces, restaurants, shops, etc. to comfortably live there.

Midigama

Midigama is located between Weligama and Ahangama, Midigama is a small and peaceful village partially hidden in the jungle and partially stretching along the coast.

• It’s smaller than Ahangama and it’s the perfect place for digital nomads seeking a slower pace.
• Known for its excellent surf spots like Lazy Left and Right or Rams, it’s also popular amongst surfers.
• While it lacks dedicated coworking spaces, its proximity to Weligama and Ahangama ensures easy access to more developed facilities.

☀️ My opinion: Midigama could be a great alternative to Ahangama if you are looking for an even more peaceful location and great surf.

Hiriketiya

Hiriketiya is a very cute village with a small bay with a sandy beach where you can surf.

• It feels more like a destination for holidays or shorter stays, but it’s also popular amongst digital nomads looking for a very chill beach vibe.
• It offers some nice restaurants, coffee places, and shops as well as one coworking (Clics – Coliving & Coworking). 
• Minus: The surf spot can get crowded very fast since the bay is super small and some things might be more expensive (e.g. sunbeds on the beach) since it’s a holiday destination.

☀️ My opinion: Hiriketiya is definitely worth a short visit even if you choose a different place for staying as a digital nomad in Sri Lanka. We spent there a few days and we really enjoyed it. Check out this article to see attractions we can recommend.

Arugam Bay

Arugam Bay is located on the east coast for a change, and is popular from April to October (opposite to the south coast) because of the weather and the surf conditions.

• Once a small and chilled town, it has turned into a party location filled with backpackers and surfers.
• It offers at least one coworking space: Nomads Coworking Space.
• It has a different vibe than the Buddhist south, partly due to its stronger Muslim influence.

☀️ My opinion: We never visited Arugam Bay because we decided to stay for the whole period in Ahangama (even in April when the rainy season started and many people were moving to the east).

6. Coworking spaces in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is still quite a new destination on the digital nomad map so the coworking infrastructure is still in a development phase. As of 2025, the island offers only a few proper coworking spaces in the south (e.g. Weligama, Ahangama) and east (Arugam Bay), as well as in Colombo. There are also some cafes and restaurants which offer coworking rooms or tables.

However, the infrastructure is still significantly weaker than in other digital nomad destinations like Bali or Chiang Mai. While Bali offers a wider variety of coworking spaces with luxurious amenities and community-building events, Sri Lanka provides a more laid-back vibe and a simpler infrastructure.

• Facilities: proper coworking spaces usually offer basic office furniture, reliable internet, AC, and some call booths. Some, like Outpost in Weligama or Nets in Ahangama, provide from time to time community events and networking opportunities.

• Solar Panels: Given the frequent power cuts, many coworking spaces have backup generators or solar panels to ensure uninterrupted work.

• Costs: Prices for coworking spaces vary, with monthly packages typically ranging from €120 to €200 depending on the location and amenities.
  

☀️ Tip: If you are planning to live in Ahangama, check out my article about coworking spaces in Ahangama. During our stay in Sri Lanka, I visited many of them and collected some useful information for digital nomads.

7. Lunch/dinner breaks

While working remotely from Sri Lanka, we found it a bit complicated to organise food during working hours. There is no food delivery app in the Ahangama area and the local restaurants usually need a lot of time (up to 1h) to serve food since they are preparing everything fresh. We found some restaurants that offered delivery (e.g. Manori’s kitchen), but there were not many of them back in 2024. However, we were super lucky to have a host family and a neighbour who were cooking for us from time to time. If you will face a similar issue, it’s a good idea to ask your host or check around if anybody in your neighbourhood would be happy to deliver such a service.

8. Time zone in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka operates on Indian Standard Time (IST), which is CET+4:30 or GMT+5:30 during winter time in Europe and CET+3:30 or GMT+4:30 in the summer time. If you are a digital nomad working European business hours in the CET time zone, this means there is a time difference of +4.5 hours in winter time and +3.5 hours in the summertime (Sri Lanka has no time change). This is a very easy-to-manage time difference since it doesn’t require you to start working very early (like in Mexico or Brazil) or very late (like in Indonesia) and is a big advantage for digital nomads in Sri Lanka.

Advantages

The time zone can work well if your workday overlaps with European business hours in the afternoon or evening, giving you mornings to surf or explore. If you usually start working at 9:00 CET in Europe, this means you will start working at 13:30 Sri Lankan time (during winter time) or 12:30 (during summer time).

Challenges

You might need to work late in the evening to match the European end of business. If you usually work until 17:00 in Europe, this means you will work until 21:30 in Sri Lanka (during wintertime in Europe) or 20:30 (during summertime in Europe) – which isn’t bad if you consider lower temperatures in the evenings. If possible, it’s a good idea to discuss flexible work hours with your employer or clients to ensure a balanced routine. For example, you could agree on starting 1h earlier in exchange for finishing one hour earlier (CET: 8:00-16:00 = Sri Lanka 12:30-20:30 during winter time).

☀️ Tip: You can check the exact time difference each month here: https://www.worldtimebuddy.com/

9. Limited or no availability of certain products

While Sri Lanka adapts more an more to the needs of foreigners, when we visited it was still either hard or very expensive to get some specific products – basically any Western products that are not typical in Sri Lanka. So if you visited Bali before and fell in love with how easy it was to feel there like back home, it’s better not to expect the same level of comfort in Sri Lanka – otherwise, you might be disappointed. Some examples include:

• oat milk (one with good ingridients) – we replaced it with coconut milk which is widely available in Sri Lanka
• 100% nut butters – from time to time I got a 100% peanut butter in Wijitha Sahana Food City. Another option is to order from this local family via WhatsApp. A friend of ours reached the lady how to do home made nut butters while staying in Ahangama and helped her to make a business out of it.
• coffee – Sri Lanka is definitely not a coffee country. They usually drink and farm tea so coffee is mostly an imported product. We found some reasonably priced Lavazza coffee GLOBAL SHOPPING in Weligama. You can also get good coffee in Cactus.
• good sunscreens – we took enough sunscreen with us from Europe and I would advice you to do the same if you value high-quality cosmetics and want to take proper care of your skin. We heard stories about people getting really bad sunburns after using sunscreens available in local shops.
• office furniture – if you are looking for a desk I think the easiest and cheapest is to order one from a carpenter. We asked our host for help with this and agreed that we will share the cost 50/50.
• any surfing-related stuff (e.g. wax, repair kits, etc.) .

10. Surfing in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a paradise for surfers of all levels. With consistent waves year-round (half a year south-west part of the island and half a year south-east) and a variety of surf spots for beginners and advanced surfers, the island has become a global surf destination. The waves in Sri Lanka are much more gentle and forgiving than in the Atlantic (e.g. Portugal) or in Bali, which makes them great for beginners and intermediate surfers as well. Advanced surfers will find some heavier, steeper and faster waves in Sri Lanka as well, but it’s not what the island is famous for. 😉

The surf scene is divided into two coasts: the southwest and the southeast coast, each working in different months of the year. The surf seasons match with the dry season, which means that:

• the south-west (incl. Weligama, Midigama, Ahangama, Hiriketiya, etc.) works well from November to April
• the south-east (Arugam Bay) works well from April to October.

☀️ My experience: I’m an intermediate surfer leaning towards longboarding and I had a lot of fun surfing the waves around Ahangama. I wrote a separate article about this which includes my favourite surf spots in Ahangama and around as well as some tips about surfing in Sri Lanka: [WIP].

11. Best times to visit Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s tropical climate guarantees warm air and water temperatures. With its unique geography and coastlines exposed to different directions, you can visit the island all year round chasing the sun and escaping the rain. And when the south gets too hot you can always enjoy the cooler climate in the hill country.

Dry season

The dry season is considered the best for most travellers. During this time, you can expect warm temperatures, plenty of sunshine, and minimal rain – perfect for outdoor adventures and working in scenic co-working spaces. Just don’t forget your sunscreen, as the tropical sun can be intense!

• December to March: the weather is best on the west and south coasts as well as in the hill country.

• May to September: the weather is best on the east coast.

☀️ Tip: months right before and right after the dry season (e.g. November and April on the south coast) are also a time to consider if you don’t like crowds and don’t mind a bit of rain. We stayed in Ahangama for the whole of April and enjoyed this time the most due to more swell and fewer crowds.

Temperatures

Average temperatures usually range from 26–32°C in coastal areas. However, be prepared for a reel-feel temperature of 38-40°C on some days (which is super hot!). This is what we experienced during our stay in Ahangama from February to April 2024 and we were very surprised by how hot it was there. As you can imagine, working without AC was not an option and outside activities needed to be limited during noon.

In contrast, hill country areas like Nuwara Eliya or Ella offer cooler temperatures, often ranging between 15–20°C, providing a refreshing escape from the heat. When we visited, we were surprised at how cold it was there – locals in Nuwara Eliya were even wearing winter clothes! Make sure to pack some warm (long-sleeve) layers if you plan to explore this region.

12. How to find accommodation for digital nomads in Sri Lanka

Finding accommodation in Sri Lanka as a digital nomad for 2-3 months can be a challenging task, especially if you are looking for a high-end, European-style place. It seems that the real estate market in Sri Lanka hasn’t had the time to adapt to the needs of digital nomads yet. Because of that, you mostly need to choose between modern but very pricy villas owned by foreigners or much cheaper and simpler places owned by the locals. What’s missing are the options in between. We were struggling to find reasonably priced accommodation for quite some time and finally decided on a villa owned by a Sri Lankan family.

Here are some tips to help you find an accommodation in Sri Lanka:

Co-living spaces

Many digital nomads opt for co-living spaces, especially in popular hubs like Weligama, Ahangama, and Hiriketiya. These spaces often include Wi-Fi, community activities, and sometimes even co-working areas. However, they can be quite pricy. We saw a room at Colive in Ahangama, which after a discount was offered to us for 1600 EUR per month without even having AC. Nets Coworks & Colive has similar prices, but at least they do have an AC.

Short-term rentals

Websites like Airbnb or Booking.com are great for finding short-term rentals for the beginning of your stay. You can look for listings that offer discounts for monthly stays. We booked our villa via Airbnb to be sure we had a place to stay when we arrived. Later on, we rented the villa (2 bedroom) directly from the owner for 35 EUR a day, skipping the Airbnb fees.

Facebook groups

Joining local Facebook groups for digital nomads in Sri Lanka can connect you with landlords or other travellers who know available properties. Many people post on these groups when they have a place to rent. You can also post to inform others what you are looking for, and I’m sure you will get a lot of messages back. Check out the groups listed below in the  “Social Media Groups for Digital Nomads” paragraph.

Local guesthouses

Many guesthouses are open to negotiating rates for longer stays. Visiting in person and discussing your requirements often results in the best deals.

Word of mouth

Once you’re in Sri Lanka, ask locals or other digital nomads for recommendations. Many long-term visitors find great accommodations through personal connections.

13. Social media groups for digital nomads in Sri Lanka

When going to Sri Lanka as a digital nomad, seeking to connect, finding resources, or discovering accommodation will be much easier when using specific social media groups. Here are a few from Facebook and WhatsApp that you should consider joining. These groups can help you navigate the logistics of living in Sri Lanka while providing opportunities to get to know new people.

• FacSri Lanka Group for Foreigners, Expats and Digital Nomads
• Sri Lanka Surf Community
• South Sri Lanka foreigners community
• Expats in Sri Lanka
• Digital nomads Sri Lanka

14. How to travel in Sri Lanka

Getting around Sri Lanka is an adventure in itself due to various challenges such as overcrowded public transport, unpredictable schedules, and chaotic traffic conditions. While these can make travel adventurous and exciting, they may require patience and flexibility, especially for first-time visitors. Here are some of the most common travel options:

Renting a scooter in Sri Lanka

Scooters are usually the preferred option by digital nomads and surfers in Sri Lanka. It’s a great choice if you want to stay longer in one place and have the flexibility to easily reach different surf spots, coworking spaces, restaurants, or shops. Here are a few things to keep in mind when renting a scooter:

• Daily rentals range from 1,000 to 2,000 LKR (€2.85–€5.70).
• Remember that driving in Sri Lanka can be chaotic, so it’s not a good idea to rent a scooter if you have never driven a scooter before.
• International driving licence: if you want to drive a scooter in Sri Lanka, you’ll need an International Driving Permit. The exact regulations around this topic in Sir Lanka are not entirely clear to me. We got a standard international driving licence purchased online from IDA office – which is a document with translations of your driving licence into different languages. This was enough when renting a scooter and moving around the Ahangama area. However, some websites mention that a much more complex process of getting a permit from the Automobile Association of Ceylon is needed.
• Driving licence category: category B driver licences from some European countries do not allow you to drive a motorcycle exceeding 49 cc at all or outside of your country of residence. When renting a scooter in Sri Lanka nobody will ask you about this. However, it might be an uncomfortable surprise later on during a police check. Moreover, in case of an accident, your insurance might not cover if you were driving a scooter without an appropriate driving licence. This is why I decided to rent a 49cc scooter and not a 125cc.
• Surf racks: surf racks attached to a scooter are a popular way to drive with a surfboard. It feels a bit strange at first but you can get used to the different balance. However, be careful on more windy days (especially if you travel with a longer board) or when a bus is overtaking you at a significant speed – the gusts might make you lose balance. In terms of regulations, apparently, it’s officially not allowed to have a surf rack on your scooter in Sri Lanka due to security reasons, but in the touristy parts of the island it’s tolerated – or at least it should be. Still, police might stop you and tell you that surf racks are not allowed and use this as a way to get some money from you.
• Police: We were stopped by the police multiple times in the Ahangama area and had to give them a “small governmental fee”. At first it was a very stressful experience as we didn’t know what to expect – some police officers were very intimidating and even threatening us with court.

☀️ Tip: If you want to know more about renting a scooter and police checkups in the Ahangama/Weligama/Midigama area, see this article: [WIP].

Tuk-tuks

A fun and affordable option for short distances. Tuk-tuks charge around 50–100 LKR (€0.14–€0.28) per kilometre, though prices may vary in tourist areas. Always make sure to agree on the price in advance to avoid unpleasant situations. You can go with a tuk-tuk even with a longboard – in surf regions, the drivers have a way to transport the boards on the roof of their tuk-tuks.

With a driving licence cat. B from Europe, you can also rent a tuk-tuk in Sri Lanka and use it as your daily means of transport instead of a scooter (you need an International Driving Permit though).

Public Transport

Buses and trains are the cheapest way to travel around the island. However, they can be extremely crowded and not always punctual. So it’s a great option for travellers on a budget with a flexible schedule, but if you have a limited amount of time or would rather travel in comfortable conditions, I would recommend a train/bus ride rather as an attraction than a means of transport. The buses also tend to drive very fast without respecting any traffic rules.

Private drivers (taxi)

For longer journeys or more comfortable travel, hiring a private driver or taxi is a convenient option. Prices vary depending on the distance and negotiation skills. To give you an example, we hired a taxi from Hiriketiya to Ella (which is 150 km) and paid 24,000 LKR (€68–€70).

Apps

Apps like PickMe and Uber are available in some places (especially cities) and can be great for hassle-free, metered rides. We tried PickMe in the Weligama area and it worked well, except for one time when the driver wanted more money than the rate from the app at the end of the ride.

15. Safety in Sri Lanka

Is it safe for digital nomads in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka is pretty chill when it comes to security aspects. Most of the time (except when driving a scooter) we felt very safe in Ahangama and didn’t have any negative experiences when staying there for 3 months in 2024. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to stay safe:

• Chaotic traffic: The traffic on Sri Lankan roads is intense and can be very dangerous. Roads are often narrow and there is no sidewalk so they are shared by cars, buses, tuk-tuks, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians, creating chaotic conditions. Drivers frequently overtake without warning and traffic rules are not followed. In rural areas, animals like cows or dogs can unexpectedly cross the road, adding to the unpredictability. If you plan to rent a scooter, make sure you are confident when driving it, always wear a helmet, and remain highly alert at all times.
• Crazy bus drivers: Chaotic traffic is one thing – another is the crazy bus drivers. They drive super fast, break all possible traffic rules, are not considerate of others and overtake everyone – even if this means driving on the opposite lane. In the beginning, each time I saw a bus in my back mirror or heard its honk I was terrified. You do get used to it, but sometimes it’s just safer to stop for a moment on the side of the road and let them pass. To get an idea of how dangerous they can be, watch one of these two videos: Crazy buses in Sri Lanka and How to be a Bus Driver in Sri Lanka (Meme).
• House robberies: unfortunately, we heard about a few house robberies on the social media groups for expats. Some happened also in our neighbourhood right before we arrived in Ahangama, so our host decided to put metal bars into all the windows in our house. They also asked us to leave the light on in the evening in the garden so it’s easy to see in case somebody tries to break in.
• Isolated areas at night: In general, it’s better to avoid isolated areas at night, especially beaches. Without crowds or adequate lighting, these areas can be hotspots for thieves or harassment. It’s always safer to stick to well-populated spots after dark. We were going for some nighttime walks only if the beach had a bit of light or we knew it well.
• Storage under the scooter seat: don’t leave anything valuable in there as there is a high risk that it could be stolen. This is an advice we got from the locals.
• Street dogs: In Sri Lanka, there are 1-3 million street dogs. While most of them are harmless, it happened to us that a pack of dogs became quite aggressive when we were entering a beach at night, so we needed to change our plans, or that a dog was chasing our scooter and trying to bite my leg. It’s also worth mentioning that the island is still experiencing some cases of rabies.

☀️ Tip: I’m a big dog person so after seeing so many street dogs in really bad condition in Sri Lanka I wrote an article about What To Do When You Find a Stray Dog or Cat While Travelling?. If for you it’s also hard to ignore a suffering animal, but you don’t know how you can help while travelling, you might find it interesting. 🙂

Wildlife

Sri Lanka is home to an amazing and diverse wildlife. However, you should be mindful of the following when going there:

• Elephants: Elephants can sometimes cross roads, particularly at night, so be careful when driving in rural areas or near national parks. See this interesting reel from National Geographic about an elephant who learned how to block a road to get food.
• Crocodiles: Found in rivers and lagoons, particularly in the southern and eastern parts of the country. In Arugam Bay and the Weligama area, they have also been spotted in the ocean, even at some of the main surf spots located close to river mouths.
• Snakes: Sri Lanka has several venomous species, including cobras and vipers. Encounters are more common during hikes or in rural areas, but it happened to our friends that a snake was living under their house in Ahangama.
• Monkeys: You can find them in most forested areas and even urban centres. They can be aggressive if they feel threatened or if food is involved. Avoid feeding them to prevent unwanted attention as they may be carrying rabies.

16. Travelling as a woman

Sri Lanka is considered safe for solo female travellers, especially in comparison to India. When we arrived in Sri Lanka after spending two weeks in India, I was relieved because the environment, including the behaviour of men, felt much more relaxed and safe. However, it’s not as safe as destinations like Thailand or Bali. Western women may still experience unwanted attention and uncomfortable situations, as the local community is not fully accustomed to seeing female travellers.

For example, many Western women sunbathe in bikinis on the beach, but Sri Lankan women would never do so – they always cover most of their bodies, both to protect the skin from the sun and because of cultural norms. For some Sri Lankan men, seeing a woman in a bikini might be unusual and could provoke unwanted behaviours. This underscores the importance of being mindful of cultural differences and respecting local attitudes while travelling.

This is why it’s advisable to use common sense rules when travelling as a woman: make sure to dress modestly, avoid secluded areas (e.g. remote beaches), and use reputable transport options, like PickMe, Uber or other apps. 

Unpleasant situations

To give you a better idea of the situation, here are some incidents I have experienced myself when travelling as a backpacker back in 2016:

• Crowded buses: Crowded buses are a great occasion for men to get very close to you and start rubbing their genitals against your body. This happened to me while travelling on an overcrowded minibus. At first, I didn’t realize that it was “this” part of the man’s body due to the crowd, but when I did, I pushed him away, and he stopped. Unfortunately, this isn’t an isolated incident – I heard similar stories from other women travelling in Sri Lanka.

• Remote beaches: It’s not advisable to go to remote beaches alone or sunbathe in corners of the beach. Sir Lankan man might use this occasion to masturbate while watching you from nearby bushes. This happened to me even though I was with a friend. In worse scenarios, which I heard from other women, they might even approach you and offer unwanted massages, or even grab or kiss you without consent.

How to react?

If such situations occur, some locals advise to do the following (if the situation feels safe enough):

• Shout and make the incident public: Drawing attention exposes the offender and may deter further actions.

• Take photos: Documenting the incident and sharing the images with your Sri Lankan host or on social media can help ensure the offender is held accountable within the community. In smaller towns where many people are relatives or know each other, such actions can prevent repeat offences.

17. Health – things you need to know

Vaccinations

Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date. Additional vaccines recommended for Sri Lanka are described in detail here, but it’s always best to consult with your doctor.

☀️ My experience: We went to a tropical disease hospital, which had a travel department for vaccinations to make sure we were taken care of by the most experienced doctors in this field. Since we were planning to stay in Sri Lanka for a longer amount of time, we decided to take the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine additionally to the routine vaccinations.

Illnesses

• Be aware of mosquito-borne illnesses, such as Dengue Fever or Japanese Encephalitis (very rare), which can occur during the rainy seasons. To minimise the risk, use insect repellent and sleep under mosquito nets at all times. In the area where we lived in Ahangama, there were many mosquitoes and we needed to be very careful to not get too many bites.
• Rabies is still a problem on the island. And since it’s a disease carried by animals like dogs and monkeys and can be transferred by a scratch or bite, it’s best to limit the interactions with unknown or wild animals. Remember to always seek immediate medical attention if bitten or scratched.

Food and water

• When eating street food, prioritize freshly prepared meals. This is usually super easy in Sri Lanka as they mostly prepare food only when you order it.
• Avoid drinking tap water and stick to bottled water instead. To use less plastic, we asked our neighbours to provide us with big water bottles every week. They can deliver them to your house and you need only to buy an electric or manual pump to put on top of them. The bottles are then refilled with fresh (filtered?) water. You can also ask your host or at a local shop if they can help providing them.
• Be cautious with ice in drinks unless you are sure of its source – you can always ask if the ice cubes are made from filtered water.
• Other rules you might want to follow: ensure seafood and meat are thoroughly cooked, stick to fruits and veggies that can be peeled to avoid contact with tap water.

☀️ My experience: During our stay in Sri Lanka we were eating at many local restaurants and street food stands as well as the houses of our Sri Lanka friends and never had any stomach or gut issues during that time. Sri Lankan food is delicious so I’m sure you will enjoy it!

Health Insurance

• Sri Lanka has both public and private hospitals. Private hospitals, particularly in Colombo and other major cities, offer higher-quality care with shorter wait times, often comparable to international standards. Public hospitals are free but can be crowded and may lack resources in rural areas.
• It’s essential to have a comprehensive travel health insurance that covers accidents, illnesses, and emergency evacuations. Make sure you choose a reliable provider as this might be crucial when needing help.

☀️ Tip: Since a few years I’ve been buying my travel insurance from True Traveller. They are a UK-based company which works with AXA. Their insurance is tailored to the needs of travellers and adventurers. For example, you can start your insurance while travelling, choose a specific sports package, or add a laptop insurance.

Conclusion

For us staying in Sri Lanka for three months was an unforgettable experience. We were looking for a less touristy destination which could offer great surf spots and wild nature, and this is what Sri Lanka definitely delivered. However, organising our everyday life in Ahangama came with some challenges due to the still underdeveloped infrastructure and bad economic situation. We experienced power cuts, needed to fix many issues in the local villa we rented, had to deal with police checks and survive the crazy traffic on the roads daily, as well as searched for ages for some specific products. Although we enjoyed our stay in Sri Lanka a lot, it was not the easiest experience and I think we could have chosen an easier destination for our first digital nomad trip to Asia. So if you are looking for a comfortable place to work from, be aware that Sri Lanka might require a bit more effort than some other popular places – although it’s still a great country to visit, especially now that it still has the wild, laid-back vibe.

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