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Sri Lanka has given me some of my wildest stories. I stayed at a small hotel off the grid and struck a deal with the owner: I would redesign his website in exchange for free accommodation. His friend then took me on a “safari” to a rubbish dump, where a bull elephant charged our jeep. I tell the full story in seven crazy adventures.
Another time, near Yala, a storm took out the internet before a crucial client meeting. I ran it through a hand powered modem in the jungle. That one is in a crazy meeting deep in the Sri Lankan jungle.
Sri Lanka is not always easy. It is never boring. Here is what to know before you make it your base.
Why Sri Lanka works
- Variety in a small space. Beaches, jungle, tea country and wildlife within a few hours of each other.
- Surf. The south and east coasts are known for their waves, with different seasons on each side.
- Opportunity. Small hotels and local businesses often need better websites, photos and branding. If you have the skills, you may find work, or a room, in unexpected places.
Time zone and clients
Sri Lanka is five and a half hours ahead of London in winter and four and a half in summer. That is one of the easiest gaps for UK and European clients: a quiet morning for deep work, then an afternoon overlap. Clients in the USA are harder. My guide to digital nomad time zones explains how to plan around them.
Internet: never trust one connection
Connections are good in the main towns and tourist areas, and can vanish in storms or remote spots. Buy a local SIM with data, test your accommodation before a long stay and never plan a big call on a travel day. My guide to digital nomad internet covers the full backup plan, without the need for a hand powered modem.
Money
The UK government says most major banks allow Visa and Mastercard cash withdrawals, and there are ATMs in the main towns, but not all accept international cards. Carry two cards and some cash before you head somewhere remote.
Entry rules: check the official sources
At the time of writing, gov.uk’s Sri Lanka entry requirements say British visitors:
- Need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), which is a form of visa, applied for online before travel.
- Get the ETA free of charge, valid for 30 days.
- Can apply for an extension online through Sri Lanka’s official immigration portal.
- Risk detention, a fine, deportation or a future ban if they overstay.
- Need a passport valid for at least six months after arrival.
Apply only on the official ETA site, and check extensions with the Department of Immigration and Emigration. Rules for other nationalities differ. For longer stays, my guide to visa runs explains why an official extension beats a border hop.
Health cover in Sri Lanka
Roads, waves, heat, wildlife. Sri Lanka has all of them, and getting to a good hospital from a remote spot can take time.
I use Genki. Genki Traveler covers unexpected illness and injury worldwide for up to 12 months, and you can sign up even if you are already in Sri Lanka. If you had no cover before, only emergencies are covered for the first 14 days. Check your price on Genki, and see TravelHealthPro for the vaccines you need. If you plan to surf, read my guide to travel insurance for surfing.
Is Sri Lanka right for you?
If you want polished coworking and perfect wifi, there are easier places. If you want adventure, kind people and stories you will tell for years, Sri Lanka delivers. Just do not yell at the elephants.
Photo by Hendrik Cornelissen on Unsplash.
My free guide to leaving the office behind: the steps I took to build a business I can run from anywhere.
P.S. It is free. Read it on your next flight.
