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Farewell Sri Lanka: A Year of Lessons Learned (and Some Tips for You!)
Join me on my travels
   • Simon Bellyfull  

Well, folks, it's time for me to pack up my bags and bid adieu to the beautiful island of Sri Lanka after a fantastic, eye-opening year. It's been an adventure filled with incredible experiences, delicious food, and a whole lot of learning. Before I go, I wanted to share some insights that might be helpful if you're considering making Sri Lanka your temporary home.
   • And the winner is Pakistan - Curry Heaven ...  
Finding Your Home Away From Home (and Not Breaking the Bank)

I chose to rent a house in Ratmalana, which is just south of Colombo. It was a sweet spot – close enough to the city (10-15 minutes by tuk-tuk to Galle Face) but with a more relaxed vibe. For a detached house with 4 bedrooms (two with ensuite bathrooms), an electric gate, security cameras, fully furnished, AC in every room, a nice garden, and parking for two cars, I was paying around 225,000 rupees a month (about $750 or £600), excluding utilities.

Of course, you can definitely find places for less! Colombo tends to be pricier. If you're looking to save some rupees, consider areas like Kandy or Galle (still cities with plenty to offer) or even Negombo (near the airport), which can be around 40% cheaper.

Finding a place is surprisingly easy. I highly recommend checking out IKMAN.COM. It's basically the Sri Lankan equivalent of eBay or Craigslist, and you can find everything from houses to electronics there. Some landlords ask for a hefty deposit (up to 6 months' rent!), but others are more reasonable, requiring just 1-3 months. All you need is your passport, and a contract will be drawn up. It's a good idea to have a local lawyer take a quick look at the contract just to be safe.

If you prefer a little extra security and convenience, look into serviced apartments. These usually have 24-hour security and might even include a pool and gym.

School Days: Education in Sri Lanka

For those of you with kids, education in Sri Lanka is taken seriously, and the international standards are quite high. My children attended LPF School in Dehiwela, and they absolutely loved it. It's a small school with just one class per year, which allowed them to settle in quickly and receive a lot of individual attention. The tuition was incredibly reasonable, around £1,000 or $1,200 per year per child – a fraction of what I used to pay in the Middle East. Books, the school bus, and lunch were extra, but still very affordable. I highly recommend checking it out if you're in the area!

The Ups and Downs: A Dose of Reality

Now, let's talk about the less glamorous side of things. Every place has its challenges, and Sri Lanka is no exception.

Heat: For some, the Sri Lankan heat can be intense, especially in Colombo. Be prepared to sweat!
Electricity Costs: Electricity isn't cheap, especially if you're running AC units. My monthly bill was around £150/$190.
Internet Speed: The internet can feel a bit slow compared to what you might be used to in other countries. It's not terrible, but not lightning fast either.
Bugs and Critters: Get ready to encounter bugs, insects, and maybe even a roach or two. It's part of life in a tropical climate.
Stray Dogs: There are stray dogs everywhere. Most are harmless, but it's something to be aware of.
Begging: As a foreigner, you'll likely be approached by beggars. I personally prefer to give to those who aren't directly asking for money. It can be a bit overwhelming at times.
Buses: The buses are notorious for their reckless driving. They can be fast and don't always stop where you expect them to. Be extra cautious around them!
Power Cuts: Power cuts are a reality in Sri Lanka. They can last anywhere from an hour to five hours.
Colombo Weather: The weather in Colombo doesn't vary much. It can feel consistently hotter than other places like Kandy.
"Foreigner Price": Unfortunately, you'll likely encounter the "foreigner price" at times. Always insist on using the meter in taxis and tuk-tuks, or better yet, use Uber or PickMe, which offer fixed fares. Most people are honest, but there are always a few who will try to take advantage.

Visa Matters: Getting Your Legal Status Sorted

When you arrive, grab a tourist visa for 30 days. Then, look into getting a longer-term visa. I obtained a 2-year visa, but the rules might have changed, so it's best to check the latest requirements. Once you enroll your child in a school, you can apply for a guardian visa. The school will provide a letter, and you can then apply at the main visa office in Colombo.