beelaitch 1mo

i’ll be heading over at the beginning of december and staying for a couple of months. very keen to split time between beach side with surfing and also jungle side w hiking etc. i’ll be working, and would appreciate any recommendations. happy to rent car or moped etc

jasonzgm 1mo

Hi everyone it's quiet in here, but wondering if someone who has spent time on the ground in ahangama/ weligama/ midigama area can give me the real info on foreigners renting motorbikes there.

It seems super common but I read the police hassle you if you don't have proper license? I have an International drivers permit but it's for cars, doesn't have motorcycle endorsement.

I saw you can get temp license for Sri Lanka in Colombo, maybe even at airport or agent can set it up in advance of arrival, but it still seems that's not valid for motorcycles.

I doubt most visitors there renting Motos have their papers in order so how does it actually work? Everyone just drives and occasionally pays police?

jasonzgm 1mo

Also seems decent accommodations (with AC) are hard to come by in December, but I hear easier to find before then. When does it start to pick up there? If I show up mid November is there a decent chance to find a good apartment still?

jasonzgm 1mo

Thanks for any tips or info 🙏🙏

maria4fun 1mo

I have same question, because never rented a bike here :) despite the fact that live here over a year :)
Based on my observation, nobody’s complaining… so it works for them I assume :)

maria4fun 1mo

The season is starting in November
The majority of places will be rent out most probably (via airbnb)
But! I noticed this year a significant drop in prices… like never before… so maybe this season will be different

maria4fun 1mo

In general “good apartment” is a rare thing here :)

maria4fun 1mo

Beth, what kind of recommendation do you need? About exact location or apartment to stay? Or how to split your time? Share a bit more please:)

utkuacikgoz 1mo

Hi guys! Any cool co-working places in Weligama

jasonzgm 1mo

I plan to get my Sri Lankan temp license at the airport which appears possible now, hopefully that will be enough

jasonzgm 1mo

I asked around to some contacts through Facebook and seems most people just rent a bike without papers

maria4fun 1mo

Sounds real :)

maria4fun 1mo

Never been
You can use google maps for search. It’s pretty popular here

jasonzgm 1mo

Haha that's what it looks like, i just hope I can get AC

maria4fun 1mo

You will :)
It’s pretty common thing

jasonzgm 1mo

Where are you based Maria? What do you think is reasonable price for 1 or 2 bedroom with AC? I'm planning to stay in Ahangama/ Midigama probably

jasonzgm 1mo

I always enjoyed working at Outpost locations in Bali, they have a branch in weligama and I'm sure it's top notch

jasonzgm 1mo

Not the cheapest co-working space but always good facilities and staff, food community and events

maria4fun 1mo

It’s possible to find not a bad place for 400usd per month

I’m staying nearby Dewata - still pretty bad in surfing to move to Ahangama which I adore :)

jasonzgm 1mo

Oh great! Cheaper than I thought and of courses cheaper than people are quoting me on Facebook

jasonzgm 1mo

What's the best way to find one? Just drive around and look for rent signs?

jasonzgm 1mo

About the motorbike, in case anyone else is seeking this info:

Foreign tourists arriving in Sri Lanka can obtain temporary driving licenses directly at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) at Katunayake from today.

The on-arrival service counter, launched today aims to enhance convenience for travellers, particularly those who rent vehicles near the airport and prefer to drive during their stay.

Previously, tourists could only obtain temporary driving permits from the Department of Motor Traffic in Werahera.

According to the Ministry, most tourists use motorcycles, three-wheelers and light vehicles to travel across the island.

However, under the new system, licenses will be issued only for motorcycles and light vehicle categories. Driving permits for heavy vehicles and three-wheelers will not be provided through the BIA counter.

To apply for a temporary Sri Lankan driving license at the airport, foreigners must present a valid full driving license from their home country. Learner, probationary, provisional or temporary licenses will not be accepted. If the license is not in English, a certified translation is required. Applicants must also show a valid passport and visa.

The foreign driving license must be valid for at least one year from the date of conversion.

Temporary Sri Lankan licenses issued through this process will be valid for a maximum of five months. All restrictions noted on the foreign license—such as requirements for corrective lenses, use of automatic transmission or hearing aids—will be applied to the converted license as well.

The service will charge Rs. 2,000 per month of validity.

maria4fun 1mo

It depends on a place that you request too :)
Maybe you like expensive locations :)

maria4fun 1mo

All my findings were via airbnb :)

utkuacikgoz 1mo

thank you dsduwjdkur

utkuacikgoz 1mo

yeah, I'm trying to find a first-hand experience in the community - I can use Google Maps but could be miss or hit as usual 🙂

maria4fun 1mo

I understand)
Sorry can’t help with Weligama much

mvremmerden 1mo

Outpost is chill, was there for a week this year.

maria4fun 1mo

My friends are looking for mates to share a villa (~430usd) but it’s close more to Weligama.
A/C internet, private kitchen and bathroom, big common area
I can share details if you’re interested, just send me a message in dm

akshayysoni 19d

Hey everyone! Any recommendations for good beachside spots in Mirissa, Weligama, or nearby areas for co-working and living?

domanskyi 6d

Hey guys! I plan to go to Sri-Lanka for one month mid-Dec - mid-Jan. I've hear the internet is pretty bad there. Does it apply to all cities, where it is good enough for work? And what cities and places you recommend in general?

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