Colombo

Sri Lanka is a visually stunning country with excellent surf and generally friendly locals, making it attractive for short-term tourists. However, based on multiple reviews, it is not well-suited for digital nomads or long-term stays. The internet is consistently reported as extremely poor across the country, including in areas promoted as upcoming nomad spots. Even mobile data is unreliable and slow, making remote work difficult or impossible.

The cost of living is another surprise for many travelers. Both Western and local food are expensive, especially in areas that cater to foreigners or have decent accommodation. Compared to other countries in Asia like Thailand or Korea, Sri Lanka is significantly more expensive without offering equivalent infrastructure or conveniences.

Safety and practical issues are also concerns. Women report frequent harassment and unsafe conditions, and many visitors experience scams or inflated prices, from transportation to rentals. Services like tuktuk apps are often unreliable, and ride-sharing is complicated by local cartels. While locals can be kind and warm, several travelers express that this does not always translate into trustworthy or consistent treatment. Overall, Sri Lanka may be worth visiting for a short surf getaway, but it’s not a practical or affordable destination for digital nomads or long-term travel.