Expat Guide to Living in Colombo

Whether you're already living in Colombo or preparing to move to Colombo, our Expat Guide to Living in Sri Lanka offers articles and reports submitted by expats about expat life in Colombo. For answers to specific questions, visit our Sri Lanka Forum to talk with expats in Colombo.

Culture Shock in Colombo , Sri Lanka

One expat shares his experiences handling culture shock in Colombo, Sri Lanka, "They smile a lot, but the smile doesn't always feel sincere."

More Culture Shock Reports for Colombo

Culture shock is part of the settling in process. Knowing the different phases of culture shock and how other expats in Colombo handle it can be very comforting. Below are some of the responses from expats in Colombo:

Culture Shock in Colombo , Sri Lanka

Culture Shock in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Submit a Culture Shock Report

Living Overseas Report

What are people's priorities in Colombo - work? family? socializing? What are the best ways to meet other expats? Are people accepting of racial, cultural and religious differences? Help other expats and people moving to Colombo by filling out our Living Overseas Report.

Submit a Living Overseas Report

Moving Overseas Report

What should you take with you when you move to Colombo? What should you leave behind? What type of housing and neighborhoods are typical for expats in Colombo? Help others moving to Colombo by filling out our Moving Overseas Report.

Submit a Moving Overseas Report

Reviews of Schools in Colombo

Reviews and school profiles from expat parents and even a few school administrators in Colombo. Great place to find insight into school facilities, teachers and curriculum. Below are some of the reviews from expats in Colombo:

Submit an International School Review

Dream vs. Reality Report

Most expats have have "dreams" (and fears) about the expatriate experience before they moved to Colombo. If you are already living in Colombo, share how those "dreams" have been fulfilled, and how they have not by filling out our Dream vs. Reality Report.

Submit a Dream vs. Reality Report

Overseas Retirement Report

Retiring abroad can be a great option for retirees seeking their dream lifestyle at an affordable price. Help other retirees, who are thinking about retiring in Colombo by filling out our Overseas Retirement report.

Submit a Retire Abroad Report

Having a Baby in Colombo Reports

How did expats choose their doctors, midwives, hospitals? What is childbirth like in Colombo? Below are some of the reports from expats in Colombo:

Having a Baby in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Submit a Having a Baby Abroad Report

Working Abroad Report

What's it like to find a job in Colombo? How difficult was it to obtain a work permit? What types are jobs are typical for expats in Colombo? Help others following in your footsteps by filling out our Working Abroad Report.

Submit a Working Abroad Report

Expatriate Health Insurance

Get a quote for expat health insurance in Sri Lanka from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get a Quote

5 Tips For Living In Sri Lanka

Expats in Sri Lanka live in a country just south of India that is regularly reported by expats as being a clean and hospitable place to create a life abroad.

Expats in Sri Lanka live in a country just south of India that is regularly reported by expats as being a clean and hospitable place to create a life abroad....