Moving To Sri Lanka

Known as the “Granary of the East”, Sri Lanka is a small, island nation in South Asia directly off the southeastern coast of India. It is separated from India by the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait.

The country covers an area of 64,129 square kilometers and has a population of approximately 21.5 million people. The official language is Sinhala, while Tamil and English are also widely spoken.

When you plan to move to Sri Lanka from the USA you will need to consider a few things like cultural differences, climate, food and the process to legally move there for a convenient relocation.

Moving to Sri Lanka from USA

The International Sea & Air Shipping Advantages

Sri Lanka, a stunning island nation in South Asia promises an exciting life. However, when you are moving to Sri Lanka from the USA you will have to be aware of the differences, which can be quite a lot, as both the countries are a thousand miles apart! There are many relocation processes that you will need to follow meticulously to ensure that you can look forward to a smooth transition.

It is always advisable to consult an experienced international moving company for your relocation to another country. This will reduce the hassles of the move and will assist you in making a proper plan. An experienced international relocation company like us at International Sea & Air Shipping knows the ropes of moving our clients globally. Moving to Sri Lanka from the USA involves a vast geographical distance. However, if you hire an experienced international mover like us, at International Sea & Air Shipping, we will ensure you can look forward to a hassle-free relocation when you move to Sri Lanka from the USA.

Here is what you can expect from our team of efficient movers – we will be covering A-to-Z of your international relocation from origin to destination. Our team of moving specialists will offer you high-quality moving services ranging from packing your household goods to your other belongings. We will also keep you informed on the options of freight choices, time expected in the move and storage options.

With us, you can even look forward to a bespoke packing and moving service and have a smooth transition to your new life in Sri Lanka. The International Sea & Air Shipping team will also ensure that everything is handled professionally and on time to avoid any last-minute hazards. So, give us a call today for your relocation to Sri Lanka from the USA and we will get started with the relocation process.

About Sri Lanka

Titled as ‘The Pearl of Indian Ocean’ Sri Lanka in ancient times is known by a variety of names like Lanka or Singhala in India, Taprobane in ancient Greek, and Ceylon by Portuguese. Even the name was officially changed to Sri Lanka; Ceylon is still in use in the names of a number of organizations.

Sri Lanka is bordered by the Indian Ocean, Gulf of Mannar, Palk Strait, and lies in the vicinity of India and the Maldives. The highest point of Sri Lanka is Pidurutalagala, reaching 2,524 metres. Sri Lankan climate is described as tropical and warm.

The Sinhalese and the Tamil are the two main traditional cultures of Sri Lanka. A British colonial culture was also added in the most recent times. Esala Perahera is the grand festival held in Sri Lanka with elegant costumes. Sri Lanka’s popular type of music is the Baila.

Famous for the production and export of tea, coffee, coconuts, rubber and cinnamon, Sri Lanka is a founding member of SAARC and a member of United Nations, Commonwealth of Nations, G77 and Non-Aligned Movement. The trading partners of Sri Lanka are US, UK, Italy, Germany, BelgiumIndiaChina, Singapore, Iran and South Korea.

Motto : N/A

Capital : Colombo

National Anthem : “Sri Lanka Matha” (“Mother Sri Lanka”)


Location : Southern Asia, island in the Indian Ocean, south of India
Area : 
Total : 65,610 sq km
Land : 64,630 sq km
Water : 980 sq km
Climate : Tropical monsoon; northeast monsoon (December to March); southwest monsoon (June to October)


Nationality : Sri Lankan(s)
Population :
 21,283,913 (July 2011 est.)
Major Cities : 
COLOMBO (capital) 681,000 (2009)
Languages : 
Sinhala (official and national language) 74%, Tamil (national language) 18%, Other 8% ,Note: English is commonly used in government and is spoken competently by about 10% of the population


GDP : $104.7 billion (2010 est.)
Exchange Rates : 
Sri Lankan rupees (LKR) per US dollar – 113.36 (2010), 114.95 (2009), 108.33 (2008), 110.78 (2007), 103.99 (2006)


Airports : 18 (2010)
Roadways : 
Total : 91,907 km (2008)
Waterways : 
160 km
Ports & Terminals : 
Colombo

Custom Regulations for Sri Lanka

  • Passport
  • Residence Visa/Blue Card
  • Unaccompanied baggage declaration must be made at airport
  • Inventory (valued)
  • CUSTOMER MUST BE PRESENT AT TIME OF CUSTOMS CLEARANCE
  • Sri Lanka Nationals & Expatriates may import household goods and personal effects duty-free provided they have been outside the country for a year or more
  • Some Customs exemption granted with Residence Visa
  • Shipments must arrive within three months of Customer
  • Refundable Customs deposit payable on all shipments
  • All items in commercial quantity
  • Alcohol and tobacco products
  • All currency, gold, silver, jewelry, etc.
  • Dangerous drugs
  • Gold and gems
  • Firearms
  • Obscene literature, pictures, etc.
  • Sri Lanka currency over Rs. 1,000/Indian and Pakistan currencies
  • Fruits, plants, vegetables
  • Animals, birds, reptiles, and parts thereof
  • POSSESSION OF HEROIN CARRIES THE DEATH PENALTY
  • Automobiles and motorcycles over three years old are prohibited
  • Only right-hand drive autos are permitted
  • High duties payable
  • Import License must be obtained prior to arrival

Maximum permissible for other common items:

  • 12 Saris and 6 Sarongs (or verities)
  • Garments: Males (12) and Females (12)
  • Textile material–total of 12 meters
  • Shoes, Slippers–6 pairs of each

Important information for moving to Sri Lanka from the USA

Sri Lanka, also known as Ceylon, is an island country located in South Asia. If you are planning to move to Sri Lanka from the USA, there are several things to consider.

Firstly, you’ll need to obtain a visa to live and work in the country. Additionally, you’ll need to find a place to live and a job or source of income.

There are several tropical regions to explore, including the north, which is home to the ancient city of Sigiriya, and the southeast coast, with its teeming coral reefs.

Overall, moving to Sri Lanka can be a great opportunity to experience a new culture and enjoy a laid-back lifestyle in a tropical setting.

Let us discuss some of the important immigration information in detail, which can help you in your move to Sri Lanka from the USA.

Visa process and requirements to move to Sri Lanka from the USA

Cost of living in Sri Lanka

Moving to any new country requires careful budgeting. When you are moving to Sri Lanka from the USA you will need to know the cost of living in this South Asian island nation. The cost of living in Sri Lanka, like in the case of any other country, will vary greatly depending on the location and lifestyle.

However, in general, it is lower compared to the United States. The average monthly cost of living for an American expat in Sri Lanka is around $800 to $1,500, including accommodation, transportation, food, and other necessities. Housing is generally more affordable and you can rent a decent apartment or house for around $300 to $500 per month. Food and beverages are also cheaper, with meals at local restaurants costing around $2 to $5 per meal.

Sri Lanka also has a warm and sunny climate, with low tax rates and a rich cultural heritage, making it an ideal island nation to relocate.

Climate in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has a tropical monsoon climate, which means that it has wet and dry seasons. The wet season typically runs from May to September, while the dry season runs from October to April. The temperature in Sri Lanka can range from the mid-70s to the high 80s Fahrenheit throughout the year.

The country experiences two monsoon seasons, one from May to September and another from October to April. The best time to visit Sri Lanka depends on the region you want to visit and your personal preferences.

The east and southeast coasts are popular tourist destinations and are best visited during the dry season, while the western and central regions are more rainy during the wet season.