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.

Sri Lanka is known for its rich cultural heritage, ancient ruins, beautiful beaches, and stunning natural scenery. Some popular tourist destinations include the city of Colombo, the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, and the beautiful beaches of the south coast.

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, Belgium, India, China, Singapore, Iran and South Korea.

Capital: Colombo

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

Geography

• 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)

People

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

Economy

• 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)

Transportation

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

Custom Regulations for Sri Lanka

NOTE – Customs regulations are subject to change at any time. The proceeding information is a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to this destination and is being provided for general guidance to assist our Agents and Customers. Since such regulations are subject to change without notice, International sea & air shipping cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance. Always double check with your local embassy or consulate.

Call our International Moving Specialists @ 1 (866) 315-4170

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

Any non-nationals of Sri Lanka will need a visa to enter the country. The Department of Immigration & Emigration is responsible for visa services, passports, citizenship and border control. For business, tourism and transit purposes, visitors will require an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), which is an official authorization for a short visit to Sri Lanka.

Restrictions may apply for certain business activities or entering the country as part of the media; full details can be found on their official site, where you can also apply for an ETA. Visitors from Guinea, Liberia, Cameroon, Nigeria, Mali and Sierra Leone will need to report to the nearest overseas mission on arrival into Sri Lanka to obtain their ETAs.

When you obtain an ETA you may request an extension to their stay for up to 90 days at a time; these can be applied for on the website of the Department of Immigration and Emigration. Longer stays will require a residence visa, which will then need to be renewed annually.

Individuals who are not citizens of Sri Lanka must obtain a visa to enter the country. The specific type of visa needed depends on the intended duration of stay and the purpose of the visit. The Department of Immigration & Emigration oversees visa services, passports, citizenship, and border control. Comprehensive information, including details about short-stay visas, residence visas, and citizenship applications, can be found on their website.

For business, tourism, and transit purposes, visitors should obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), an official authorization for short visits to Sri Lanka. Certain restrictions may apply to specific business activities or media-related entries, and the official site provides detailed information and the option to apply for an ETA.

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.