I've been in Sri Lanka for almost half a year, talking about the real life and work experience here.

Recently, many people have asked me about the situation in Sri Lanka, so I've put together a brief overview based on the aspects that concern most people, all based on my personal experience, with no fluff added.

1. Job security is quite good.

We enter the country on a white visa, with all procedures being official, so there's no need to worry about visa checks or anything similar at work. The company also provides a health card (similar to the domestic health insurance card), which comes in handy if you catch a cold or fever. Accommodation is arranged in an apartment building, with a shuttle service to and from work, and three meals a day are provided, so it's basically a move-in-ready situation.

2. Social security is better than expected.

Locals are generally friendly, curious about foreigners but not offensive, and often greet or smile. Compared to the Philippines, I personally feel that the atmosphere on the streets of Sri Lanka is more "relaxed," with less sense of guard.

3. Police duties are normal.

After work, I often go out for drinks and massages, and I've encountered a few traffic checks at night. The police mainly check the driver's documents and the identities of the passengers. Just show your passport or visa, and there's no hassle.

4. It's best to use Uber for transportation.

For daily commuting or going out, Uber is the most worry-free option, especially if your English is not very good, as it saves you from having to bargain. The most common mode of transportation is the tuk-tuk, which generally costs between 200–400 rupees in the city. If you hail one on the street, it will be more expensive (starting from 500 rupees), and occasionally you can find metered taxis, but from personal experience, metered rides often take longer routes and end up being more expensive.

5. Convenience of life: supermarkets are well-stocked, but prices are not low.

You can find items like Lao Gan Ma chili sauce and instant noodles, but the prices are about two to three times higher than in China, and you should check the expiration dates as some products are stock leftovers.

6. "Male entertainment" is relatively weak.

To put it frankly, Sri Lanka is not very friendly towards male entertainment. Local sex services are quite discreet, with no openly available places. There are massage parlors, but the quality varies. Most are local older women mixed with some Thai girls, including some ladyboys, and the service prices range from 20,000 to 60,000 rupees. You need to be discerning. Vietnamese girls are more expensive and the experience is average.

7. Chinese food is not very abundant, with limited choices and average taste.

There aren't many Chinese restaurants here, and the taste is just passable, with prices higher than in the Philippines, Thailand, or Dubai. If you occasionally crave a taste of home, you'll have to adjust your expectations to "it's good enough."

8. The weather is suitable, hot but not stifling.

The overall climate is similar to Thailand and the Philippines, humid and hot but not uncomfortable, much better than the scorching dryness of Dubai. Wearing short sleeves through the winter is the norm.

In summary:

Sri Lanka is suitable for short-term expatriation, with basic guarantees in place, a relatively safe environment, and acceptable living costs. If you are in a functional or back-office position and don't need to be on the front lines, this can be a good transitional option. Just don't have too high expectations for nightlife and Chinese food.