International direct dialing is available, and cellular phones have become increasingly popular. There are also dozens of fine beach resorts two to three hours away. Housing facilities for expatriates are satisfactory. Stand-alone homes with yards are available but often require extensive effort and resources to rennovate and maintain. Several luxury apartment blocks now under construction will further improve housing options.
Medical facilities are limited, but generally adequate.
Doctors and hospitals often require immediate cash payment for health services. A serious illness or injury might require evacuation to the nearest country where more comprehensive medical facilities are available, usually Singapore or Thailand. Because U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States, supplemental insurance with specific overseas coverage, including medical evacuation coverage, may prove useful. There is a wide array of restaurants in Colombo serving local as well as international cuisine. Restaurants in the five-star hotels in Colombo also offer a variety of continental, local and other Asian cuisines.