Household help is common but not necessary. It can add up
when hiring several full time employees. Expect to pay overtime for usage
beyond the regular work day for drivers and nannies.
The bank of choice is HSBC for international banking. However, note that at
ATMs you will be charged international fees on both ends if you do not have a HSBC account.
Cars are very expensive here since the import tax is very
high. All cars are right-hand-drive and you will find all makes and models.
Most expats buy from embassy personnel that are relocating, if possible, and pay usually
US$5,000 - US$20,000 per vehicle. Insurance is very cheap per year (around US$230).
Driving is very stressful, except on weekends and holidays. Most roads are
one way and the traffic circles are confusing. Public transportation is not
an option.
There are many "malls" that have a variety of
clothing, electronic, toy and homegoods products. The most modern of all the
shopping centers is Odel, which is a dedicated building to quality garments,
household goods, footwear, electronics, photo processing and an authentic
French bakery. In all shopping centers, you can find spas as well as the
hotels. Pedicures are relatively inexpensive and massages can cost US$15 - US$45 per session. Toys are a big dissappointment for those with younger
children - they are most often knockoffs and made with paint that is already
chipped inside the package. International shipping is usually by DHL and quite
expensive.
Cricket is the main sports attraction in Colombo
and there are various athletic fields dedicated. There are also a few movie
theaters and art galleries for entertainment.
Household Help 
Transportation
