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Gaborone, Botswana 🇧🇼
#373
,
Nomad Score:
60%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Gaborone is the capital city of Botswana and is known for its modern architecture and vibrant culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 231,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 20 Mbps, with availability of fiber optic in certain areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 BWP (Botswana Pula) ≈ 0.087 USD; major banks include FNB, Stanbic, and ABSA. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally drinkable; however, it's advisable to use bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type M sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Mascom, Orange Botswana, and BTC with good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards accepted widely; digital banking services are available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local guesthouses, and serviced apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit and debit cards accepted in many places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies offer various options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel accommodations such as Gaborone Backpackers. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Gaborone city center offers convenient access to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Phakalane, known for quiet residential areas and some coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Office is a popular coworking space in the city center. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Nando's Nando's, with free Wi-Fi and a comfortable atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Attend monthly Meetups organized by Gaborone Tech Community. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join the Gaborone Expats Facebook Group for local events and meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Yango is widely used for ridesharing in Gaborone. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; bikes available for rental at some hotels. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No beaches; however, Gaborone Dam is a popular water recreational site. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Botswana services regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | South African Airways, Ethiopian Airlines operate in and out of Gaborone. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to A1 National Road connects to Botswana's transport network. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Gaborone Train Station serves as the primary interchange. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public buses available, but no dedicated transit passes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Minibus taxis provide affordable travel to nearby towns. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Princess Marina Hospital is the main public healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga for All offers classes in various styles. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First and Virgin Active are well-equipped gyms. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Wash and Fold services available at various local laundromats. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Botswana's Delivery offers food delivery from local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Seswaa, a traditional meat dish, often served at local eateries. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan Vibes offers a comprehensive menu for plant-based diets. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Mugg and Bean serves delicious cakes and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Visit the Gaborone Market for local produce and crafts. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Takealot.com is a popular online shopping platform. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Shoprite and Pick n Pay offer online grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Riverwalk Mall area has several bars and nightlife options. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Botswana Breweries produces a variety of local beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Winehouse offers a selection of local and international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various food stalls offering local delights can be found near the Main Mall. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Spur and Ocean Basket serve diverse international cuisines. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Botswana National Museum showcases the country's heritage. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The National Art Gallery features local artists. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Three Dikgosi Monument represents Botswana's history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Mary's Cathedral is a notable religious landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Gaborone International Music Festival is held annually. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Main Mall is a hub for cultural activities and shopping. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The National Theatre of Botswana hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Gaborone Market offers a rich selection of local arts and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Several venues host live music events, notably Gaborone Day Club. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street murals can be seen around the city, adding color to the urban landscape. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Botswana Cuisine Classes offer workshops in local cooking. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Mmakgabo Art Gallery features contemporary Botswana art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Gaborone City Hall is a prominent architectural site. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Traditional crafts and cultural practices are preserved in several community centers. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Mokolodi Nature Reserve is popular for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Gaborone Game Reserve offers walking and wildlife safari experiences. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Cycling paths can be found around Gaborone Dam. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Explore Kgale Hill for panoramic views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Gaborone Dam is favored among birdwatchers for diverse species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in Mokolodi Nature Reserve allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx provide reliable shipping and delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local stores in town center offer electronic repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Several community centers and gyms have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer English and Setswana classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Botswana National Library is a quiet place for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various community centers host cultural and recreational activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | No dedicated gaming lounges, but local cafes sometimes host gaming events. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Grand Palm Casino offers various gaming options in Gaborone. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 560,000 BWP per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 22,400 BWP) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 450,000 BWP per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 18,000 BWP) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 520,000 BWP per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 31,200 BWP) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 400,000 BWP per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 24,000 BWP) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 470,000 BWP per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 37,600 BWP) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 350,000 BWP per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 28,000 BWP) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 22.0% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15.0% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Based on a resident's worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Rate up to 25%. Regular income tax is progressive. |
| 🧾 VAT | 12.0% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are specific regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes based on value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% standard rate on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Botswana is friendly to digital nomads with a residence permit allowing for tax exemptions under certain conditions. |