Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo 🇨🇩
Nomad Score:
37%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Lubumbashi is the second largest city in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, located in the southeastern part of the country. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population of 1.5 million people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 5-15 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Congolese Franc (CDF); 1 USD ≈ 2,000 CDF. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity supply is 220V, 50Hz, with C/D type sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | MTN and Airtel are prevalent mobile providers offering 3G/4G services. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Local banks like BCDC and Access Bank; credit/debit cards accepted in some places. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb and local guesthouses are available, with prices ranging from $25 to $100 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is preferred for most transactions. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb options are available, with average prices around $30 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels such as 'Lubumbashi Backpackers' offer dormitory beds starting around $15. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | COWORK Lubumbashi offers reliable internet and a conducive work environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Kivu is a popular choice with decent wifi and a cozy atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Various expat meetups occur monthly, often organized through social media groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Groups like 'Expats in Lubumbashi' host regular social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Yango is the most popular ride-hailing app in Lubumbashi. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; however, bikes can be rented from local shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No beaches, but Lake Tshangalele is a nearby excursion point for relaxation. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Ethiopian Airlines operates flights from Lubumbashi to regional hubs. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Kenya Airways connects Lubumbashi with international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major roads connect Lubumbashi to other cities, generally well-maintained. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Lubumbashi is served by railway networks connecting to neighboring cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Limited public transport systems; taxis and shared taxis are commonly used. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis available to nearby towns. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Clinique du Parc is a reputable healthcare facility in Lubumbashi. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Few options; check local community boards for classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Center Lubumbashi offers basic exercise classes and equipment. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available; pickup and delivery services offered at some hotels. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Glovo offers food delivery from various local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Moambe chicken,' a traditional dish made with chicken and palm nut sauce. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegetarian options are limited; however, local markets offer fresh produce. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Boulangerie Sacha offers various pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Maki Maki Market provide fresh produce and goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia Congo is a popular online shopping platform. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery is limited, but major supermarkets offer some services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Avenue du Parc is known for nightlife and bar options. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brasserie de Lubumbashi offers local beers with tours available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Not common, but some hotels have small wine selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food is popular; check out Fumbwa culture—a type of mushroom dish. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Many local restaurants offer pizza and fast food options. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Lubumbashi Mining Museum for history and artifacts. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Lubumbashi Art Museum showcases local art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Old Railway Station is a notable historical site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Cathedral of Lubumbashi is architecturally significant. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Lubumbashi hosts the Festival of Culture each October. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The center of Lubumbashi has many shops, bars, and cultural venues. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Theater de Lubumbashi hosts local performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Check out the Lubumbashi Grand Market for local crafts and foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music venues often feature Soukous and traditional Congolese music. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art and murals can be found throughout the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Some local chefs offer cooking classes focused on Congolese cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galerie d'Art presents exhibitions of local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Several colonial buildings exist in the city center worth exploring. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Congo's rich mining history is celebrated through various exhibitions and museums. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Lusaka Forest Reserve provides a natural escape with walking paths. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Kasanka National Park is accessible for wildlife enthusiasts. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths around the city and in public parks are available for cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The hill near the city provides panoramic views of Lubumbashi. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Local wetlands near the city are excellent for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some riverside locations permit bonfires for gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local services offer parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops provide mobile and electronic repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers in Lubumbashi often have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offering French classes can be found throughout the city. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The University of Lubumbashi has library facilities open for visitor access. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various community centers offer activities and events for locals and expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited, but some cafes offer gaming opportunities. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Cypress Casino is available for gaming and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $96,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $120,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $72,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 25% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive taxation based on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% |
| 🧾 VAT | 16% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, applicable based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 10% upon property transfer. |