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Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo 🇨🇩
#138
,
Nomad Score:
40%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Lubumbashi is the second-largest city in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, serving as a major economic hub and administrative center of the Katanga province. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 1.5 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 5-10 Mbps, but some areas may have better connectivity. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Congolese Franc (CDF). 1 USD ≈ 2,050 CDF. Local banking options include BCDC and Ecobank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 230V, 50Hz; following Type C and D sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | MTN and Vodacom are major mobile providers; prepaid SIM cards are widely available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Cards are accepted in larger establishments. Use local banks for cash withdrawal. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb, guesthouses, and hotels available, but options may be limited and variable in quality. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash transactions are more common. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is available; prices range from $20 to $100 per night depending on location. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels and budget hotels start around $10 to $30 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Katanga Boulevard is popular among tourists. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Limete area offers decent amenities and is popular among expatriates. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Bureau de Change Lubumbashi is one of the few known coworking spaces. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Labouret provides a comfortable environment, though wifi can be slow. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular community gatherings, primarily at local expat bars. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Expats in Lubumbashi' facilitate local meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Locally, traditional taxis are used; rides may also be arranged via local contacts. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options for rentals; most locals use public transport or taxis. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No beaches nearby; closest water access is along rivers, typically not for swimming. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Congo offers regional flights within the DRC. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Ethiopian Airlines offers connections to major cities worldwide. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main access via the N1 highway leading out of the city. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Lubumbashi Railway Station. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transportation largely consists of minibuses; no formal pass exists. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Local minibuses and taxis are primary means to access nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Centre Hospitalier de Lubumbashi is the largest healthcare facility in the area. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options; some gyms may offer yoga classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness YALI offers basic gym facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services available in hotels; local laundromats are rare. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Food delivery is not widely available; local restaurants may offer takeout. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Moambe Chicken' – a local dish made with chicken and peanut sauce. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited; local cuisines are mostly meat-based. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Local bakeries offer varied desserts; worth trying 'Mandazi'. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like 'Marché de la ville' offer budget options for groceries. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited online shopping; Facebook Marketplace often used. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery is limited; local stores are better for in-person shopping. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Avenue du Large has several bars popular among expats. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brasserie du Katanga is a local favorite. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Very few options; local spirits are more common. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer grilled meats and fried cassava. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Few international options; some Italian restaurants exist. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Kamina Air Base is historic, and the copper mines provide a glimpse of local industry. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Musee National de Lubumbashi showcases local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Palais de la Culture offers insights into local heritage. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Cathedral of Lubumbashi is a notable site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Lubumbashi Cultural Festival in August attracts many. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Downtown Lubumbashi has vibrant markets and local arts. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Cultural events often happen at local community centers. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Marché de la Ville is a bustling market area. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various bars feature live music, particularly Congolese styles. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Some murals can be found in urban areas but are not widespread. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Limited; local women may offer classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Very few galleries, but some local artisans sell work in markets. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Old colonial buildings are scattered throughout the city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Congo's mining heritage is a significant part of local identity. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Lualaba River offers nature escapes and fishing opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Kahuzi-Biega National Park is accessible; however, it is further afield. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited urban trails exist; caution is advised on roads. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Viewpoints along the Luano River provide picturesque views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Several green areas and parks attract various bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Open fires are generally not permitted in urban areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local services exist but may be slow. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer basic phone repairs; limited options for laptops. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some community centers have tables available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Basic French language courses can be found at local centers. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited public libraries; some cafes offer quiet spaces. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community hubs often host events for networking. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited; home gaming is more common. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Very few options for gambling entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = $45,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = $30,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $120,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive system; rates ranging from 0% to 40%. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 40% |
| 🧾 VAT | 16% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict rules applied. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax applies, based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard 7% rate on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific benefits; local tax compliance required. |