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Guide
Mombasa, Kenya π°πͺ
#378
,
Nomad Score:
59%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Mombasa is a coastal city in Kenya, known for its sandy beaches, Swahili culture, and historical significance. |
π₯ Population | Approximately 1.2 million |
π» Internet Speed | Average 10-30 Mbps depending on the area and provider |
πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 USD β 145 KES; multiple banks including Equity Bank and KCB available |
π° Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water recommended |
π Power | 240V, 50Hz, π Type G sockets |
πΆ SIM Card | Safaricom and Airtel offer good coverage and prepaid options |
π³ Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard widely accepted |
π Accommodation | Airbnb, local rentals, and guesthouses available |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, mobile payment platforms like M-Pesa are widely used |
π Short Term Rentals | Options like Airbnb and local guesthouses are plentiful |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostels such as PrideInn Hotel or The Backpackers Hostels |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Nyali Beach is highly recommended for its access to the beach and amenities |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Old Town offers a historical vibe alongside cafes suitable for work |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | Mombasa Coworking Space on Moi Avenue offers reliable internet and office facilities |
β Best Cafe for Work | Java House in Nyali provides a conducive work atmosphere with good coffee and Wi-Fi |
πΌ Networking Events | Monthly meetups and workshops hosted by entrepreneurs at local spaces like Mombasa Coconuts |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Expats in Mombasa Facebook group organizes regular social gatherings |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Bolt operate in Mombasa, providing affordable ride options |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Available through local vendors along the beach areas |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Diani Beach is a highly popular destination and around 30km from Mombasa |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Kenya Airways offers regional flights to various destinations |
βοΈ Top International Airline | Emirates and Qatar Airways provide connectivity to international airports |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Mombasa is connected by the A109 highway, linking it to Nairobi |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Mombasa Terminus is the main hub for the SGR train connecting to Nairobi |
π Public Transport Passes | Matatus (shared vans) are the main public transport; no formal passes available |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Bus services connect Mombasa to Nairobi and other major cities like Kisumu |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Aga Khan Hospital is well equipped for emergencies and general healthcare needs |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga in the Wild in Nyali offers classes for all levels |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Shape Up Gym located in Mombasa CBD is a popular choice |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Laundry services available at budget hotels and local laundromats |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats and Jumia Food available in Mombasa |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Swahili cuisine like Biryani and Nyama Choma at local restaurants |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Ayurvedic Restaurant in Nyali offers great vegan options |
π« Best Dessert Spots | Ice Cream Shak in Nyali is popular for delicious ice cream |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Maasai Market for local crafts and affordable food |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia and Kilimall for online shopping options |
π Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery available through Jumia Food and local shops |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Old Town and Nyali offer vibrant nightlife with bars and clubs |
π» Local Brewery | White Cap Lager is a popular local beer |
π· Wine Bars | Excellent selections available at restaurants like Tawasanga |
π² Street Food Stalls | Visiting food stalls near Old Town for local street food experience highly recommended |
π Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like 5th Avenue serve international dishes |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Fort Jesus and Old Port are historical landmarks worth visiting |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Old Town has several museums including the Swahili Cultural Museum |
π° Historical Sites | Fort Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site |
π Religious Sites | Old Mombasa Mosque and various Hindu temples |
π Annual Events | Mombasa Carnival celebrated in November |
π¨ Cultural Districts | Old Town is known for its Swahili architecture and culture |
π Theater Venues | Mombasa Theatre for local performances |
ποΈ Local Markets | Vanga Market for fresh produce and local goods |
πΌ Music Scene | Local venues feature live music showcasing taarab and benga |
π¨ Street Art | Old Town features many murals and artistic expressions |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Swahili Cooking Class hosted by local chefs in Old Town |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Pavilion Art Gallery exhibits local artworks |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | Mombasa Old Port and the Old Harbour buildings |
π΄ Local Heritage | Swahili culture and architecture showcase a mix of influences |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | Healthy retreats at Shimba Hills National Reserve |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Tsavo National Park accessible for wildlife safaris |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Lovely coastal paths available along Mombasa's beaches |
π Scenic Viewpoints | Bamburi Nature Trail offers scenic views and wildlife sighting |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Shimba Hills is ideal for birdwatching enthusiasts |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Ngombeni beach offers spaces for bonfires and family outings |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx are available for shipping needs |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Repair shops like Mombasa Electronics available for gadgets |
π Table Tennis Spots | Available at local recreational centers |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Kiswahili language classes offered in Old Town |
π Libraries & Study Spots | Mombasa Municipal Library for a quiet reading space |
ποΈ Community Centers | Community Hall in Nyali hosts various activities |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming cafes available for entertainment |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Wildlife Casino located in Nyali |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. KES 8,000,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = KES 320,000,000) |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. KES 6,500,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = KES 260,000,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. KES 7,000,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = KES 420,000,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. KES 5,000,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = KES 300,000,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. KES 9,000,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = KES 720,000,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. KES 6,000,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = KES 480,000,000) |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 30% for corporations in Kenya |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | Withholding tax on dividends is 5% |
π¦ Tax System | Residents taxed on worldwide income |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% in Kenya |
π§Ύ VAT | Standard VAT rate is 16% |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, specific rules apply to foreign subsidiaries |
π Property Tax | Annual property taxation system varies by location |
π Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 4% of the property value |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No special tax incentives currently available for digital nomads |