Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Mombasa is a coastal city in Kenya, known for its sandy beaches, Swahili culture, and historical significance. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1.2 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average 10-30 Mbps depending on the area and provider |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 145 KES; multiple banks including Equity Bank and KCB available |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water recommended |
| 🔌 Power | 240V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Safaricom and Airtel offer good coverage and prepaid options |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard widely accepted |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb, local rentals, and guesthouses available |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, mobile payment platforms like M-Pesa are widely used |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Options like Airbnb and local guesthouses are plentiful |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels such as PrideInn Hotel or The Backpackers Hostels |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Nyali Beach is highly recommended for its access to the beach and amenities |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Old Town offers a historical vibe alongside cafes suitable for work |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Mombasa Coworking Space on Moi Avenue offers reliable internet and office facilities |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Java House in Nyali provides a conducive work atmosphere with good coffee and Wi-Fi |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups and workshops hosted by entrepreneurs at local spaces like Mombasa Coconuts |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Mombasa Facebook group organizes regular social gatherings |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Bolt operate in Mombasa, providing affordable ride options |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Available through local vendors along the beach areas |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Diani Beach is a highly popular destination and around 30km from Mombasa |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Kenya Airways offers regional flights to various destinations |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates and Qatar Airways provide connectivity to international airports |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Mombasa is connected by the A109 highway, linking it to Nairobi |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Mombasa Terminus is the main hub for the SGR train connecting to Nairobi |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Matatus (shared vans) are the main public transport; no formal passes available |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Bus services connect Mombasa to Nairobi and other major cities like Kisumu |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Aga Khan Hospital is well equipped for emergencies and general healthcare needs |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga in the Wild in Nyali offers classes for all levels |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Shape Up Gym located in Mombasa CBD is a popular choice |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services available at budget hotels and local laundromats |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats and Jumia Food available in Mombasa |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Swahili cuisine like Biryani and Nyama Choma at local restaurants |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Ayurvedic Restaurant in Nyali offers great vegan options |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Ice Cream Shak in Nyali is popular for delicious ice cream |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Maasai Market for local crafts and affordable food |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia and Kilimall for online shopping options |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery available through Jumia Food and local shops |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Old Town and Nyali offer vibrant nightlife with bars and clubs |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | White Cap Lager is a popular local beer |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Excellent selections available at restaurants like Tawasanga |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Visiting food stalls near Old Town for local street food experience highly recommended |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like 5th Avenue serve international dishes |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Fort Jesus and Old Port are historical landmarks worth visiting |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Old Town has several museums including the Swahili Cultural Museum |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Fort Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Old Mombasa Mosque and various Hindu temples |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Mombasa Carnival celebrated in November |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Old Town is known for its Swahili architecture and culture |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Mombasa Theatre for local performances |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Vanga Market for fresh produce and local goods |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local venues feature live music showcasing taarab and benga |
| 🎨 Street Art | Old Town features many murals and artistic expressions |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Swahili Cooking Class hosted by local chefs in Old Town |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Pavilion Art Gallery exhibits local artworks |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Mombasa Old Port and the Old Harbour buildings |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Swahili culture and architecture showcase a mix of influences |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Healthy retreats at Shimba Hills National Reserve |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Tsavo National Park accessible for wildlife safaris |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Lovely coastal paths available along Mombasa's beaches |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Bamburi Nature Trail offers scenic views and wildlife sighting |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Shimba Hills is ideal for birdwatching enthusiasts |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Ngombeni beach offers spaces for bonfires and family outings |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx are available for shipping needs |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Repair shops like Mombasa Electronics available for gadgets |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Available at local recreational centers |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Kiswahili language classes offered in Old Town |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Mombasa Municipal Library for a quiet reading space |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community Hall in Nyali hosts various activities |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming cafes available for entertainment |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Wildlife Casino located in Nyali |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. KES 8,000,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = KES 320,000,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. KES 6,500,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = KES 260,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. KES 7,000,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = KES 420,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. KES 5,000,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = KES 300,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. KES 9,000,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = KES 720,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. KES 6,000,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = KES 480,000,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% for corporations in Kenya |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Withholding tax on dividends is 5% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents taxed on worldwide income |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% in Kenya |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 16% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, specific rules apply to foreign subsidiaries |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxation system varies by location |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 4% of the property value |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No special tax incentives currently available for digital nomads |