Mombasa, Kenya 🇰🇪
#378
-4.050519, 39.667169
Nomad Score:
54%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Mombasa is a coastal city on the east coast of Kenya, known for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning beaches. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1.2 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average of 10-30 Mbps, varying by location |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 150 KES; major banks include KCB, Equity Bank, and Cooperative Bank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Safaricom and Airtel are the primary providers. Prepaid options available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard accepted widely; mobile money (M-Pesa) is popular. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels to serviced apartments; Airbnb is also available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, many places accept cards and mobile payments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local agencies offer various short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include Mombasa Backpackers and Oceanside Beach Resort starting around $10/night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Nairobi Garage Mombasa offers coworking spaces tailored for digital nomads. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Aloha Cafe provides Wi-Fi and a conducive working environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups usually organized through social media platforms and local entrepreneurial groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Community groups on Facebook such as 'Mombasa Expat Community' regularly host events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Bolt are widely used for safe and affordable transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Companies like Ofo and Rent a Bike offer rental services. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Diani Beach, about 30 km south of Mombasa, is renowned for its beauty. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Jambojet operates flights to various regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Kenya Airways is the primary international carrier. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Connected by the A14 highway for easy travel to Nairobi and beyond. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Mombasa Railway Station serves as a key transit point for train services. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Matatus are the main public transport; no standardized passes exist. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Train (via the SGR) or bus services are available to nearby towns like Malindi and Kilifi. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Aga Khan Hospital Mombasa is a leading healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga with Kelly offers classes and wellness sessions. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First and Jumia Gym provide various workout options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundry services such as Wash & Fold are available. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food and Uber Eats help with quick food deliveries. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Swahili biryani is a flavorful must-try dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cafe Mocha offers an extensive vegetarian menu. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Tuskys Bakery offers a range of pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mombasa's main markets such as Forodhani Market are budget-friendly options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia is the leading e-commerce site in Kenya. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Kilimall and Jumia provide grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Old Town and the Nyali areas boast vibrant nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Mombasa Tusker Brewery produces the iconic Tusker beer. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Keg and Brew offers a nice selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local street vendors at Moi Avenue offer fresh snacks and drinks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Various restaurants serve Indian, Italian, and Chinese cuisines. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Fort Jesus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site worth visiting. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Mombasa Marine National Park offers ecological and historical insights. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Old Town features Swahili architecture and history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Old Port and several mosques reflect the area's diverse faiths. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Mombasa Carnival is a major cultural event in November. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Old Town showcases rich Swahili culture and crafts. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Kenya National Theatre often hosts local performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Maasai Market is a bustling spot for local crafts and artworks. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local gigs and performances often happen in bars around Nyali. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street murals can be found around Moi Avenue and Old Town. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Swahili Cooking Classes offers hands-on culinary experiences. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The GoDown Arts Centre in Nairobi showcases exhibitions but has Mombasa representation. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Port offers historical insights into Mombasa's trading past. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural symbols include the Swahili architecture prevalent throughout the region. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Shimba Hills National Reserve offers a stunning getaway with wildlife. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Tsavo National Park is a major attraction, about 2 hours from Mombasa. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Scenic shoreline paths offer relaxing cycling and walking experiences. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Mombasa Tusks provide great photo opportunities. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Mombasa Marine Park is ideal for birdwatching enthusiasts. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Diani Beach features designated bonfire areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx offer reliable shipping services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops provide smartphone and gadget repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Table tennis facilities can be found in local recreational centers. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Swahili Language School offers courses for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Mombasa Library is a quiet place for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Mombasa Community Centre hosts various cultural events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | The Game Lounge offers console and PC gaming options. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Mombasa offers gaming options for adults. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $84,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,100 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $168,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Withholding tax on dividends is around 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 30%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 16%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict regulations apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax applies, based on market value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Stamp duty is generally around 4% on property transactions. |