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Nomad Score: 59%

Essentials

πŸ™οΈ City Mombasa is a coastal city in Kenya, known for its sandy beaches, Swahili culture, and historical significance.
πŸ‘₯ Population Approximately 1.2 million
πŸ’» Internet Speed Average 10-30 Mbps depending on the area and provider
πŸ’Έ Currency & Banking 1 USD β‰ˆ 145 KES; multiple banks including Equity Bank and KCB available
🚰 Tap Water Not drinkable; bottled water recommended
πŸ”Œ Power 240V, 50Hz, πŸ”Œ Type G sockets
πŸ“Ά SIM Card Safaricom and Airtel offer good coverage and prepaid options
πŸ’³ Banking for Expats Visa and Mastercard widely accepted
πŸ›Œ Accommodation Airbnb, local rentals, and guesthouses available
πŸ’³ Cashless Friendly Yes, mobile payment platforms like M-Pesa are widely used
🏠 Short Term Rentals Options like Airbnb and local guesthouses are plentiful
πŸ›οΈ Budget Accommodation Hostels such as PrideInn Hotel or The Backpackers Hostels
πŸ™οΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists Nyali Beach is highly recommended for its access to the beach and amenities
πŸ™οΈ 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
β˜• Best Cafe for Work Java House in Nyali provides a conducive work atmosphere with good coffee and Wi-Fi
πŸ’Ό Networking Events Monthly meetups and workshops hosted by entrepreneurs at local spaces like Mombasa Coconuts
πŸ₯‚ Social Events for Expats Expats in Mombasa Facebook group organizes regular social gatherings

Transportation

πŸš• 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
πŸ–οΈ 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
πŸ›£οΈ Highway Access Mombasa is connected by the A109 highway, linking it to Nairobi
πŸš‰ 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

πŸ₯ 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
πŸ‹οΈ 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

πŸ“± 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
πŸ›’ Affordable Shopping Spots Maasai Market for local crafts and affordable food
πŸ›’ E-commerce/Online Store Jumia and Kilimall for online shopping options
πŸ›’ 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
πŸ• 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
πŸ›οΈ Museums & Art Venues Old Town has several museums including the Swahili Cultural Museum
🏰 Historical Sites Fort Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site
πŸ• Religious Sites Old Mombasa Mosque and various Hindu temples
πŸŽ‰ 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
πŸ›οΈ 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
πŸ§‘β€πŸ³ Cooking Classes Swahili Cooking Class hosted by local chefs in Old Town
πŸ‘©β€πŸŽ¨ Art Galleries Pavilion Art Gallery exhibits local artworks
πŸ•°οΈ 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

πŸŒ… 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
πŸŒ„ Scenic Viewpoints Bamburi Nature Trail offers scenic views and wildlife sighting
πŸ¦‰ Birdwatching Locations Shimba Hills is ideal for birdwatching enthusiasts
πŸ”₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots Ngombeni beach offers spaces for bonfires and family outings

Other Services and Amenities

πŸ“¦ Parcel Delivery Service DHL and FedEx are available for shipping needs
πŸ› οΈ Tech Repair Services Repair shops like Mombasa Electronics available for gadgets
πŸ“ Table Tennis Spots Available at local recreational centers
πŸ§‘β€πŸ« Language Classes Kiswahili language classes offered in Old Town
πŸ“š Libraries & Study Spots Mombasa Municipal Library for a quiet reading space
🏘️ Community Centers Community Hall in Nyali hosts various activities
πŸ•ΉοΈ 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)
πŸ’Ό Corporate Tax 30% for corporations in Kenya
πŸ’΅ Dividend Withholding Tax Withholding tax on dividends is 5%
🏦 Tax System Residents taxed on worldwide income
πŸ“ˆ 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
πŸ’» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads No special tax incentives currently available for digital nomads

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