Blantyre, Malawi 🇲🇼
Nomad Score:
50%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Blantyre is the second-largest city in Malawi, located in the southern region known for its mountainous terrain. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 800,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | 20-30 Mbps (mobile data), local providers include TNM and Airtel. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 1,000 MWK; major banks include Standard Bank and National Bank of Malawi. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 230V, 50Hz; frequent outages may occur. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Local recommend providers include TNM and Airtel; prepaid sim cards available in shops. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Most international cards accepted; banks also have online banking services. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from budget hostels to serviced apartments; Airbnb is available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Moderate; digital payments are growing but cash is still widely used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Short-term rental options are available on platforms like Airbnb. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Backpackers Inn, budget guesthouses available starting from around $10 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Nico's Lounge & Cafe offers a good working environment with Wi-Fi. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Bistro 24 is known for its ambiance and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Cities of Hope hosts entrepreneurial meetups and workshops. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Blantyre International Community Group on Facebook organizes regular gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Use Uber or local ride-hailing app MaTaxi. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Green Bicycles provides bike rentals in the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Senga Bay, approximately 1.5 hours away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Malawi for domestic travel. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Ethiopian Airlines and South African Airways serve international routes. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Blantyre is connected via the M1 highway to Lilongwe and southern regions. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Blantyre Railway Station, limited services available. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Chibuku and minibus services are common; no specific transport passes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Intercity buses operate frequently to other major cities like Lilongwe and Zomba. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Blantyre Adventist Hospital is well-regarded for emergency services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Zero Gravity Fitness offers yoga classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Lilongwe Gym and Sports Club offers memberships. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services available at various hotels and self-service laundromats. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food for local restaurant deliveries. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Nsima with fish or meat - a staple in Malawi. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Explore The Living Room Cafe for vegetarian-friendly options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Cafe Makakula offers a variety of pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Blantyre Marketplace for fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local e-commerce platforms like ShopMalawi are available. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Machipisa Stores offer delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Kamba Lounge and Koko's - vibrant nightlife spots. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Carlsberg Malawi Brewery produces local beer. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Bar at Sunbird Hotel offers variety. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local vendors around the marketplace for grilled items and snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | There are a few Indian and Chinese restaurants around town. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Explore the Clock Tower at the center of town. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Malawi National Museum showcases local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Kubuli House - historically significant building in the city. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Michael and All Angels Church is beautiful and historic. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Blantyre Arts Festival held every year in late March. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore Mzuzu's arts and crafts market nearby. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The College of Medicine holds local theatrical performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Blantyre Market, vibrant with arts and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music events found at local bars and cafes. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals can be found in the city center. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Take cooking classes with local chefs through Taste of Malawi. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallery Watropa features local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Visit the Old Boma building – a colonial heritage site. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Traditional Malawian culture is rich; seek out local experiences. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Mulanje Mountain, a breathtaking hiking destination. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Liwonde National Park is about 1.5 hours away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths around Mandala House for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | St. Michael’s Hill offers stunning city views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birding opportunities at the Zomba Plateau. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Zomba Plateau has areas for bonfires with permission. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services available for shipping. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops available for phone and computer repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Available at Lilongwe Sports Club. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Chichewa classes available through community centers. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Blantyre Public Library and quiet cafes. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Places like the Blantyre Youth Centre promote community activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming centers available for youth. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Few small gaming establishments in the city. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $40,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $30,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $54,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $42,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $80,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $64,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residence-based taxation. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% |
| 🧾 VAT | 16.5% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax applies based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 10% on property transactions. |