Lilongwe, Malawi 🇲🇼
#748
-13.98751, 33.768144
Nomad Score:
53%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Lilongwe is the capital city of Malawi and serves as the administrative and political center. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population of 1 million. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 20 Mbps, with some areas offering up to 40 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is the Malawian Kwacha (MWK), which is approximately 1 USD ≈ 1,020 MWK. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is supplied at 230V, 50Hz, using Type D sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Mobicom, Airtel, and TNM are popular mobile providers with options for data plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa, Mastercard, and other international cards are accepted at major banks and ATMs. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, guesthouses, and serviced apartments. Prices range from $20 to $100 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless options; cash is preferred in many places, but cards are accepted in some hotels and restaurants. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb, Booking.com, and local rental services offer short-term accommodation options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Budget lodges like Mzuzu Lodge and Bingu International Convention Centre Hostel offer affordable rates starting from $10 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hive Lilongwe - a popular coworking space with reliable Wi-Fi and a collaborative environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Kumbali Cultural Centre offers a quiet environment with good coffee and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check out the Lilongwe Networking Group on Facebook for regular meetups and events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Monthly gatherings at popular spots like the Woodlands Casino help connect expats. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Lilongwe does not have established ride-hailing apps; local taxis are available and should be negotiated in advance. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available at Kumbali Bicycle Tours. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lake Malawi is about 2 hours away by car, with popular beaches like Senga Bay. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Malawi connects to regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Ethiopian Airlines and South African Airways offer international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Lilongwe is well-connected via the M1 highway to other major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There is no formal train service; minibuses and taxis are the primary mode of transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transportation is primarily through minibuses; no specific passes are available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Bus services operate to major cities like Blantyre and Mzuzu. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Kamuzu Central Hospital, a major public healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Calm Centre offers yoga classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness facilities like Lilongwe Sports Club cater to expats and locals. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are available at various guesthouses and hotels. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Order food via the local delivery service, Chipiku Plus. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Nsima, a traditional maize porridge served with relish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Check out The Mzuzu Coffee House for vegetarian options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Zebra Cafe serves delightful desserts and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Lilongwe Central Market for fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local shopping can be done via platforms like Jumia. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Chipiku Plus offers grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Old Town area has several bars and a vibrant nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Malawi Breweries produces popular local beers like Chibuku. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Check out The Wine Bar for a selection of local and imported wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near Lilongwe Old Town offer affordable snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like The Lounge serve Italian and Indian dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Kamuzu Mausoleum and the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Malawi National Museum showcases the country's heritage. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The old Parliament building is an important historical site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Cathedral of the Holy Spirit is a noted place of worship. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Lilongwe Arts Festival occurs annually, featuring local and international art. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Old Town is known for its vibrant culture and street art. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Bingu International Convention Centre hosts various cultural events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Check out the City Mall for shopping and local items. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local venues often host live music, especially during weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore murals and graffiti around Old Town. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are available through various local chefs and restaurants. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The National Museum features rotating art exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Boma is a historic colonial building worth visiting. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Malawi's rich cultural symbols are celebrated through local crafts and art. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Nkhoma Mountain offers hiking opportunities with stunning views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Liwonde National Park is about 2 hours away, home to diverse wildlife. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Lilian Ngoya Walkway offers scenic pathways for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Kumbali Lodge has beautiful views of the surrounding areas. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Kanjedza Wetland is a popular spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas near Lake Malawi are great for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Malawi Post offer parcel delivery services within and outside the country. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Repair services are available at local shops in the city center. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Many community centers and sports clubs have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language classes in Chichewa and English are offered at local education centers. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Malawi National Library serves as a quiet study spot. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Bingu Convention Centre also serves as a community gathering space. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming centers are available in various neighborhoods. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Woodlands Casino offers gaming options and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $42,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $72,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $650 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $52,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | The corporate tax rate is around 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 34% withholding tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | The taxation system is based on worldwide income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | The maximum personal income tax rate is 40%. |
| 🧾 VAT | The standard Value Added Tax (VAT) rate is 16.5%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules are in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property taxes are based on assessed value of the property. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | A transfer tax of 2% is applicable on property sales. |