Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Lilongwe is the capital city of Malawi, located in the central region of the country. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1 million. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is 10-20 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 1,022 MWK (Malawian Kwacha). ATMs are widely available in the city. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Airtel and TNM. SIM cards are readily available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular options include Standard Bank, NBS Bank, and Ecobank. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local guesthouses, and serviced apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited acceptance of cards; cash is preferred. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Short-term rentals available on Airbnb, booking.com, and local listings. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Low-cost options include hostels like Chifundo Backpackers. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Area around City Centre is recommended for tourists. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Likuni and Area 10 neighborhoods are popular with digital nomads. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Karma Coworking is a well-known space for remote workers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Coffeelicious offers a great atmosphere for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Tech Muli-yayi events take place monthly for networking. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Lilongwe Expat Meetup group on Facebook organizes regular gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is available in Lilongwe, along with local taxi services. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited bike rental services, consider local bicycle shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Senga Bay is approximately 1.5 hours away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Malawi operates regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | South African Airways and Ethiopian Airlines serve international routes. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major arteries include the M1 and M5 highways. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Lilongwe Railway Station connects to regional cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport options include minibus taxis and local bus services. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses to major cities like Blantyre and Mzuzu are frequent. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Kamuzu Central Hospital is the main public health facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Lilongwe Yoga Centre offers classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First is a popular gym in the city. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats are available, including Maureen's Laundry. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Food delivery services like Jumia Food operate in Lilongwe. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Nsima is a staple dish; try it with local sides at places like Kanga Foods. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Makuzi Beach Lodge offers good vegan choices. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Explore cakes and pastries at the Lilongwe Bakery. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Lilongwe Market offers fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia is a popular online marketplace in Malawi. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermarkets like Shoprite and Pick n Pay may offer delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Old Town Mall has various bars and entertainment spots. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Malawi Beer Company produces popular local beers like Carlsberg Malawi. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Riverside Hotel has an extensive wine list. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Try local street food options at the central market. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like La Caverna serve Italian dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre and the Presidential Museum. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The National Museum of Malawi showcases the country’s history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Explore the Old Town area for colonial architecture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Michael's and All Angels' Cathedral is notable. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Lilongwe Arts Festival occurs annually in June. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Bazaar area is vibrant with cultural shops. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Lilongwe Central Cultural Centre hosts local performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The city center market is excellent for local crafts and textiles. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Explore local bands at venues like Blue Elephant. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art can be seen in the Old Town area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are available at local community centers. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Gallery of Lilongwe features contemporary Malawian art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Check out the old Parliament building. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Nyau culture plays a significant role in local traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Explore the nearby Kasungu National Park. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Liwonde National Park is a popular spot for safaris. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Consider trails at Kachere Motels for cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from the Lilongwe Nature Sanctuary is breathtaking. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Lilongwe Wildlife Centre is a great spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Local parks allow bonfires with prior permission. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Courier services like DHL and FedEx are available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in the city center provide tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Check local community centers for table tennis clubs. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer Chichewa classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Lilongwe Public Library is a quiet study space. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Bingu Conference Centre hosts community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Few gaming lounges, though some cafes offer console gaming options. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Capital Hotel has a small gaming area. |
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. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $112,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $950 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $76,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Malawi employs a progressive tax system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 37%, applicable to high-income earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | 16%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are rules in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Standard property tax based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Digital nomads can benefit from tax incentives based on residence. |