Zomba, Malawi 🇲🇼
#750
-15.38632, 35.326827
Nomad Score:
50%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Zomba is a city located in southern Malawi, known for its rich cultural heritage and beautiful landscapes. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 100,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average of 10 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 1,020 MWK; ATMs available, but cash preferred in many places. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally not drinkable; bottled water recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets; frequent power outages may occur. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Mobile providers include Airtel and TNM, with good coverage in the city. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard accepted at major banks; both banks have customer service in English. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include guesthouses, hotels, and some Airbnb listings. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Not very cashless friendly; credit/debit cards generally accepted at hotels and larger shops. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are available for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Budget options include Zomba Hotel and Mvuu Lodge, averaging $20 to $40 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Zomba Coworking Space, located in the city center, offers fast internet and a supportive environment for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Zomba - free Wi-Fi and great coffee, perfect for remote working. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups for expats at local cafes, information available on Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Events organized by the Malawi Expat Community on Facebook; weekly gatherings and fun activities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Usafiri - local taxi app that can be used for convenient rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited availability; some local shops offer bicycles for rent. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Senga Bay, around 47 km (approximately 1 hour drive). |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Malawian Airlines operates regional flights from nearby airports. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Ethiopian Airlines connects through Addis Ababa to various international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main road connections to Blantyre and Lilongwe; good access to regional travel. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Zomba has a bus station for intercity travel but no railway. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Mainly minibus services; no formal public transport passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Local buses and minibuses connect to major cities like Blantyre and Lilongwe. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Zomba Central Hospital - the main healthcare facility with a range of services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Zomba Yoga Center offers regular classes; inquire locally. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Few options; check out Zomba Hotel gym facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available; some guesthouses offer laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No major apps; local restaurants offer takeaway services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Nsima (maize porridge) served with traditional relish; available at most eateries. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like Love Food offer vegan-friendly meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Zomba Pastry Shop, known for cakes and local sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets throughout the city for fresh produce and arts. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited; best to shop locally. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | No established grocery delivery services; online ordering is not widespread. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Limited nightlife; Zomba Market area has a few bars and social spots. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Malawi Breweries Limited offers local beers like Kuche Kuche and Carlsberg. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Few options; check local dining establishments for wine selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Kebabs and fried foods sold at local markets. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza and Italian food available at Vira’s Pizzeria. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Zomba Plateau, a stunning geographical feature offering panoramic views. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | National Herbarium and Botanical Gardens showcase local flora. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Zomba Old Capital holds historical significance as the former capital of Malawi. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Michael's Cathedral for significant religious architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Jumbo Festival in April, celebrating local culture and arts. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Zomba City Center is the hub for local culture and commerce. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local community theaters host events; check local listings. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Zomba Market, perfect for local crafts and fresh produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local live music in bars, with traditional Malawian performances. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Occasional murals and community art programs in urban areas. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes offered at local chef's homes; inquire locally. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited; check with local artists displaying in cafes. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Zomba Fortress remains a significant landmark. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Rich history including colonial influences and local tribal heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Zomba Plateau offers hiking and scenic drives. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Maluwa Forest reserve is close for nature enthusiasts. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Various trails on Zomba Plateau for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Famous viewpoints on Zomba Plateau provide stunning vistas. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Zomba Plateau is home to a variety of bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Public areas on Zomba Plateau allow bonfires when permitted. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL offers delivery services in Zomba. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local mobile shops provide basic tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Available at community centers and some schools. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools provide Chichewa classes for foreigners. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Local library and university facilities can be used for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Often host events; check out places like Zomba Community Hall. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local cafes sometimes have gaming setups; inquire locally. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Limited gambling options available in upscale hotels. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $24,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $750 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $45,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $550 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $33,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $56,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $40,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Tax based on worldwide income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 37.5% |
| 🧾 VAT | 16.5% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 12% standard rate. |