Beira, Mozambique 🇲🇿
#1325
-19.828707, 34.841782
Nomad Score:
49%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Beira is the second-largest city in Mozambique, located on the coast and serves as a key port. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 500,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 5-10 Mbps, with some areas offering higher speeds through fiber connections. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Mozambican Metical (MZN). 1 USD ≈ 63 MZN. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/M sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Main providers include Vodacom, Movitel, and Tmcel, offering 4G services. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Standard banks are Banco Nacional de Investimento (BNI) and Standard Bank; also consider international services like Revolut. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels to Airbnb; expect prices from $20/night for budget options to $100/night for premium choices. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited acceptance of cards; cash is often preferred. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and local rental agencies such as Beira Renting available. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Guesthouses and hostels like Beira Backpackers starting around $10/night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Zimpeto Cafe Co-Working offers a conducive space for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Integra provides a good atmosphere and Wi-Fi for working. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Occasional expat meetups and business networking events typically organized via social media platforms. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats often gather at local restaurants or beaches for informal networking. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is operational, but local taxis also serve the city; negotiation is common. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; bicycles can be rented from local shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Praia de Macuti is the closest beach, about 10 minutes from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | LAM (Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique) operates regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | South African Airways and Ethiopian Airlines serve international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Good access to EN6 and EN1 highways for regional travel. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Beira Railway Station serves as the main transit point for regional trains. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal public transport passes; public minivans (chapas) are common and affordable. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Local buses and chapas provide access to nearby cities like Sofala and Nhamatanda. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Central de Beira is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options; check local wellness studios near the beach. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Clube de Fitness in the city offers gym facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats are rare; inquire at accommodation for laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Glovo and local delivery services are available. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the traditional Matapa made with cassava leaves and peanuts. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | There are limited vegetarian options at restaurants; check Hotel Terra for more variety. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pastry shops around Praça do Mercado are popular for snacks. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado Central de Beira offers fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited e-commerce options; local Facebook groups often sell items. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Few options available; local supermarkets like Retiro offer some delivery. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Café e Bar Do Nino is a popular spot for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Mozambique Beer and local craft beers can be found in urban areas. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options; some restaurants offer wine selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food near Mercado Central offers local snacks like grilled meats. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants offer Portuguese and Italian cuisines. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Beira Lighthouse and Macuti Beach are notable attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museu de Beira showcases local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The old railway station is a historic site worth visiting. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Beira Cathedral is an important religious landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Festa de São João is celebrated every June with cultural festivities. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Bairro do Maianga area has rich cultural heritage. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Cine Beira provides a venue for local performances and films. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Street markets provide artisanal and food products. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music bars feature traditional music and modern influences. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Public walls in downtown Beira showcase vibrant murals. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Check local culinary schools for traditional cooking lessons. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local art showcases can be found in community spaces. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Beira has several historic colonial-era buildings. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Local traditions are reflected in the city's vibrant festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Visit Gorongosa National Park, about 3 hours’ drive from Beira. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Gorongosa National Park offers wildlife viewing and nature activities. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Promenade along Macuti Beach for scenic views. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Sunset views can be enjoyed at the Beira Lighthouse. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching at nearby marshes is popular for enthusiasts. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas near Macuti Beach allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local services operate in Beira. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Small local shops handle basic device repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers sometimes host table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools in Beira offer Portuguese classes for expatriates. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | A small public library is available for study and research. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local social clubs often host community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited dedicated gaming spots; check local cafes. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Small gaming venues may be found, but options are limited. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $40,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $950 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $57,000). |
| 🏠 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. $600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $48,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 32% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% withholding tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive income tax system based on residency. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 32%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 17%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Mozambique has strict rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual tax based on property value, typically low. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Transfer tax is approximately 2%. |