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Guide
Maputo, Mozambique 🇲🇿
#286
,
Nomad Score:
52%
Essentials
🏙️ City | Maputo is the capital city of Mozambique, known for its vibrant culture, colonial architecture, and coastal views. |
👥 Population | 1,100,000 |
💻 Internet Speed | 25 Mbps (varies widely based on location and provider) |
💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 64 MZN (Mozambican Metical); ATMs and banks are available but may have long lines. |
🚰 Tap Water | Not Drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C and F sockets. |
📶 SIM Card | Vodacom, Movitel, and TLM offer good coverage; a prepaid SIM starts around 100 MZN. |
💳 Banking for Expats | Bank accounts available at larger banks like BCI and Millenium BIM; credit cards accepted at larger establishments. |
🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and Airbnb; average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is around 15,000 MZN. |
💳 Cashless Friendly | Moderate; larger establishments accept cards, but cash is often preferred. |
🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through platforms like Airbnb and local agencies. |
🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like The Base offer dorms starting from 400 MZN per night. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Polana Caniço and Downtown Maputo are popular among tourists for their amenities and proximity to attractions. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Polana area is recommended for its cafes, coworking spaces, and proximity to beach access. |
Working and Networking
🏢 Best Coworking Space | Nweti offers a modern coworking environment; prices start at 2,500 MZN per month. |
☕ Best Cafe for Work | Mamma África offers a relaxed atmosphere with good coffee and Wi-Fi. |
💼 Networking Events | Regular tech meetups and business networking dinners are hosted by local expat groups. |
🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join the 'Expats in Maputo' Facebook group for updates on local events and gatherings. |
Transportation
🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt is the most reliable ride-hailing app in Maputo. |
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycles can be rented from local shops; however, the infrastructure for cycling is limited. |
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Praia da Costa do Sol is the nearest beach, about 10 km from the city center. |
✈️ Top Regional Airline | LAM (Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique) connects to regional destinations. |
✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates and Ethiopian Airlines provide international connections. |
🛣️ Highway Access | The EN1 highway connects Maputo to other major cities like Beira and Nampula. |
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Maputo Railway Station serves as the main transit hub; trains are generally infrequent. |
🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport primarily consists of 'chapas' (minibus taxis); no formal passes are available. |
✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and chapas are the primary means to travel to nearby towns and cities. |
Health and Wellness
🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Central de Maputo provides the most comprehensive healthcare services. |
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Zen Yoga offers classes and retreats; check local listings for schedules. |
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Holmes Place Fitness Club offers modern facilities; a monthly membership costs about 3,000 MZN. |
🧺 Laundry Services | Lava Rápido provides laundry services throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
📱 Best Food Delivery App | Just Eat and local options like Mr. Delivery cater to Maputo. |
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'piri-piri chicken' with a side of xima (corn porridge). |
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Casa de Bife offers vegetarian options; check for local listings for more spots. |
🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Gelato e Caffe serves a delightful range of gelato flavors. |
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Marketplaces like Mercado do Livro offer fresh produce and local delicacies. |
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Shop online at sites like Jumia Mozambique for various goods. |
🛒 Grocery Delivery | Bazar offers grocery deliveries within the city. |
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Avenida da Marginal has numerous bars and clubs, popular among locals and expats. |
🍻 Local Brewery | Cervejaria 2 de Abril produces local craft beer that is widely enjoyed. |
🍷 Wine Bars | Wali Wine Bar offers a selection of local and international wines. |
🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food is abundant; look for 'bifanas' (pork sandwiches) at local vendors. |
🍕 Popular International Cuisine | The Piri Piri Restaurant serves a mix of local and Portuguese dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Maputo's famous landmarks include the Marcado Municipal and the Praca dos Herois. |
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The National Museum of Art showcases Mozambican talent. |
🏰 Historical Sites | Fortaleza de Maputo is a historical fort worth visiting. |
🕍 Religious Sites | The Cathedral of Maputo is an impressive architectural piece. |
🎉 Annual Events | The Maputo Jazz Festival takes place annually and attracts international artists. |
🎨 Cultural Districts | Visit the Zona Verde for artsy neighborhoods and local culture. |
🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Avenida is the main performance venue for plays and events. |
🛍️ Local Markets | Feira de Machava offers a mix of goods and local culture. |
🎼 Music Scene | Vários venues around the city often host live music from local artists. |
🎨 Street Art | The streets of Maputo are renowned for vibrant murals and street art. |
🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes in local cuisine are available through community workshops. |
👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galeria Ndzuti features contemporary art from regional artists. |
🕰️ Historic Buildings | Edificio D.A.C. is a notable colonial building in the heart of the city. |
🏴 Local Heritage | Explore local traditions that heavily influence the region's cultural landscape. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Parque Nacional da Gorongosa, although a bit far, is a spectacular nature reserve. |
🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Maputo Special Reserve offers stunning wildlife experiences and is accessible for day trips. |
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The promenade along the beach is great for walking and cycling. |
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Visit the top of Tunduru Botanical Gardens for beautiful views. |
🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Maputo Water Channel is great for birdwatching, home to diverse species. |
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beaches like Costa do Sol have designated areas; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
📦 Parcel Delivery Service | FedEx and DHL offer reliable parcel delivery services in Maputo. |
🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in downtown Maputo provide tech repair services. |
🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have table tennis facilities. |
🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools in Maputo offer lessons in Portuguese and English. |
📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Central Library has study spaces and local literature available. |
🏘️ Community Centers | Casa de Cultura hosts community events and cultural gatherings. |
🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Some cafes offer gaming setups for casual play. |
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Avenida offers gaming options for those interested. |
Business
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 80,000 MZN per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 3,200,000 MZN) |
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 60,000 MZN per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 2,400,000 MZN) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 75,000 MZN per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 4,500,000 MZN) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 55,000 MZN per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 3,300,000 MZN) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 70,000 MZN per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 5,600,000 MZN) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 50,000 MZN per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 4,000,000 MZN) |
💼 Corporate Tax | 32% standard corporate tax rate. |
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% |
🏦 Tax System | Mozambique has a progressive tax system for residents. |
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 32% |
🧾 VAT | 17% |
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules apply. |
🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on appraised value. |
🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 10% on property purchases. |
💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Mozambique does not offer specific tax incentives for digital nomads. |