Pemba, Mozambique 🇲🇿
#1329
,
Nomad Score:
47%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Pemba is the capital of the Cabo Delgado province in Mozambique, located on the coastline of the Indian Ocean. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 150,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speeds of 10-30 Mbps in urban areas, with potential for higher speeds in some cafes and coworking spaces. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 64 MZN. Banks include Banco de Moçambique and Standard Bank; ATMs are available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. Bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/M sockets. Frequent power outages common. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available from providers like Vodacom and Movitel, with cheap data plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard accepted in many places, but cash transactions are common. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels to guesthouses and rentals, with platforms like Airbnb available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited. Cash is preferred, especially in markets and local shops. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses provide various short-term options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel-style accommodation like 'Cabo Lodge' is available at reasonable rates. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Stay near the Pemba waterfront for easy access to beaches and attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Filomena area has several cafes and coworking spaces, making it ideal for digital nomads. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Kivukoni Co-Working space, offering reliable Wi-Fi and a professional environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Pemba Beach Food & Drink offers a relaxed atmosphere with Wi-Fi and good coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local expat groups hold regular meetups; check Facebook groups or local event platforms. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Pemba Expat Community often hosts social events at various local spots, including 'The Blue Room'. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt operates in Pemba, providing reliable ride options. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycle rentals are available at local tourist agencies. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Pemba Beach is easily accessible and is a popular spot for relaxation. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | LAM (Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique) offers regional flights to major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Airlink and Ethiopian Airlines provide international connections to Pemba. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | N1 highway connects Pemba to other major cities and provinces. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Pemba does not have a major train hub; road transport is more common. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local mini-bus services operate extensively, though public transport passes are uncommon. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Mini-buses are a primary method for travel to nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Centro de Saúde de Pemba offers basic healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga classes are available at local studios, check for schedules. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness facilities like 'Fit4Life Gym' can be found in urban areas. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundry services are available at affordable rates in residential neighborhoods. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Local app called 'Moçambique Food Delivery' provides options for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Matapa', made with cassava leaves, peanuts, and coconut milk. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like 'Cazulo Restaurant' offer vegetarian-friendly meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Gelato shops near the market district serve a variety of sweet treats. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Pemba Municipal Market offers fresh produce and local goods at low prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia operates in Mozambique providing online shopping options. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery options are limited; local shops offer in-person shopping. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Bars along the waterfront offer nightlife and cultural experiences. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveja 2M is a popular local beer; check for local bars serving it. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options for wine bars; most restaurants serve local and imported wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Explore the city for street vendors offering 'frango' (grilled chicken) and 'piri-piri'. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizzerias like 'Il Padrino' and Indian restaurants are available. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Pemba Lighthouse and the old Portuguese church are notable attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Marine Biology Museum showcases local marine life. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the ruins of the old Portuguese fort for history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Joseph's Cathedral is a significant landmark for religious heritage. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Pemba Festival is celebrated in July showcasing local culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the coastal area for local crafts and cultural expressions. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The local cultural center often features performances and community events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Visit the Pemba Market for local art and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars feature live music, particularly traditional Mozambican music. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Look for murals around the city reflecting local culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local culinary schools offer classes on traditional Mozambican cooking. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Artisan galleries in the cultural district showcase local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Architecture from colonial times can be seen in several buildings along the waterfront. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural masks and crafts are significant symbols of local heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Quirimbas National Park is a short trip away for stunning natural beauty. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Explore Ibo Island within the Quirimbas National Park for its natural beauty. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Coastal paths along Pemba Beach are ideal for biking and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoints around the lighthouse offer picturesque views of the coastline. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Perfect for birdwatching in the mangroves along the coast. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Public beaches allow bonfires and gatherings, especially during the evening. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Available through local services such as CTT and DHL. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Various shops in Pemba provide mobile phone and computer repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers sometimes have recreational facilities including table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer Portuguese lessons for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Look for universities or community centers for quiet study areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural centers frequently host community events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited options; check local cafes and centers for gaming activities. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No major casinos; nightlife primarily consists of bars and local entertainment. |
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. $900 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $54,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $42,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $80,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $64,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 32%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents taxed on Mozambican income only. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 32%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 17%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Based on the value of the property and annual municipal assessments. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate of 2% on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific benefits; standard tax laws apply. |