Swakopmund, Namibia 🇳🇦
#280
,
Nomad Score:
55%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Swakopmund is a coastal city in Namibia known for its German colonial architecture and scenic coastline. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 44,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 20 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 NAD ≈ 0.065 USD, local currency is Namibian Dollar (NAD). ATMs and banks available throughout the city. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable, although bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, Type D/M sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include MTC and Vodacom, with prices starting around NAD 100 for a prepaid SIM. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Standard payments in cash, Visa and Mastercard accepted in many places. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include guesthouses, Airbnb, and hotels like Strand Hotel Swakopmund. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Partially, cards accepted but cash is preferred in local markets. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available on platforms like Airbnb and local sites. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Options like Swakopmund Backpackers from NAD 250 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The beachfront area offers numerous attractions and restaurants. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Central Swakopmund for proximity to cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Wired Coworking Space offers good facilities for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Tug Restaurant has a quiet ambiance with decent internet. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local entrepreneur meetups often organized via Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Swakopmund Expats Group on Facebook hosts regular gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt operates in Swakopmund, providing affordable rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Swakopmund Cycle Tours offers bicycles for rent. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Swakopmund Beach is directly accessible. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | FlyNamibia offers regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air Namibia has services from Windhoek to international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | B2 Highway connects Swakopmund to Windhoek and other regions. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Swakopmund Railway Station offers limited train services. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No dedicated public transport pass system, but local taxis and shuttles are available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect to Windhoek and other major cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Swakopmund Mediclinic offers comprehensive healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Namibia Yoga offers classes to enhance your well-being. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness 4 All provides gym facilities with a variety of equipment. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats and dry cleaners available. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Mr D Food delivers from various restaurants in the area. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the Namibian game meats, especially Kudu steak. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Tug Restaurant has a variety of vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Baker's Treat is known for its delicious pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets in town offer fresh produce at good prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local online retailers like Namibia Online Shopping available. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Checkers and Shoprite offer limited delivery options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Jetty offers a vibrant nightlife scene. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Swakopmund Brewing Company serves local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Tug has a good selection of South African wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Vendors along the beachfront offer seafood and snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | The Tug offers a blend of international dishes with local flavors. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Swakopmund Lighthouse and National Marine Aquarium are essential visits. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Swakopmund Museum showcases the history of the region. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the old Bavarian-style buildings and the Hohenzollern Building. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Swakopmund Protestant Church is a local historical site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Swakopmund Arts Festival occurs annually in July. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The town center features German-influenced architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local theaters host regular performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Open-air markets are frequent, showcasing local crafts and foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music is frequently hosted at various bars and restaurants. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Check out the murals around the city depicting local culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local culinary schools offer courses in Namibian cooking. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Art galleries featuring local artists can be found downtown. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Swakopmund Railway Station is a notable historic building. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural symbols include local crafts and artworks evident in many homes. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Namib Desert provides breathtaking landscapes and adventure. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Namib-Naukluft National Park is close, known for its sand dunes. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Walking paths along the coastline offer scenic views. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Dune 7 offers panoramic views of the desert and ocean. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The nearby wetlands are ideal for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas along the beach allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services operate in the city. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local market shops offer tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Find tables at community centers and sports clubs. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer English and Afrikaans classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Swakopmund Public Library provides study areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community halls host various cultural events and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming cafes provide a place for video gaming enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Swakopmund Casino offers gaming and entertainment options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. NAD 10,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = NAD 400,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. NAD 8,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = NAD 320,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. NAD 9,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = NAD 570,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. NAD 7,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = NAD 450,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. NAD 9,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = NAD 720,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. NAD 6,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = NAD 520,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 32% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Tax rate of 10% on dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Namibia has a territorial tax system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 37%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, foreign income rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax based on annual value of properties. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | No transfer duty for residential properties under NAD 1 million. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No special tax incentives for digital nomads as of now. |