Swakopmund, Namibia 🇳🇦
Nomad Score:
58%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Swakopmund is a coastal city in Namibia, known for its German colonial-era buildings and vibrant atmosphere. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 25,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average 10-20 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 17.50 NAD (Namibian Dollar) |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, bottled water recommended |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type D/M sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include MTC and Telecom Namibia |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Standard banking available with banks such as FNB and Standard Bank, as well as international options like Revolut. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Variety of options including hotels, guesthouses, and short-term rentals on platforms like Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Moderate, cards accepted at many places but cash is still preferred. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses available. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Backpackers Hostels such as 'Swakopmund Sandboarding and Accommodation'. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hive Workspace, a popular coworking spot with fast internet and community events. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Tug Restaurant offers a good atmosphere and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Occasional Meetups organized through local Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expat community meetups are often arranged via social media platforms. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt operates in Swakopmund, providing affordable rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local rentals include 'Swakopmundo Ride', offering bicycles and scooters for hire. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Swakopmund Beach, a short walk from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Namibia offers flights to major domestic destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Airlink provides regional flights, and international options from Windhoek. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via the B2 highway from Windhoek. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Swakopmund Station offers limited regional train services. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Limited public transport, informal taxis known as 'combis' available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect to nearby towns, including Windhoek and Walvis Bay. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Swakopmund Private Hospital provides comprehensive medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Swakopmund Yoga offers classes and wellness workshops. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Planet Swakopmund has gym facilities for members. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available for washing and ironing services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Orders can be placed through local takeaway services like Mr. D Food. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try game meat specialties or fresh seafood. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Tug offers various vegetarian options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Swakopmund Coffee Shop for cakes and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Outdoor markets often sell fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local offerings available through Takealot.com. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Checkers and Spar offer delivery services on orders. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Ocean View Bar is popular for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Swakopmund Brewing Company for local craft beer. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Explore offerings at the Tug Restaurant. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local vendors often sell biltong and boerewors rolls. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | The Wreck offers a variety of international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Swakopmund Lighthouse and Jetty. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Swakopmund Museum showcases local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Hohenzollern Building is a key heritage site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The German Evangelical Lutheran Church is notable. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Swakopmund is host to the annual Swakopmund Arts Festival. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Exploring the old town reveals colonial architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Community theater productions are offered periodically. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Swakopmund Craft Market features local artisans. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music events occur at various local venues. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals can be found around the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Namibia Cooking School offers local culinary experiences. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Art Gallery at the Strand offers local art exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old Railway Station is a prominent historic site. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Heritage sites reflect the diverse cultures of Namibia. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Namib-Naukluft National Park is nearby for outdoor adventures. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Skeleton Coast National Park offers stunning coastlines. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Walking trails along the coast are popular with locals. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The dunes at Dune 7 near Walvis Bay are breathtaking. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Lagoon at Walvis Bay is excellent for bird watching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Outdoor camping areas along the beach allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services are available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops provide mobile and computer repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | The Indoor Sports Center has table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer courses in German and Afrikaans. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Swakopmund Library offers spaces for study and research. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers host a variety of events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Internet cafes provide gaming and computer access. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Swakopmund Casino offers gaming entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,100 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $66,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $750 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $45,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $80,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $56,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 32% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% on dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Based on residence, with a worldwide income basis. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 39% maximum personal income tax rate. |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% standard Value Added Tax rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Any property transfer incurs a 5% tax. |