Walvis Bay, Namibia 🇳🇦
#281
,
Nomad Score:
55%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Walvis Bay is a coastal city in Namibia known for its harbor, marine wildlife, and outdoor activities. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 60,000 people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 20 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Namibian Dollar (NAD), roughly 1 USD ≈ 14.50 NAD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, Type M sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Mobile providers include MTC and TN Mobile. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Most international credit cards are accepted, including Visa and Mastercard. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Available through platforms like Airbnb and local guesthouses. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Some shops accept cards, but cash is preferred, especially in smaller businesses. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Short-term rentals available via Airbnb and local travel agencies. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include the Walvis Bay Backpackers. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The waterfront area offers great access to attractions and local dining. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Ocean View area provides a quieter environment with good internet access. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Currently, no dedicated coworking spaces are available; local cafes serve as alternative workspaces. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Pelican Café offers free Wi-Fi and a conducive work environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Join the Walvis Bay Expats Facebook group for local meetups and events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Various community events held at local cafes and cultural centers. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis are available, with no established ride-hailing apps. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals available from local shops around the waterfront. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Swakopmund Beach is approximately 30 minutes away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Namibia serves regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | South African Airways and Airlink operate flights from Walvis Bay. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The B2 highway connects Walvis Bay to Windhoek and Swakopmund. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Walvis Bay Railway Station serves nearby cargo transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is limited; best to rely on taxis or rental cars. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Bus services are available to Swakopmund and Windhoek. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Walvis Bay State Hospital offers general healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga classes available at local community centers. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gym facilities can be found at the local sports complex. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromats are available in town, such as Super Wash. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No major food delivery apps; local restaurants provide takeaway services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the freshly caught seafood, especially the grilled fish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegetarian meals offered at several cafes, including The Tug Restaurant. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Visit the Namib Bakery for local pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Shop at the Walvis Bay Market for local produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Shop online via Takealot for a variety of goods. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local supermarkets may offer limited delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Check out Sparx, a popular bar near the waterfront. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Namib Desert Beer is a local brew worth trying. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine selection available at various restaurants; no dedicated wine bars. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors sell local snacks like biltong and samosas. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | The Dockside Restaurant features international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Swakop River, famous for its stunning lagoon and birdlife. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Walvis Bay Museum showcases local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The old jetty is a notable historic landmark. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Mary's Cathedral is a beautiful church in the city. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Walvis Bay hosts the annual Kite Festival each September. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Visit local markets for a taste of Namibian culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local community theater hosts performances periodically. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Walvis Bay Market offers local crafts and foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Enjoy live music at various restaurants and bars, especially on weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Look for murals near the town center illustrating Namibian culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer cooking classes focusing on traditional dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Fishers' Gallery features local artists and crafts. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old railway station is an architectural highlight. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The history of whaling and fishing is significant in Walvis Bay. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Explore the nearby Namib-Naukluft National Park. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Namib Desert is an iconic national park close by. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Enjoy scenic paths along the beach for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Dune 7 offers picturesque views of the desert and ocean. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The lagoon at Walvis Bay is renowned for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas at beaches allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services operate in Walvis Bay. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech repair shops available in the town center. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some local community centers offer table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language courses can be found at local educational institutions. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Walvis Bay Library is accessible for quiet study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers host various events and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming options; check local cafes for gaming events. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos are present; local bars offer entertainment options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. NAD 8,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = NAD 320,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. NAD 5,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = NAD 220,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. NAD 10,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = NAD 600,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. NAD 7,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = NAD 420,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. NAD 9,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = NAD 760,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. NAD 6,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = NAD 520,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 32%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividend withholding tax is 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Namibian tax system focuses on territorial income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 37%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Namibia has strict CFC rules related to taxation. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax is based on the value of the property. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Property transaction tax is 5% on property sales. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Namibia offers a relatively simple tax environment for digital nomads. |