Walvis Bay, Namibia 🇳🇦
#281
-22.95576, 14.507112
Nomad Score:
58%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Walvis Bay is a coastal city in Namibia, known for its harbor and fishing industry. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 60,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average of 25 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 NAD ≈ 0.067 USD, 1 USD ≈ 14.88 NAD |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, bottled water recommended |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include MTC and Telecom Namibia |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular banks include Standard Bank and Bank Windhoek; international cards accepted |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, guest houses, and hotels such as Protea Hotel by Marriott |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, most places accept cards, but cash is still commonly used |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses available |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include The Backpackers Lodge |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | N$ Co-Work is a popular option for remote workers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Dune Cafe offers Wi-Fi and a work-friendly atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local meetups are often held at various cafes and community centers. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups and local events for expatriates are active. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Use local taxis or engage with Uber if available. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local shops offer bicycle rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Pelican Point is the closest and most popular beach area. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Namibia operates regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | British Airways and South African Airways cover international routes. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | B2 highway connects Walvis Bay to Windhoek and Swakopmund. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Walvis Bay Railway Station serves regional connections. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Limited public transport; no formal passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shuttles to nearby towns like Swakopmund. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Walvis Bay Private Hospital is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Yoga Room offers classes and wellness activities. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Virgin Active is a well-equipped gym in town. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats available in most areas. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | N$ Food is a popular local food delivery service. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try fresh Namibian oysters and local seafood dishes. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Health Cafe and Dune Cafe offer vegetarian options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Dune Cafe has great cakes and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets are held weekly, offering fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | BuyNamibia and Takealot offer online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Some supermarkets offer delivery services in the area. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Walvis Bay Waterfront has bars and restaurants for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Namibian Breweries produces local beers available widely. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Check out the local wine shops, many have tasting events. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various street vendors sell local snacks around the waterfront. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants offering Italian, Indian, and Asian cuisine can be found. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Walvis Bay Lagoon and the salt pans. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Walvis Bay Museum showcases local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The old jetty and lighthouse are must-see historical landmarks. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Thomas Lutheran Church is an important local religious site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Walvis Bay hosts an annual regatta and festival. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the waterfront area for local culture and art. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local theaters host performances occasionally. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Walvis Bay Market is vibrant on weekends. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars feature live music on weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Art installations along the waterfront depict local culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes focusing on local cuisine are available. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local galleries feature Namibian artists and crafts. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Several early 20th-century buildings can be seen in the town center. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The area celebrates its fishing and maritime heritage proudly. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Namib-Naukluft National Park is a short drive away. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Skeleton Coast National Park is a popular destination. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal path offers stunning views for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Dune 7 provides a spectacular viewpoint of the surrounding area. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Walvis Bay Lagoon is a renowned birdwatching site. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Access to designated areas at local beaches for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local couriers provide delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local electronic shops offer repair services for devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Common facilities are available at community centers. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Private language schools offer various language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Walvis Bay Library offers study space. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Found throughout the city, hosting various events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Cable gaming lounges are available in local networks. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Local casinos offer slots and table games. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. N$ 12,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = N$ 480,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. N$ 10,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = N$ 400,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. N$ 11,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = N$ 660,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. N$ 9,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = N$ 570,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. N$ 10,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = N$ 840,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. N$ 8,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = N$ 680,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 32% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Higher rate at 37% |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 15% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Namibia enforces CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax applies based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Stamp duty ranges between 3% to 5%. |