Windhoek, Namibia 🇳🇦
#279
,
Nomad Score:
56%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Windhoek is the capital and largest city of Namibia, known for its modern architecture combined with a desert landscape. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is around 400,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is approximately 25 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 17.80 NAD (Namibian Dollar), cards widely accepted in urban areas. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable, but recommend using bottled water for safety. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type D/M sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include MTC and Cell C, with data packages available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | FNB, Standard Bank, and Nedbank; online banking facilities are well-developed. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, guesthouses, and serviced apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely, but have cash available for smaller vendors. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is popular, with average prices around $30-$70 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options such as the Windhoek Backpackers starting around $15 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Central Windhoek, especially around Independence Avenue, for easy access to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The area around the City Center is great for longer stays, offering coworking spaces and cafes. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Kalahari Coworking offers a vibrant space for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Stellenbosch Wine Bar is favorite among nomads for its Wi-Fi and ambiance. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events at The Warehouse Theatre offer informal networking opportunities. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join the 'Expats in Windhoek' Facebook group for community updates and meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt operates in Windhoek, providing convenient ride options. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited services available; local bike rentals can be found at various hotels. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Swakopmund Beach, approximately a 4-hour drive from Windhoek. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Namibia provides regional connections, albeit with limited schedules. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Lufthansa and Airlink connect Windhoek with major international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to B1 Highway leading to major cities like Swakopmund and Otjiwarongo. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Windhoek Railway Station offers limited rail service, mainly to Swakopmund. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Short-distance bus passes are available, though generally not needed for city travel. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Long-distance buses, such as Intercape, connect Windhoek with other Namibian cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Windhoek Central Hospital is the main public healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga, Studio and the Namibian Academy of Health and Wellness offer classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Virgin Active and Anytime Fitness provide good gym facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats are available, such as The Laundry Basket. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | GLOVO operates in Windhoek, offering a range of dining options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Braai (barbecue) and Kapana for local street food experiences. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Check out the Greenhouse Café and Café Schneider for great options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Chocolate Cheesecake at the Hilton Windhoek is a must-try. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Check out the Windhoek Farmers Market for fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Namibian online stores like Takealot and local grocery options available. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Ok Foods and Checkers offer home delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Loft and Joe's Beerhouse are popular nightlife spots with vibrant atmospheres. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Namibia Breweries produces popular local beers like Windhoek Lager. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Bar at the Hilton Windhoek is a great place for wine enthusiasts. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local street food can be found around the central market area. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | The Stellenbosch Wine Bar offers a mix of local and international food. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Christuskirche is an iconic church in the city center. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Visit the Independence Museum and the National Art Gallery of Namibia. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Old Fort and the Heroes' Acre are significant historical locations. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. George's Cathedral is a prominent place of worship in Windhoek. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Windhoek Carnival happens annually, featuring music and local culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Visit the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) sites around the city. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The National Theatre of Namibia hosts various performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Check out the Windhoek Arts and Crafts Market for local artisans. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various music venues around the city host local bands, especially on weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Wander around Windhoek to discover beautiful murals and street art. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Take a Namibian cooking class at the Cooking School Windhoek. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Omba Gallery features local Namibian artists and exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Be sure to see the Tintenpalast and the Parliament Gardens. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Herero and San cultures are vital aspects of Windhoek's heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Visit the Avis Dam and surrounding trails for a serene getaway. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Khomas Hochland and Namib-Naukluft National Park are accessible for day trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Various trails in the city, including walking paths near the Windhoek Botanical Gardens. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from the top of the Independence Memorial is breathtaking. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Explore the Avis Dam for birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | The nearby desert areas have designated bonfire camping spots. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Namibia Post offer reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops such as iFix and TechRepair provide device service. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Available at various community centers like the Windhoek Sports Club. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Various local schools offer English and Afrikaans language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Namibia National Library is a great studying and reading space. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Windhoek Community Center hosts various cultural activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming cafes like Game On offer gaming facilities. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Windhoek Casino caters to gaming enthusiasts. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $36,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,100 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $66,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $850 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $51,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $80,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $750 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $60,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 32%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividends are subject to a 0% withholding tax. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residence-based tax system applies to residents of Namibia. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | The maximum personal income tax rate is 37%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Namibia has CFC rules in place for resident companies. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, property taxes are based on a percentage of the property's value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Generally around 5% on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No tax on foreign income which is attractive for nomads. |