Malakal, South Sudan 🇸🇸
#326
,
Nomad Score:
31%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Malakal is a city in South Sudan, located on the banks of the White Nile, and serves as the capital of Upper Nile State. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is around 100,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is about 3 Mbps, though connectivity can be sporadic. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | The local currency is the South Sudanese Pound (SSP). 1 USD ≈ 1,200 SSP. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is not considered drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity supply is inconsistent; main voltage is 220V, and power outages are common. |
| 📶 SIM Card | MTN South Sudan and Zain offer mobile services; SIM cards are available at local shops. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Main banks include Stanbic Bank and Nile Bank, but international services are limited. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Various accommodations are available, ranging from guesthouses to limited hotels. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Cash transactions are preferred; technology for cashless payments is limited. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Limited options for short-term rentals; it is advisable to secure a place before traveling. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Options include guesthouses starting from $30 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Riverfront area offers scenic views and some accommodations. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Stay near the city center for easier access to amenities and services. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | No dedicated coworking spaces; local cafes can serve as informal workspaces. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Nile Cafe is popular among locals and offers a quiet atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Networking events are rare; socializing through local meetups is essential. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Limited social events; connecting via local Facebook groups can help. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | No ride-hailing services; taxis are available but should be booked through local contacts. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycles can be rented from local shops; limited options for scooters. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No beaches; the River Nile offers recreational opportunities like fishing. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Airlines like South Supreme Airlines operate regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Ethiopian Airlines provides international connectivity from Juba. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Road conditions are poor; major access roads lead to Juba. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Malakal does not have a formal train service; road transport is primary. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is largely informal; no passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Local minibuses and shared taxis are common for travel to nearby towns. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Malakal Teaching Hospital offers emergency and general healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga and wellness centers are not widely available. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Limited options; some hotels may have basic fitness facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundries are available, typically at reasonable prices. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Food delivery services are rarely available; local restaurants offer takeaway. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Kisra, a local staple made from sorghum. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Options are limited; local dishes often include meat. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Local bakeries offer traditional sweets, such as Asida (a type of porridge). |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets offer affordable produce and goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | E-commerce is limited; local shops are the primary retail option. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | No established grocery delivery services exist. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Limited nightlife scene; local bars mostly serve beer and spirits. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | No known breweries; local beers are produced by regional brands. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine options are limited to local stores and restaurants. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food options include grilled meat and fried dough snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Some establishments offer Indian and Chinese cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Malakal Cultural Center for local arts and crafts. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Very few museums; cultural institutions are scarce. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Malakal Old Town offers historical insights. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Several churches reflect the diverse faiths in the community. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Local festivals revolve around harvests and cultural celebrations. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | No formal cultural districts; explore local neighborhoods. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local community plays take place but are not regular. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Visit the Malakal market for local goods and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Traditional music performances can be found during local events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited street art; cultural expressions are often showcased in public gatherings. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Limited options; local cooking can be learned informally. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | No formal galleries exist in Malakal. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Some colonial-era structures can be found, but preservation is limited. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Local traditions and crafts are significant parts of community identity. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Nile River offers opportunities for fishing and hiking along its banks. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Boma National Park is a few hours away and is worthwhile for wildlife viewings. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited designated paths; walking along the riverbanks is possible. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Visit areas along the Nile for scenic views at sunset. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching is feasible near the river and wetlands. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some local parks allow bonfires; check regulations locally. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Limited international delivery service options; local courier services exist. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Very few tech repair services are available; may require traveling to larger cities. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Recreational spots are limited; efforts to play may require local contacts. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language learning centers are not common, but local schools may offer lessons. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited library options; some schools may allow access for research. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Few community centers offer gathering spaces for locals. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | No gaming lounges exist; gaming may be informal. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos are available in Malakal. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m²; a 40 m² studio would be around $60,000. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m²; a 40 m² studio outside the city would be around $48,000. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,600 per m²; a 60 m² one-bedroom would be around $96,000. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,300 per m²; a 60 m² one-bedroom outside would cost about $78,000. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m²; an 80 m² two-bedroom would be around $144,000. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m²; an 80 m² two-bedroom outside would be around $120,000. |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Corporate tax is around 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The taxation rate is approximately 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed based on local income; taxation system infrastructure is limited. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is about 15%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Value Added Tax is applied at 10%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No specific CFC rules due to limited foreign investment regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax is based on local laws with unclear guidelines. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Transaction taxes are approximately 5%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific tax incentives for digital nomads; regulations are still evolving. |