Malakal, South Sudan 🇸🇸
#326
9.538848, 31.658416
Nomad Score:
32%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Malakal is a city located in Upper Nile State, South Sudan, primarily known for being a significant trade and transport hub along the White Nile. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 160,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 4 Mbps; however, availability can be inconsistent. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | South Sudanese Pound (SSP); 1 USD ≈ 620 SSP as of November 2024. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity supply can be irregular, with peak times experiencing blackouts. Voltage is 220V. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Mobile providers include MTN and Zain with 3G coverage available in the city. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Primarily cash transactions; banks available but limited, including Nile Commercial Bank. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Various options available including guesthouses and short-stay apartments, though limited compared to larger cities. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless options; cash is predominantly used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Short-term rentals can be found via local listings, prices averaging around $300 monthly. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Local guesthouses offer rates starting at around $20 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Unfortunately, no established coworking spaces; local cafes with Wi-Fi available. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Cafe located in the Malakal town square offers a decent atmosphere for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Limited options; local expat groups and occasional workshops by NGOs. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Check local bulletin boards for community gatherings and social events organized by relief agencies. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | No major ride-sharing apps; rely on local taxi services. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited; no established bike or scooter rental services available. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No beaches; closer access to the Nile River for recreational activities. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | South Sudan Airlines offers connections to Juba and other regional airports. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | No direct international flights; must connect via Juba. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Located along the road linking Juba and Malakal, but infrastructure is variable. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train services; road transportation is the primary means of transit. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transportation consists of shared minibuses; no established passes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis available for travel to nearby towns. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Malakal Teaching Hospital; critical care services available. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options; basic fitness activities can be found in local community centers. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | No gyms available; outdoor activities are common. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Limited laundry services available in guesthouses and hotels. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No food delivery apps widely available; local restaurants are your best option. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Kisra, a local Sudanese flatbread, often served with stews. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited; traditional dishes often include meat. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Few options; local bakeries may offer sweet pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Malakal Market for fresh produce and daily needs. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited e-commerce presence; reliance on local markets is preferred. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | No established grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Very limited nightlife; a few bars in town that cater to expats. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | No local breweries; imported beers available at select bars. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Very limited; primarily alcohol available in restaurants and bars. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food is common around Markal Market; hygiene standards can vary. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Limited options; some restaurants offer basic international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Malakal Old Market area; historically significant during conflicts. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Limited cultural institutions; local history depicted through community art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Significant riverside views of the White Nile, reflecting the local heritage. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Various churches and mosques representing local beliefs. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Cultural events often revolve around local customs and traditions. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | No specific districts, but local markets reflect cultural diversity. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | No established theater venues; community gatherings may involve performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Malakal Market is vibrant with local cuisine and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Localized and informal; often found during community events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Negligible; however, community murals may be present. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Occasionally offered by local community centers focusing on traditional cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | No formal galleries; local art is displayed within markets. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Few buildings remain historic due to conflict, but remnants reflect the past. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Local traditions are strong; community events emphasize cultural expressions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Riverbanks of the White Nile offer walking trails but limited formal nature parks. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | No national parks; natural areas available along the Nile. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Roads may be used for walking; limited infrastructure for cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Viewpoints available along the Nile, particularly at sunset. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Riverside areas host various bird species, providing informal birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Informal areas along the Nile suitable for gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Limited options; primarily use local courier services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Few shops available; rely on local technicians for repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | No established venues for table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Limited availability; may find local tutors for specific language learning. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | No formal libraries; few small community spaces for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Basic community centers available focusing on local gatherings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | No gaming lounges available; gaming primarily done informally at homes. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No established casinos or gaming halls in Malakal. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Average price not well-documented; limited real estate market. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Lack of reliable pricing due to market instability. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Limited availability; prices vary but generally not documented. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Generally no documentation available for prices. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Scarce market; specific pricing data not available. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Very few listings; lack of reliable pricing. |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Information on tax structures is scarce; typically subject to local governance. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Lack of reliable information due to local economic conditions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Local tax structures vary, difficult to ascertain specifics. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Not well-defined; information on personal tax collection is limited. |
| 🧾 VAT | Local tax structures lack detailed documentation. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Information is limited due to current economic conditions. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property taxation is not consistently enforced; varies by region. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Limited information on transactional taxes; generally not documented. |