Manzini, Eswatini 🇸🇿
#1066
,
Nomad Score:
50%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Manzini is the largest city in Eswatini and serves as a vibrant commercial center. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population of 110,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 10-20 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 15 ESwatini Lilangeni (SZL). ATMs and banks are widely available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally drinkable but it's advised to drink bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity standard is 230V, 50Hz with Type M sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include MTN Eswatini and Swazi Mobile, offering prepaid options. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Standard banking services available; international cards accepted at major spots. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb, guesthouses, and short-term rentals available; prices vary from $20 to $100 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Cashless payments are becoming more common, especially in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb offer various short-term rental options ranging from $20 to $60 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options available, with prices starting at approximately $10 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Central Manzini offers easy access to markets and restaurants. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Consider neighborhoods around the city center for access to coworking spaces and cafes. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hive is a popular coworking space for digital nomads. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Munkhalau offers free Wi-Fi and a pleasant atmosphere for working. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups and events listed on local Facebook groups focused on entrepreneurship. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join the Eswatini Expats group on Facebook for community gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt operates in Manzini, providing reliable ride-hailing services. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; recommend checking local shops for bicycles. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary Beach is approximately 45 minutes away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Airlink provides connections to South Africa. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | South African Airways operates flights to/from Johannesburg. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Well-connected to major roads; MR3 highway enables travel to other cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Manzini is served by a bus terminal for regional travel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses operate regularly; no specific transport pass system. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses such as Dune Bus provide transport to Mbabane and other cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Mediclinic Manzini is the leading private healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga classes available at the Eswatini Yoga & Wellness Center. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness centers like Gym5 offer modern facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats provide reliable laundry services, often for around $5 per load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Food delivery is mainly through Throat.103 and others. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'putu' and 'sishwala', traditional Eswatini dishes. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like Gasa serve a variety of vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Top Spot Bakery offers delicious local tarts and snacks. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Manzini Market is great for fresh produce and local products. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local online marketplaces like eSwatini Marketplace offer products. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermarket delivery available through various local grocery stores. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Check out the nightlife around the city center for bars and live music. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Mbabane Brewery produces local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Loft offers a selection of local and imported wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors in Manzini Market offer local street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like KFC and Nando's are popular for international options. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Manzini Market for a local experience. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Swazi Cultural Museum provides insights into local heritage. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Mdzimba Mountain Range holds historical significance. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Theresa's Cathedral is notable in the city. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Manzini Regional Show occurs annually in August. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the local artistry around the city center. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Manzini Cultural Centre often hosts performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Manzini Market is bustling with local produce and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars host live music sessions, especially on weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals around the city showcase local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes available to learn traditional Swazi cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local artists display their work at various galleries in the city. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old council chambers serve as a historical landmark. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural festivals often showcase Swazi heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is a short drive away, offering various outdoor activities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Hlane Royal National Park is accessible for wildlife viewing. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths around the city are suitable for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Various spots along the city provide picturesque views of the surrounding landscape. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching is popular in Wildlife Sanctuary areas. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas at Mlilwane for picnics and bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local postal Office of Eswatini and private services available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech service shops offer repairs but options may be limited. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local sports complexes host ping pong tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer English and siSwati classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Manzini Library offers study space and resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community spaces often host social events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming lounges available; check local ads for availability. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Few gaming halls are available in nearby Mbabane. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $20,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $400 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $16,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $550 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $33,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $450 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $27,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $40,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Corporate tax rate is 27.5%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Standard rate is 15% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents taxed on worldwide income; small business tax incentives available. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 33%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, subject to local regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxation is applicable based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | A 7% transaction tax applies on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Flexible arrangements available for long-term stays; consultations recommended. |