Manzini, Eswatini 🇸🇿
#1066
-26.49587, 31.369588
Nomad Score:
55%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Manzini is the second largest city in Eswatini, known as the commercial and industrial hub of the country. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 110,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 10 Mbps, but can vary in different locations. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EMD (Emalangeni) ≈ 0.053 USD; local banks like Standard Bank and Nedbank are present. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally safe to drink, but it’s advisable to check local conditions. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, and uses Type D, M sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | MTN and Eswatini Mobile are popular providers offering prepaid SIM cards. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | ATM access widely available, Visa and MasterCard accepted in most places. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include short-term rentals through Airbnb, guesthouses, and hotels. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Cash is still preferred, but cards are accepted in major establishments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses available, with prices ranging from $15 to $60 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Swazi Yummy Backpackers offer budget lodging starting at around $10 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Manzini Office Centre offers flexible working spaces. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe O-So offers a comfortable atmosphere and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check local Facebook groups for expat meetups and networking events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Local expatriate groups on Facebook organize regular social events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Use local taxis or WhatsApp to book drivers, as formal apps aren’t prevalent. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rental options are limited, mainly during tours. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Mbabane Beach (Manzini region) is about a 30-minute drive away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Airlink offers flights from Manzini to Johannesburg. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | South African Airways provides international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | N3 highway connects to major cities and regions. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Manzini's taxi rank serves as the main transit hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport relies mostly on mini-bus taxis and not formal passes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Local taxis provide connections to nearby areas, minimal bus services available. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Manzini Clinic is well-rated for primary healthcare. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Swazi Yoga offers yoga classes and wellness workshops. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | E-Point Fitness has good facilities for gym-goers. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats are limited, but local services exist. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Locally, food delivery is done via WhatsApp orders from restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Phutu (cornmeal porridge) served with braai (grilled meat). |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like The Greenhouse offer vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Gelato Ice Cream Shop offers delicious ice creams and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Check the Swazi Plaza for local shopping and market foods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local online shopping is limited; you can use Takealot.com for South African orders. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery shopping is primarily in-store, with some local services for delivery available. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Manzini Club is popular for nightlife and socializing. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Manzini is home to the Swazi Breweries offering local beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Local wine bars feature South African wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer local foods, especially near markets. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Several Chinese and Indian restaurants are available throughout Manzini. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Manzini Market for local artisans and crafts. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Swaziland National Museum is located in Mbabane nearby. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Embo State House is rich in history and worth visiting. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Paul’s Cathedral represents local faith and architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Reed Dance Ceremony takes place every September, showcasing local culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the local craft markets for a glimpse of Swazi culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Manzini Theatre hosts various performances and community events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Manzini Market is vibrant with crafts, food, and local produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found at various venues around the city. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals in town reflect local culture and history. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local culinary schools offer classes to learn traditional Swazi cooking. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local galleries display Swazi art and crafts, though options are limited. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Several colonial-era buildings exist, primarily around the market. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Swazi traditional cultural practices are key to local heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary offers hiking and wildlife viewing. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Hlane Royal National Park, known for its wildlife, is a popular destination. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Hiking trails in Ezulwini Valley are great for outdoor activities. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Malolotja Nature Reserve offers stunning views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Hlane is a premier spot for birdwatching enthusiasts. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas in the national parks allow bonfires when camping. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local post services are available for parcel deliveries. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer mobile phone and computer repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Look for community centers that may offer table tennis availability. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local institutions offer basic English and siSwati classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Swazi National Library provides study facilities. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community hubs frequently host events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming lounges are limited, but some cafes have gaming setups. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are limited casino options in the larger cities nearby. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. EMD 5,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = EMD 200,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. EMD 4,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = EMD 160,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. EMD 4,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = EMD 288,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. EMD 3,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = EMD 228,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. EMD 4,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = EMD 360,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. EMD 3,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = EMD 256,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 27.5%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residency taxes apply based on local income sources. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 33%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applies to foreign entities with local branches. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxation based on value assessment. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 4% standard rate on property transfers. |