Mbabane, Eswatini 🇸🇿
#1065
,
Nomad Score:
50%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Mbabane is the capital city of Eswatini and serves as the administrative and judicial center of the country. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 100,000 inhabitants. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is about 25 Mbps, with options for fiber connections available. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | The local currency is the Swazi Lilangeni (SZL). 1 USD ≈ 15 SZL. Most international cards are accepted. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally drinkable, but it's recommended to use bottled water, especially for sensitive individuals. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity supply is 220V, 50Hz with Type M sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Mobile providers include MTN Eswatini and Swazi Mobile. Prepaid SIM cards are easily available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular options include Standard Bank and Nedbank, and online banking apps are increasingly accessible. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, guesthouses, and short-term rentals available around the city. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Moderately cashless friendly; mobile money services like EcoCash are popular. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local property rental sites offer various short-term rental options in Mbabane. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Thembelihle and affordable guesthouses are available for budget travelers. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The city center is convenient for tourists and is close to attractions and shops. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Ezulwini Valley is recommended for digital nomads due to its tranquil environment and access to coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The House of Cowork offers a great work environment and reliable internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de Sol is a popular work-friendly cafe with a nice ambiance. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events are organized through local business chambers and Meetup groups focusing on entrepreneurial themes. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Mbabane Expats Facebook Group is a good source for social gatherings and activities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is available in Mbabane, along with local taxis. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rental options are limited; consider using taxis for convenience. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Mantegne Beach is approximately 1.5 hours away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Airlink is the primary carrier for regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | South African Airways operates flights to major international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Located near MR3 and MR1 highways, connecting to surrounding cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There is no major train system; local buses and taxis are the primary means of transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is typically paid per ride; no monthly passes are commonly available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Daily buses connect to significant cities like Manzini and Nhlangano. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Mbabane Government Hospital is the main healthcare provider. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Tranquility Yoga offers classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Quest provides gym facilities and fitness classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are available at various guesthouses and local laundromats. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Apps like Bolt Food are available for food delivery from local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try ‘Sishwala’ - a traditional dish made from maize. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like The Green Cafe offer vegan and vegetarian selections. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Bakery 12 provides a variety of local desserts and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mbabane Market is great for affordable fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Sites such as eShop offer delivery across Mbabane. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermarkets like Pick n Pay offer local grocery delivery options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The trendy area around Ezulwini offers nightlife options like clubs and bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Hurricane Brewery offers local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine and Cheese Bar offers a selection of international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various stalls can be found at Mbabane Market, serving local delicacies. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Nando's and The Italian Job provide international options. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Mbabane City Hall and the beautiful surrounding landscapes. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Swazi Cultural Centre offers insights into local history and art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Ngwenya Glass Factory is a notable spot, showcasing local glass craftsmanship. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Catholic Cathedral of Mbabane is a prominent place of worship. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The annual Umhlanga Reed Dance is a significant cultural festival. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Ezulwini Valley is known for its cultural vibe and local markets. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Swaziland Theatre Club hosts local performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mbabane Market offers a variety of local crafts and food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars often feature live traditional music and other performances. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Discover local murals and street art scattered around the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are offered at local culinary schools for traditional Swazi dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local galleries like the Ngwenya Art Gallery showcase regional artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old Executive Mansion is a notable architectural site. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The national flag and the royal family symbolism are significant to local heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Malolotja Nature Reserve offers stunning scenery and hiking opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Hlane Royal National Park is approximately 1.5 hours away and is home to a variety of wildlife. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Enjoy scenic walking trails along the nature reserves. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Lookout points in the surrounding hills offer breathtaking views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Malolotja Nature Reserve is great for birdwatching with diverse species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in the Hlane National Park allow for bonfire gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local services like Swazi Post provide parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech Repair shops are available in the city for various devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers and some gyms offer table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | English and siSwati language classes are offered at local community centers. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Mbabane Library provides a quiet place for study and work. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Several community centers offer cultural activities and social gatherings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | There are a few gaming cafes in the Ezulwini Valley for casual gaming. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Royal Swazi Spa offers a casino and gaming experiences. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approximately E8,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = E320,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approximately E6,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = E240,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approximately E7,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = E450,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approximately E5,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = E330,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approximately E6,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = E520,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approximately E5,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = E400,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 27%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Withholding tax on dividends is 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Eswatini operates a territorial tax system for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | The highest personal income tax rate is 33%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Value Added Tax is 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Minimal CFC rules; businesses can operate with flexibility. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxation based on the property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard property transfer tax is 8%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Eswatini does not tax foreign-source income for individuals residing outside the region. |