Mbabane, Eswatini 🇸🇿
#1065
-26.329677, 31.141158
Nomad Score:
54%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Mbabane is the capital city of Eswatini, known for its beautiful landscapes and rich cultural heritage. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 100,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average of 25 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 19.70 EMD (Swazi Lilangeni), local currency accepted widely. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally drinkable in urban areas, but bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type M sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include MTN Eswatini and Swazi Mobile, easy to purchase in local shops. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Local banks include Standard Bank, Nedbank; international cards accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnbs, guesthouses, and hotels like Lugogo Sun. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cards accepted in larger establishments but cash is common in markets. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available on platforms like Airbnb with prices averaging $30-$60/night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Guesthouses such as Thembelihle Guest House offer affordable rates starting from $20/night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Spaces at Mbabane Business Centre offer flexible work environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Woolworths Cafe offers Wi-Fi and a comfortable atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups at First National Bank's Business Innovation Centre. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Expatriates' Group hosts monthly gatherings and activities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt operates in Mbabane, making it convenient for rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited; cycling is not very common but bike rentals are available sporadically. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lobamba Beach, approximately 30 mins away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Airlink offers regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | South African Airways operates flights to major hubs. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to MR3 highway connecting to major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Mbabane Bus Rank is the primary bus terminal. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local buses run frequently, but no formal public transport passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Mbabane to Matsapha and Manzini. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Mbabane Govt Hospital provides comprehensive services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Siyabonga Yoga offers weekly classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Sky Fitness offers a well-equipped gym facility. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available like Snazzy Cleaners. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats operates with a limited number of restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the local dish 'Sidvudvu' made from maize. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegetarian options can be found at some local restaurants like Nando's. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Baobab Bakery is popular for pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mbabane Market offers local fruits and products. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Kalahari Online provides shopping services. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Most supermarkets offer home delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Royal Swazi Spa has a lively bar scene. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Rogue Brewing Craft Beer is the local favorite. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine establishments are limited but explore local restaurants for wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Try local chicken skewers and pap in the markets. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza Corner offers a selection of pizzas. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Swazi Cultural Village for an authentic experience. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Swazi National Museum showcases the culture and history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Constitutional Hill is a significant site in Mbabane. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Michael's Cathedral is a key religious site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Incwala Ceremony happens annually, showcasing cultural traditions. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The city center has cultural markets and art displays. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Eswatini Theatre offers regular performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mbabane Market is vibrant with local crafts and food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The local music scene includes traditional Swazi music performances. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art can be found in various neighborhoods across the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local culinary classes available for traditional Swazi dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Explore local artworks at the Swazi Arts and Crafts Centre. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Visit the Ngwenya Glass Factory, a unique landmark. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Explore artifacts at local museums that reflect Swazi heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Malolotja Nature Reserve offers stunning hiking trails. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Hlane Royal National Park is rich in wildlife and flora. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Walking trails in the Mbabane River Valley are popular. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from Mbabane Hill overlooks the cityscape. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Malolotja Nature Reserve is great for bird spotting. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated campsites at Hlane National Park allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services operate in Mbabane. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | MB Tech offers electronics repairs and services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers sometimes host table tennis events. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Several institutions offer English and siSwati lessons. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Mbabane Public Library provides a quiet study environment. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various community halls offer cultural and recreational activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming lounges, but local internet cafes offer gaming options. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Royal Swazi Spa Casino provides gaming options in an upscale environment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. EMD 8,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = EMD 240,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. EMD 6,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = EMD 180,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. EMD 7,500 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = EMD 375,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. EMD 5,500 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = EMD 275,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. EMD 7,000 per m² (e.g., 70 m² = EMD 490,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. EMD 5,000 per m² (e.g., 70 m² = EMD 350,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 27%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Tax rate applied to dividend distributions is 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive taxations based on income brackets. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 33%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, regulations in place for foreign-owned businesses. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on market value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 10% standard rate on property purchases. |