Arusha, Tanzania 🇹🇿
#252
-3.369682, 36.688079
Nomad Score:
55%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Arusha is a city in northern Tanzania, located near the foot of Mount Meru and serves as a gateway to safari destinations like Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 400,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speeds of around 10-20 Mbps, with higher speeds available in select coworking spaces. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 2,300 TZS; ATMs widely available but may have withdrawal limits. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type D/G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Local providers include Vodacom, Airtel, and Tigo, offering affordable packages. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and MasterCard widely accepted in larger establishments; mobile money like M-Pesa is popular. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local guesthouses, and hotels ranging from budget to luxury. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Partial; cards are accepted in many places but cash is still preferred for smaller vendors. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are popular for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Options like The Arusha Backpackers, starting at around $15 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Platform Arusha offers a vibrant coworking environment with reliable internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Havana Café provides a comfortable setting with decent Wi-Fi and good coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events hosted by local expat groups, usually announced via Meetup or Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Arusha Facebook Group organizes frequent meetups and social activities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Bolt operate in Arusha, providing reliable transportation options. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikes can be rented from local shops; no major scooter rental services available yet. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach, Pangani, is about a 2-hour drive away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Precision Air and Air Tanzania offer flights to regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | KLM, Qatar Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines provide international flights from Kilimanjaro Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Well-connected to major highways leading to Dar es Salaam and other regions. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Arusha Bus Station connects with major cities via long-distance buses. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Informal minibus services are available but without formal passes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shuttles to nearby cities like Moshi and Mwanza are readily available. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Arusha Lutheran Medical Center offers reliable healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Zanzibar Yoga offers classes in a serene environment. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness clubs like Arusha Gym offer membership options for locals and expats. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats are available, and many guesthouses offer laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food is the primary food delivery service in Arusha. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Nyama Choma (grilled meat) is a must-try local dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Foodie Café offers a variety of delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Gelato & More serves excellent gelato and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like the Maasai Market for fresh produce and souvenirs. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Online shopping is limited; locals often use Jumia for a variety of products. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | N/A; grocery delivery options are very limited. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | A safe nightlife area primarily around the Clock Tower, featuring various bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Kilimanjaro Brewery is well-known for its local beer and offers tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine and Dine offers a selection of international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various stalls around town offer local street food like samosas and chapatis. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Options like The Blue Heron serve diverse international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit Arusha National Park and Mount Meru for breathtaking natural scenery. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Natural History Museum provides insights into Tanzania's rich biodiversity. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Old Boma reminds visitors of Arusha's colonial past. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Anglican Cathedral is a notable place of worship in Arusha. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Arusha International Marathon held annually attracts participants from around the world. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Visit the Maasai cultural village to experience traditional Maasai lifestyle. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local theaters occasionally host performances but options are limited. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Maasai Market is a vibrant spot for local crafts and artwork. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local venues host live music, featuring traditional Tanzanian music and dance. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art can be found throughout the city, particularly in urban areas. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cook schools offer classes to learn about Tanzanian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Nane Nane Art Gallery showcases local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Old colonial buildings scattered throughout the city tell the history of the area. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Heritage sites highlight various ethnic cultures present in the region. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Mount Meru offers excellent hiking opportunities and stunning views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater are easily accessible for day trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Various trails in Arusha National Park are great for biking and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The top of Mount Meru offers breathtaking panoramic views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Lake Duluti is popular for birdwatching enthusiasts. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | National Parks have designated camping areas where bonfires are allowed. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services are available for parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in town offer basic tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some local clubs have table tennis facilities, typically in community centers. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer Swahili language classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Local libraries are available, though limited in resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various community centers host events quite frequently. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming lounges are available; online gaming is more common. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Limited casino options are available in larger hotels. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,100 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $66,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $750 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $45,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $48,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial income tax system; residents taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% |
| 🧾 VAT | 18% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No specific CFC rules; taxation on repatriated income applies. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax applies based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate is 1% of the property value. |