Pemba Island, Tanzania 🇹🇿
#1827
,
Nomad Score:
51%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Pemba Island is part of Tanzania's Zanzibar Archipelago, known for its lush greenery and stunning beaches. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 400,000 inhabitants. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 10-15 Mbps, with some locations offering faster connections. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 2,325 TZS. Local banks like CRDB and NMB provide services. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, typically using Type D and G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Vodacom and Airtel provide mobile services and prepaid SIM cards. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Most local banks accept debit cards; credit card acceptance is limited. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from budget hostels to mid-range hotels, booking platforms like Airbnb are also available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless options; cash is predominantly used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through platforms like Airbnb and local rental agencies. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Pemba and Pemba Paradise are good options under $20/night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Mkoani is ideal for tourists, known for its proximity to beaches and attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Chake Chake is recommended for longer stays, with local amenities and coworking options. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Pemba Island Co-Work Space offers reliable internet and a community vibe. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Restaurant of the Guest House provides a relaxed atmosphere with Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local meetups occur occasionally via Facebook groups for expats and nomads. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Monthly gatherings organized by Pemba Cultural Exchange. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Pemba Taxi app covers local transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Rentals are available in Chake Chake, costing around $10/day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Mtondia Beach is a popular choice, just 15 minutes from Chake Chake. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Precision Air connects Pemba to Dar es Salaam. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Ethiopian Airlines and Air Tanzania operate international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The island has well-maintained roads connecting towns and beaches. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train service; public transport is mostly by bus or taxi. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public buses are available for intertown travel, typically costing around $1. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect to Zanzibar Town and mainland Tanzania easily. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Pemba State Hospital provides basic healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Mahaha Yoga Center offers a tranquil environment for yoga classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Limited; some hotels have gym facilities available for guests. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats are available in major towns though prices vary. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | BiteMe is a local service delivering food from various restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Urojo' soup, a popular dish made with a mix of flavors and textures. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Mti Mkumbwa Restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pemba Patisserie has popular local sweets and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Ushongo Market is known for fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia operates in Tanzania, offering various goods online. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local vendors may offer delivery services, but not widely available. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Chake Chake has a few cafes and bars for night-time entertainment. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Tanzania Breweries has a variety of beers available across the island. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options; most places serve local beers and spirits. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Numerous stalls offer grilled meats and snacks near markets. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza and Indian cuisine are popular at various eateries around the island. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Ngezi Forest Reserve and historical ruins of Pemba. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Pemba Museum showcases local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Old Port of Pemba has many remnants of historical significance. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Shahadi Mosque is one of the notable mosques on the island. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Pemba Festival is celebrated every July, showcasing local culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Chake Chake is a hub for local crafts and community events. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Small local performances are held in community centers. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Bwejuu and Mkoani markets are great for local crafts and food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Traditional taarab music is performed frequently at local venues. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Some local artists showcase their work in Chake Chake. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking classes to learn Swahili cuisine can be found via Airbnb experiences. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited galleries; most art is displayed in public spaces. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | There are several ancient ruins reflecting the Swahili architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The island's culture reflects a mix of Arabic, African, and Portuguese influences. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Ngezi Forest Reserve offers hiking trails and wildlife watching. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is accessible via a ferry to Zanzibar. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Coastal paths along the beaches provide scenic views and opportunities for walks. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Tundua Hill offers breathtaking views of Pemba and neighboring islands. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The mangroves near Wete are perfect for birdwatchers. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain beaches allow bonfires, but check local regulations first. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL service is available for sending parcels to and from the island. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer basic repairs for phones and electronics; prices vary. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some community centers have table tennis facilities available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Swahili language classes are offered at various cultural centers. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Library branches are available in major towns, though selections may be limited. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various community centers host events and classes for locals and expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming options; internet cafes may have some gaming setups. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos are present on the island. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $36,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $28,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $72,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $120,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $96,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Applicable tax rate for dividends is 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 30%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 18%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are regulations governing foreign investments. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No annual property tax currently imposed. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard property transfer tax of 5%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | 2-year visitor visas available for remote workers, with no local taxation on foreign earned income. |