Pemba Island, Tanzania 🇹🇿
#1827
-7.515106, 39.40864
Nomad Score:
56%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Pemba Island is part of the Zanzibar Archipelago, known for its lush greenery, clove plantations, and stunning beaches. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 400,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 10-20 Mbps, depending on the location and provider. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 2,334 TZS. ATMs widely available in major settlements but carry cash for rural areas. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 240V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Local providers include Vodacom, Airtel, and Tigo. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and MasterCard widely accepted at larger hotels and shops, but cash is preferred. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts. Airbnb is also available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is preferred, particularly in shops and markets. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are popular options for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Chako's House and Pemba Beach Resort offer affordable lodging. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Pemba Lodge offers a tranquil space for remote work with great internet access. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Mikindani Coffee Shop is popular for its coffee and relaxed atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Occasional meetups are organized by local expat groups on social media platforms. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Check Facebook groups for 'Expats in Pemba' for community gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is not available. Local taxis are available for hire. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local rental shops in Chake Chake provide bicycles and scooters. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Ngezi Beach is renowned for its powdery white sands and clear waters. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Precision Air connects Pemba to Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways offer flights from international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Paved roads connect major towns but may be poorly maintained in rural areas. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There are no train services; public buses are the main means of transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific passes; local buses (dala-dalas) can be paid directly. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Ferries operate between Pemba and Zanzibar Island. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Pemba Regional Hospital offers basic medical services; private clinics are available. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Pemba Yoga offers classes, often held on the beach for a refreshing experience. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Limited options; some resorts have basic fitness facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Available in local guesthouses and hotels. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Food delivery services are limited; locals typically dine in. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Zanzibar biryani and seafood dishes are must-tries. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Most local restaurants offer vegetarian meals, particularly rice and vegetable dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Mango ice cream at the Pemba Beach Resort is a favorite treat. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets in Chake Chake offer fresh produce and snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited; reliance on local markets is common. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited delivery services, but some larger hotels will assist guests with orders. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Local bars offer a relaxed atmosphere; beachside lounges are popular. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Limited local brewing; Tanzanian beers like Kilimanjaro and Serengeti are available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Few options available; focus is on local beers and spirits. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local vendors sell snacks like Zanzibar pizza and grilled seafood. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Some restaurants serve Indian and European dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Pemba Spice Farm offers tours on local spice production. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Pemba Museum highlights local culture and history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Ruins of Chakwa illustrate the island's historical trade significance. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Visit the ancient Misali Island Mosque for its stunning architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Pemba Festival celebrates local culture and traditions every October. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Chake Chake is a focal point for local crafts and culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Informal performances often held at community centers. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Chake Chake market is vibrant with local produce and spices. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Tanzanian taarab music is popular; local bands often perform at events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited public art; community initiatives are emerging. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking with Cloves offers hands-on spice-based cooking experiences. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Small galleries showcase local artists; limited availability. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Colonial architecture can be found in several older structures. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The island's culture is rich in Swahili traditions, evident in everyday life. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Misali Island is a beautiful destination for snorkeling and nature walks. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Jozani Forest is accessible via a boat ride, home to mangrove forests and monkeys. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Coastal paths offer scenic walks and biking opportunities. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Panoramic views from the top of Ngezi Forest are breathtaking. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatchers can find many endemic species in Ngezi Forest. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas at Pemba Beach allow bonfires and gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Limited options; local post offices handle basic services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Few local shops available; rely on vendors in larger towns. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Limited availability; resorts sometimes have this amenity. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local community centers offer Swahili language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Community centers typically have informal study areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Offer various activities from cultural events to sports. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming facilities, but some hotels may offer entertainment. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Not available on the island. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $128,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $104,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Personal income tax includes residency basis. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% |
| 🧾 VAT | 18% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, with specific regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, assessed based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 5% of the transaction value. |