Stone Town, Tanzania 🇹🇿
#254
,
Nomad Score:
53%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Stone Town, the historical heart of Zanzibar City, is located on the west coast of Unguja, the main island of Zanzibar. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 220,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 10-20 Mbps, with some coworking spaces offering higher speeds. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 2,300 TZS. ATMs are available, but be cautious of fees. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. It's advisable to buy bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, Type D and G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Vodacom, Tigo, and Airtel are common providers; SIM cards are widely available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards accepted at major banks. Consider using Revolut for better rates. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, lodges, and guesthouses. Airbnb is also available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Partially cashless. Cards accepted in some restaurants and hotels. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses provide flexible rentals. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Recommended places include the Zanzibar Coffee House and Jambo Guest House. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Stone Town's historical center, close to attractions and restaurants. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The southern part of Stone Town, quieter, with cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Space Zanzibar offers a vibrant atmosphere for remote work with reliable internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Forodhani Gardens area has multiple cafes, with Cafe Zanzibar being a favorite for its ambiance. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular expat meetups are organized through the Zanzibar Expat Community Facebook group. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Monthly mixers and social gatherings at popular venues like Stone Town's Boka Baja. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is not available, but local taxis and private hire can be booked through apps like Bolt. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Available from local shops around Forodhani Park. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Nungwi Beach, approximately 50 minutes by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Zanzibar Airlines offers flights to mainland Tanzania. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines connect to major international hubs. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major roads connect Stone Town to the rest of the island. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There are no trains; the best transport is by bus or taxi. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Matatus (local shared taxis) operate on fixed routes; no formal pass available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Ferries connect Stone Town to Dar es Salaam and nearby islands. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | The Mnazi Mmoja Hospital is the main public hospital; private clinics like Zanzibar Medical Centre are also available. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Zanzibar Yoga offers classes in a serene beachside location. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness centres are limited; Heroes Fitness Centre in Stone Town is a notable option. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services available at local guesthouses and hotels. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food is the popular choice for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Biryani, a spiced rice dish, is a must-try in Stone Town. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Check out The Spice Route for vegetarian-friendly dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Maasai Coffee offers delicious pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Darajani Market is excellent for local goods and fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Kilimanjaro Online and local vendors offer delivery options. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Available through ShopZanzibar and local supermarkets. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Mambo Club and Livingstone are popular nightlife spots. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Zanzibar Brewery offers local beers and tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Emerson Spice Hotel has a great selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | The Forodhani Night Market is renowned for its street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | The Silk Route offers a mix of international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Old Fort and the House of Wonders are essential landmarks. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Zanzibar Museum of History and Culture showcases local heritage. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Slave Market memorial honors the island’s history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Old Dispensary and various mosques reflect the city’s cultural diversity. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Zanzibar International Film Festival occurs in July. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Stone Town’s winding alleys are full of cultural heritage. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Old Fort occasionally hosts performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Darajani Market is vibrant and a good spot for local culture. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music is common at several bars and restaurants, showcasing local talent. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street murals in Stone Town showcase local artists' work. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Check out the Spice Tour from various local providers. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Gallery in Stone Town features local artwork and exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Arab Fort is an iconic historic structure. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing rich cultural history. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Jozani Forest National Park is home to the rare Red Colobus Monkey. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Saanane National Park can be accessed by a short ferry ride. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | There are various guided walking tours available in Stone Town. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The terrace at the Africa House Hotel offers stunning sunset views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beaches like Nungwi allow bonfires at designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services operate in Stone Town. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Repair options are limited; local technicians can be found around town. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Limited options; ask locals for venues. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local schools offer Swahili language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Zanzibar Library offers resources and study spaces. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Zanzibar Cultural Centre hosts various events and programs. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited availability; internet cafes sometimes provide gaming options. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No major casinos; gaming is limited to local establishments. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $36,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $48,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $72,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $56,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Applicable corporate tax rate is 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Applicable rate is 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Tanzanian tax system is residency-based for individuals. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Top rate is 30% for individual income tax. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT is 18%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | CFC rules are present, targeting foreign income. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax based on property values. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate is 4% on property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No special tax incentives specifically for digital nomads; regular residency rules apply. |