Stone Town, Tanzania 🇹🇿
#254
-6.162658, 39.190012
Nomad Score:
54%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Stone Town is the historical heart of Zanzibar City, with narrow winding streets and a rich cultural heritage. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 200,000 inhabitants. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 10-20 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). 1 USD ≈ 2,307 TZS. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Voltage is 230V, 50Hz, with Type D and G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available from Vodacom and Airtel with good coverage; prices around TZS 1,000 for a basic SIM. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards accepted at major banks (e.g. CRDB, NMB); cash is often preferred. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hostels, guesthouses, and hotels like Doubletree by Hilton starting around $100/night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is widely used but some places accept mobile payments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb offer various listings from $30/night for private rooms. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels such as “Zanzibar Shangani” offering dorms starting from $15/night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Hustler’s Hub located in the heart of Stone Town. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Zanzibar Coffee House with fast Wi-Fi and great coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events hosted by Zanzibar Innovation Hub, focus on tech and digital nomads. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Regular meetups organized through groups like 'Zanzibar Expats' on Facebook. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is not available; local taxis can be hired, or Bolt is available. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooters available for rent at locations like Tazama Adventures. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Nungwi Beach is about 1 hour away and known for its beautiful waters. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Precision Air offers flights from Dar es Salaam. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways serve Stone Town through Zanzibar Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Single paved road connects Stone Town to the rest of Zanzibar. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Zanzibar Ferry Terminal offers ferry services to Dar es Salaam. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Dala-dalas (shared minibuses) are the main public transport; no passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Local buses and taxis connect to other cities or attractions within Zanzibar. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Aga Khan Hospital for general healthcare and emergencies. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Zanzibar Yoga in Bwejuu offers classes and retreats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Few options; some hotels offer gym facilities to guests. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local services such as Zanzibar Laundry provide good service at affordable rates. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food is available for local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Zanzibar Pizza, a local street food specialty. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like The Garden serve vegetarian-friendly dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Zanzibar Coffee House offers delicious local sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Darajani Market for local groceries and snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited options; Jumia for general products. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Zanzibar Fresh delivers local products. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Forodhani Gardens attracts locals and tourists with nightlife and food stalls. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Kilimanjaro Beer is popular among locals. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited availability; few places serve wine. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Forodhani Gardens offers a bustling street food scene at night. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Various restaurants provide seafood, Swahili and Indian dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Stone Town's Old Fort and the House of Wonders. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Zanzibar Museum of Cultural Arts showcases local heritage. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Sultan's Palace and Old Slave Market are key historic sites. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Joseph's Cathedral is worth a visit for its architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Zanzibar International Film Festival celebrated in July. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The entire Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, rich in culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local cultural shows often held at various venues across Stone Town. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Darajani Market for local crafts and produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music available at venues like the New Africa Hotel. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore various murals around Stone Town highlighting local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Zanzibar Cookery offers traditional cooking lessons. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Art galleries are limited; some local artists showcase their work in markets. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Palace Museum showcasing the history of Zanzibar's sultans. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The mix of Arab, Persian, Indian, and European influences showcases the rich history of Stone Town. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Jozani Forest is a short drive from Stone Town, featuring unique wildlife. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park is accessible from Stone Town. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Coastal paths available for scenic views and leisurely walks. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Sunset at the Stone Town waterfront is a must-see. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Jozani Forest is excellent for birdwatching enthusiasts. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beaches such as Nungwi have designated bonfire areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Tanzania Post and courier services like DHL are available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer phone and laptop repairs; check in Stone Town. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers may have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Swahili language classes available at various schools. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The main library in Stone Town provides study areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Zanzibar Cultural Center for various community activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited; few gaming cafes available. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Not prevalent in Zanzibar; entertainment is more focused on cultural activities. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $40,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000). |
| 🏠 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. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $80,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $72,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% for companies. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% applies on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residency-based taxation system with corporate and income taxes. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% for individual income. |
| 🧾 VAT | Value Added Tax is 18%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Precise rules may apply; check local regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on rental value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Taxes on property transfers apply at rates around 4%. |