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Zanzibar City, Tanzania 🇹🇿
#251
,
Nomad Score:
57%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Zanzibar City, also known as Stone Town, is the historical and cultural heart of Zanzibar, located on the western coast of the island. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is around 200,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 10-20 Mbps in urban areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 2,350 TZS; Major banks include CRDB Bank and NMB Bank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Voltage is 230V, 50Hz, with Type D/G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Local providers include Vodacom, Airtel, and Tigo. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard accepted; mobile money options are popular. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options vary from luxury resorts to budget hostels; Airbnb is also available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash transactions are preferred, especially in local markets. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Booking.com offer various short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels such as Jambo Guesthouse and Shangani Hotel offer affordable stays. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Stone Town is the best area for tourists with its rich history and close proximity to beaches. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Nungwi and Kendwa offer beachfront accommodation with coworking options and social scene. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Zanzibar Coworking Space located in Stone Town. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Zenji Cafe offers a relaxed atmosphere with good Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups organized through local Facebook groups and expat networks. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Zanzibar International Film Festival provides a great platform for networking. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is not available; local taxis can be booked through Uber-like apps like Bolt. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooter rentals are available near Stone Town; options include Zanzibike. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Nungwi Beach is one of the most popular beaches nearby, approximately 1 hour from Stone Town. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Tanzania serves regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines provide international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The main road connects Stone Town to the northern beaches and Zanzibar airport. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Zanzibar City does not have a train system; public buses operate locally. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific public transit passes; local daladala (minibuses) are affordable. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Ferries operate to Dar es Salaam, with numerous daily services. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Mnazi Mmoja Hospital is the largest healthcare facility on the island. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Zanzibar Yoga offers classes and wellness retreats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Zanzibar Fitness is one of the few gyms in Stone Town. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are available through local hotels and laundromats. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food offers a variety of local meal deliveries. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Octopus curry and Zanzibari pizza are must-try local dishes. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Archipelago Restaurant and Cafe Africa offer excellent vegetarian options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | For dessert, try the local favorite 'Kashata' at Forodhani Gardens. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Darajani Market is a bustling spot for local produce and goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia and Kilimall offer e-commerce services. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Lulu Supermarket offers grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Stone Town's Old Fort area is great for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Zanzibar Amber is a popular local beer. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Café Kivulini offers a selection of international and local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Forodhani Gardens has many street food vendors in the evenings. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Places like The Silk Route serve international dishes alongside local cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Old Fort and House of Wonders are must-see historical sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Zanzibar Museum of History and Culture showcases the island's rich past. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Freddie Mercury's House and the Palace Museum are popular historical spots. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Old Slave Market and various mosques throughout the city. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Zanzibar International Film Festival and Sauti za Busara music festival. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a rich cultural mix. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Old Fort sometimes hosts cultural performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Darajani Market is famous for its vibrant local products. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local taarab music can be experienced in various venues. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street murals can be found throughout Stone Town. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Marco Polo Restaurant offers Zanzibari cooking classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Dr. Livingstone's Gallery features local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Visit the Sultan's Palace, a key historic building in the city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Zanzibar's heritage is influenced by Arab, African, and European cultures. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Jozani Forest is home to the red colobus monkeys. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Jozani Forest National Park is the only national park on the island. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Walking paths around Stone Town are scenic and popular. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Sunset viewpoints can best be enjoyed from the beaches in Nungwi. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Jozani Forest is also an excellent birdwatching spot. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beaches in Nungwi offer bonfire-friendly spaces. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services handle parcel deliveries. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Mobile phone repair shops are available in Stone Town. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Swahili language classes are offered at various institutions. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Zanzibar Library has resources for research and study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Zanzibar Youth Centre hosts various community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gamers can meet at spots like Zanzibar Games Lounge. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casinos are limited, with few options available in hotels. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = $45,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = $36,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,700 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $85,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $70,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $128,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is approximately 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Tax rate applied to dividend distributions is approximately 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Zanzibar follows a territorial tax system, taxing income generated within its borders. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is around 30%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 18%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, limited regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on assessed value and varies. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Tax applied during property purchases is approximately 4%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No capital gains tax; fairly attractive for remote workers. |