Zanzibar City, Tanzania 🇹🇿
#251 -6.16649, 39.207431

Nomad Score: 60%
Overview Guide Scores Costs

Essentials

🏙️ City Zanzibar City is the capital of Zanzibar, known for its rich history and stunning beaches.
👥 Population Approximate population is around 200,000.
💻 Internet Speed Average internet speed is approximately 10-20 Mbps.
💸 Currency & Banking 1 USD ≈ 2,300 TZS. ATMs are available, but it's advisable to carry cash.
🚰 Tap Water Not drinkable, it is recommended to drink bottled water.
🔌 Power Electricity is provided at 230V, 50Hz; common plug types are Type G.
📶 SIM Card Local providers include Vodacom, Airtel, and Tigo with prepaid SIMs available.
💳 Banking for Expats Visa and Mastercard are commonly accepted, but local banks may charge high fees for foreign cards.
🛌 Accommodation Options range from luxury hotels to budget hostels; Airbnb is also available.
💳 Cashless Friendly Cash transactions are preferred, though some establishments accept cards.
🏠 Short Term Rentals Airbnb and local guesthouses are popular for short stays.
🛏️ Budget Accommodation Backpackers can find hostels starting at approximately $10 per night.

Working and Networking

🏢 Best Coworking Space Zanzibar Coffee House has a cozy space for remote work.
☕ Best Cafe for Work Forodhani Gardens Cafe offers good coffee and a pleasant atmosphere for working.
💼 Networking Events Look for events on Facebook groups for expats to network with fellow nomads.
🥂 Social Events for Expats Zanzibar Expat Community Facebook Group holds regular meetups and social gatherings.

Transportation

🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App Uber is not available, but taxis can be hired easily; negotiate prices before starting.
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental Scooter rental shops are available downtown, starting from $10 per day.
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby Nungwi Beach, about 1 hour away, offers stunning waters and vibrant nightlife.
✈️ Top Regional Airline Precision Air provides local flights to mainland Tanzania.
✈️ Top International Airline KLM and Ethiopian Airlines offer regular international flights to Zanzibar.
🛣️ Highway Access Main roads connect Zanzibar City to multiple beaches and surrounding areas.
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub Zanzibar does not have a train service; public transport consists mainly of dala-dalas (minibuses).
🚍 Public Transport Passes Dala-dala fares are generally around 1,000 TZS for local routes.
✈️ Regional Travel Ferries travel regularly to Dar es Salaam, taking about 2 hours.

Health and Wellness

🏥 Best Hospital Government Hospital in Zanzibar City offers basic healthcare. Private clinics like Zanzibar Medical Centre are also present.
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers Kisima Spa & Wellness Center provides yoga classes and spa services.
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers Zanzibar Gym and Tzaya Fit Gym offer good facilities for fitness enthusiasts.
🧺 Laundry Services Laundromats are available; many accommodations provide laundry services as well.

Food and Drink

📱 Best Food Delivery App Jumia Food is the most popular delivery service on the island.
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try Zanzibar mix (a street food dish) and seafood pilau are must-try local dishes.
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options Green Garden offers a variety of vegetarian dishes using local ingredients.
🍫 Best Dessert Spots Forodhani Gardens offers delicious local pastries and sweets at night markets.
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots Darajani Market is a great spot for local produce and snacks.
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store Kilimanjaro Online Shop delivers various products to your location.
🛒 Grocery Delivery Supermarket delivery services are limited; consider visiting shops in person.
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area Stone Town is known for its vibrant nightlife and numerous bars.
🍻 Local Brewery Safari Lager is a popular local beer.
🍷 Wine Bars Although not prevalent, some restaurants offer a selection of imported wines.
🍲 Street Food Stalls Street vendors line the Forodhani Gardens with fresh seafood and local snacks.
🍕 Popular International Cuisine Places like LUKmaan Restaurant offer a mix of local and international dishes.

Culture and Attractions

🎟️ Must-See Landmarks Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a must-visit for its historical significance.
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues The Old Fort and the Palace Museum provide rich insights into local history.
🏰 Historical Sites Visit the House of Wonders, a historic building reflecting Zanzibar's cultural heritage.
🕍 Religious Sites The Old Fort and various old mosques in Stone Town represent diverse religious heritage.
🎉 Annual Events Zanzibar International Film Festival is held annually in July.
🎨 Cultural Districts Stone Town has vibrant and colorful streets teeming with culture and artistry.
🎭 Theater Venues Zanzibar Cultural Center often hosts performances and traditional music events.
🛍️ Local Markets Darajani Market sells local crafts and fresh produce.
🎼 Music Scene Live music is prevalent in many bars, showcasing Taarab and local music genres.
🎨 Street Art Art can be spotted throughout Stone Town on walls and buildings.
🧑‍🍳 Cooking Classes ZanCooking offers local cooking classes, focusing on traditional dishes.
👩‍🎨 Art Galleries Nyerere Cultural Centre features local artists and holds exhibits.
🕰️ Historic Buildings The Old Fort is a brilliant example of 17th-century architecture.
🏴 Local Heritage Zanzibar's spice trade history forms a crucial part of its cultural identity.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is known for its unique red colobus monkeys.
🏞️ National Parks Nearby Nungwi and Kendwa beaches are beautiful for relaxation and sunset views.
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths Paths along the coast provide scenic views and are great for walking or cycling.
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints The view from the top of the Cliffs of Nungwi is stunning at sunset.
🦉 Birdwatching Locations The Jozani Forest is a great spot for birdwatching and nature walks.
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots Many beaches allow bonfires; it's best to check with locals about regulations.

Other Services and Amenities

📦 Parcel Delivery Service DHL and local couriers provide parcel delivery services.
🛠️ Tech Repair Services Local computer repair shops can be found in Stone Town.
🏓 Table Tennis Spots Local community centers may have table tennis facilities.
🧑‍🏫 Language Classes Language schools in Stone Town offer Kiswahili classes for expats.
📚 Libraries & Study Spots The Zanzibar Library is a quiet place for study.
🏘️ Community Centers The Zanzibar Youth Centre hosts various community events and gatherings.
🕹️ Gaming Lounges Gaming centers are limited; some cafes might have gaming consoles available.
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls Zanzibar does not have official casinos, but some hotels have gaming areas.

Business

🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., a 40 m² studio = $40,000).
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., a 40 m² studio = $32,000).
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., a 60 m² apartment = $54,000).
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., a 60 m² apartment = $42,000).
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. $850 per m² (e.g., an 80 m² apartment = $68,000).
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $650 per m² (e.g., an 80 m² apartment = $52,000).
💼 Corporate Tax The corporate tax rate is around 30%.
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax The dividend withholding tax rate is approximately 10%.
🏦 Tax System Tanzanian residents are taxed on their worldwide income.
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket The maximum personal income tax rate is 30%.
🧾 VAT The standard VAT rate is 18%.
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules CFC rules exist but are not very strict.
🏠 Property Tax Annual property tax rates can vary significantly but are generally considered low.
🏠 Property Transaction Tax Property transaction taxes are around 1% of the purchase price.