Chingola, Zambia 🇿🇲
#1833
-12.547492, 27.860042
Nomad Score:
46%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Chingola is a mining town located in the Copperbelt Province of Zambia. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 140,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speeds are around 5-10 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Zambian Kwacha (ZMW). 1 USD ≈ 22 ZMW. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; official instructions recommend boiling or using bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, Type D sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Airtel and MTN are the main providers; SIM cards are available at shops and kiosks. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Standard Bank, Zanaco, and FNB offer services to expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb and local guesthouses are the primary options. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Partially cashless, cards accepted at some establishments, but it's better to carry cash. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through Airbnb, averaging $25-$50 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Inexpensive guesthouses and budget hotels, such as Namuzonde Lodge. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | There are limited coworking spaces; consider working from cafes or local libraries. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Bistro Café is a popular spot for remote work with reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local Chambers of Commerce may hold networking events sporadically. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join expat groups on Facebook for meetups and events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is not available; use local taxis or a boda-boda service. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Not readily available; cycling can be done in rural areas. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | N/A; Chingola is inland and not near any beaches. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Proflight Zambia serves regional flights from Ndola International Airport nearby. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Ethiopian Airlines and Zambian Airways connect through Lusaka. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to T4 Highway connects to major cities like Lusaka and Ndola. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Chingola has a train station that connects to other major towns. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Mainly through local buses; passes not commonly used. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect to major cities; expect travel times of several hours. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Chingola General Hospital is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options; consider private sessions with local practitioners. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Chingola Fitness Center offers basic gym services. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats are available, like Dazzle Laundromat. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | QuickEats is a local option, but limited choices are available. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Nshima served with various relishes, a staple Zambian dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Several local eateries offer vegetarian options, but they may be limited. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Try Zambezi Bakery for local pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Chingola Market for fresh produce at low prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia Zambia offers various products online. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited services available; consider local grocery shops. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Kafue Lodge is popular for nightlife and meals. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Zambia Breweries offers tours and tastings, located near Ndola. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited wine options; local restaurants may offer a small selection. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near markets sell local snacks, such as samosas and biltong. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Local fast food outlets like Chicken Inn offer quick meals. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Chingola Clock Tower and nearby Copperbelt Museum. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Copperbelt Museum showcases the region's mining history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Nkana West and the historical mines nearby. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Anthony's Catholic Church is a notable site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Chingola Carnival in July features local culture and food. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Various local neighborhoods embody Zambian culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited; community theaters may host local productions. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Chingola Market is vibrant with local crafts and foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local pubs often feature traditional Zambian music. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Public murals can be found downtown reflecting the local culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Private classes may be available through local chefs. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Emerging, local artists may display at community events. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Remnants of colonial architecture can be seen in the town. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural festivals often celebrate local history and traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Kafue River is nearby for relaxation and picnics. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Kafue National Park, about a 2-hour drive, is accessible for day trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited; walking or cycling in the quieter parts of town is possible. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Lookouts over the Copperbelt landscape can be found at nearby locations. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands near Kafue are ideal for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Consider picnic areas along the Kafue River. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL operates services, and local courier options are available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like Chingola Tech Services offer smartphone and computer repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers may host recreational tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local expat groups sometimes offer informal language exchange. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The town has a small library with limited resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community halls host various activities and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited; local gaming shops often offer consoles for rent. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no casinos; local bets may be placed at authorized locations. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $36,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $24,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $48,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $30,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $56,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $450 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $36,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial tax for residents and expats. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 37.5%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 16%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict rules exist. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Based on annual rental value, generally low. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 6% on property purchases. |