Kabwe, Zambia 🇿🇲
Nomad Score:
51%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Kabwe is the capital of the Central Province of Zambia and is located approximately 150 km north of Lusaka. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population of 220,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 10-20 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 19 ZMW. ATMs available with cards accepted. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable without purification. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity operates at 230V, 50Hz. Plugs are Type D and G. |
| 📶 SIM Card | MTN and Airtel are the main mobile providers. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Standard banks include Zambia National Commercial Bank (ZNBC) and Stanbic Bank. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local guesthouses, and serviced apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Moderately cashless; credit cards are accepted at larger establishments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is available, with prices starting around $25 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Budget lodges like Safari Lodge offer rooms starting at $15. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking spaces are limited, but Cafe Macha offers reliable wifi. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Macha is popular among locals and offers good working conditions. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check local expat groups on Facebook for meetups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Kabwe Expat Community page on Facebook hosts regular gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt is available for safe ride-hailing. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; renting a bicycle from local shops is possible. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lake Kariba, about 3 hours away, is the nearest beach. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Proflight offers services from Lusaka to Kabwe. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways are popular for international travel. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The Great North Road (T2) provides access to Lusaka and other cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Kabwe Railway Station connects to Lusaka. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Minibuses are the main form of public transport, pay as you go. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses operate frequently to Lusaka and other major towns. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Kabwe General Hospital is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options; check local community centers. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness centers like Fit 'N' Fabulous offer memberships. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats are available; some hotels provide laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Zambezi Express delivers food from local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Nshima with relish is the traditional Zambian dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited; vegetarian dishes are available in local restaurants. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Chatterbox Cafe offers popular desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Kabwe Market is ideal for fresh produce and local foods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Takealot offers varied products with delivery options. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Check local supermarkets like Shoprite for delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Local bars such as Pub N’ Grill provide a nightlife atmosphere. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cobra Beer is a popular local brew available widely. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options; some restaurants serve a selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors sell local favorites, such as fried fish and samosas. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants offer burgers, pizza, and Indian cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Kabwe Mine and the Zambezi River are notable landmarks. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Kabwe Museum showcases local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The old railway station is a historical point of interest. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Kabwe Cathedral offers insight into local culture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Kabwe hosts the Lwiindi Ceremony annually in August. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Visit Kabwe Market for an authentic experience. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local theaters host occasional performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Kabwe Market is bustling with vendors and local crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars often feature live music on weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Look for murals around the town center. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local community centers occasionally offer cooking classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited options; local artists may showcase work at markets. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Old colonial architecture can be seen throughout the city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural mosaics reflect the unity of various Zambian tribes. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Chishimba Falls and the surrounding nature reserves are nearby. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Kafue National Park is accessible for day trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Walking paths around the town are available, though cycling is mainly on roads. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Views from the Kabwe hills offer stunning vistas. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Kabwe's wetlands are excellent for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Local parks have designated areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Post Zambia serve as main parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer device repair, particularly in the town center. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some local gyms have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local schools offer English and Bemba language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Kabwe Community Library is a quiet place for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various community centers cater to local events and gatherings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited, but some cafes offer video games. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No major casinos; some local bars have gaming machines. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $20,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $350 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $14,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $450 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $27,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $300 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $18,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $32,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $275 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $22,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax rates for residents apply. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 37.5%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 16%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, regulations apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Estimated at 10% during property purchases. |