Livingstone, Zambia 🇿🇲
Nomad Score:
58%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Livingstone is the gateway city to the Victoria Falls, located on the Zambezi River in southern Zambia. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 150,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average 10-20 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 22 ZMW (Zambian Kwacha) |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not Drinkable |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Airtel, MTN - Purchase available at local shops/airports |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Access to Visa and Mastercard widely, local banks like Zanaco and Stanbic Bank. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and lodges, with Airbnb also available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Moderate, larger establishments accept cards, but cash is widely used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb options are available, with prices around $40-100 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like Jollyboys Backpackers starting at $10 per night. |
| 🏙️ City | Livingstone is a city located in the Southern Province of Zambia, known for its proximity to Victoria Falls, one of the largest and most famous waterfalls in the world. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 125,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average of 10-20 Mbps (varies by provider and location) |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 ZMW ≈ 0.055 USD, ATMs are available, major banks include ZANACO and Stanbic. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type D/G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include MTN, Airtel, and Zamtel; prepaid options are widely available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard accepted at most establishments; cash is often preferred. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels to guesthouses; Airbnb is also available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Moderately cashless friendly; many places accept mobile money but cash is still widely used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses provide options for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Options like Jollyboys Backpackers offer dormitories and budget rooms. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Office Park, offers a good environment for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Zambezi, equipped with Wi-Fi and a pleasant atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups at various hostels and community centers. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expat community gatherings are organized through Facebook groups and local hostels. |
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Workstation - a quiet space with good internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Zambezi - offers a relaxed atmosphere and free Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups are held at The Royal Livingstone Hotel. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expat community gatherings can be found on Facebook groups like 'Livingstone Expats'. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Zambia Taxi, a local ride-hailing service. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options, but some local shops offer bike rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Chobe River beaches, about 30 minutes away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Proflight Zambia, offering connections within Zambia. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | South African Airways, offering flights to various international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Good access via the T1 road connecting to Lusaka. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Livingstone Railway Station, with services to Lusaka and beyond. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific passes; local minibuses are common for short distances. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Bus services are available, with companies like Mazhandu Family Bus Services. |
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and local taxi services are available. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals can be found at local shops like Drifters Adventures. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is about 2 hours away at Lake Kariba. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Proflight Zambia operates regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | British Airways and South African Airways have routes to Livingstone. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main access is via the M10 road connected to Lusaka. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Livingstone railway station serves the main rail routes. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport mainly consists of minibuses; no formal pass system. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Minibus taxis are available for travel to nearby towns and attractions. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Livingstone General Hospital provides emergency and routine care. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Yoga Space Livingstone offers yoga classes and wellness retreats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Spiritual Fitness Gym is a popular option in the city. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Various laundromats and cleaning services are available around town. |
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Livingstone General Hospital is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Peaceful Pines Wellness Retreat offers yoga classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Muscle Factory Gym provides fitness services. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Available through local laundromats like HIRAL 24h Laundry. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food, for local restaurant deliveries. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Zambian Nshima served with various relishes, available in local eateries. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Livingstone is seeing an increase in vegetarian options, with places like Cafe Zambezi catering to plant-based diets. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Zambian Bakery for local baked goods and sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Livingstone Market for fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Zambezi Mall has several shops; local online retailers are limited. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited options, but some hypermarkets offer delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Livingstone Pub and Grill is a popular choice. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Zambia Breweries produces local beers, with tasting tours available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Livingstone Hotel’s bar offers a selection of local and international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Vibrant street food scene near the market, offering local fast food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Several international restaurants, including Indian and Chinese eateries. |
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Zambezi Pizza Delivery services the area. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Nshima - a staple made from cornmeal. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Green Tree is a notable vegetarian restaurant in Livingstone. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Ice Cream Parlor serves a variety of local and international flavors. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like the Livingstone Market offer fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia Zambia offers online shopping for groceries and other goods. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Zambian type grocery delivery services are limited; local stores usually require in-person visits. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Livingstone Lounge is a popular nightlife spot. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Zambian Breweries produces local beers, distributed widely. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Old Bridge offers a selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors are common near Livingstone Market, offering local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Top restaurants include The Royal Livingstone Hotel's restaurant, serving various international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Livingstone Museum offers insights into the history and culture of Zambia. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Victoria Falls Bridge offers historical perspective and breathtaking views. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Christ Church is a historic site in Livingstone. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Livingstone Cultural and Arts Festival showcases local culture and talent. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Cultural experiences available in the township areas surrounding Livingstone. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Live performances often held at various local venues and hotels. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Livingstone Market is a hub for local goods and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The city hosts various live music events, especially during tourist seasons. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Public spaces and local markets feature traditional Zambian art. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes available through local community programs. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Bryce's Art Gallery showcases local artists' works. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old railway station is a testament to Livingstone's colonial past. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural workshops available from locals showcasing traditional crafts. |
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Victoria Falls - considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Livingstone Museum showcases local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The remains of the Old Drift area tell stories of early colonialism. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Andrew's Church is a landmark of colonial architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Livingstone Carnival is a significant annual festival. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the local crafts and art in the Livingstone Market. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Livingstone Arts & Crafts Centre hosts performances and local arts. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Livingstone Market is vibrant and offers a range of local produce and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music venues hold performances typically on weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Some areas in Livingstone showcase local street art, particularly murals. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary workshops are offered at local community centers. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Lizulu Art Gallery features works from local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Old colonial buildings in the city center illustrate Livingstone's past. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Livingstone is rich in stories relating to British explorer David Livingstone. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, offering scenic views and wildlife. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is accessible for gorilla trekking. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along the Zambezi River provide scenic routes. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Devil's Pool at Victoria Falls offers breathtaking views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Zambezi National Park is a hotspot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated camping sites near the Zambezi River allow bonfires. |
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park offers stunning wildlife and landscapes. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Zambezi National Park is accessible and notable for its wildlife. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along the Zambezi River are scenic for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoints along Victoria Falls provide breathtaking views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is ideal for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated campsites in national parks are bonfire-friendly. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local postal services available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer phone and laptop repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some community centers have recreational facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | English and local language classes are available through community programs. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Livingstone Library for quiet study areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Livingstone Community Center offers various activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited options, but a few cafes provide gaming consoles. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Few casinos available, but local establishments offer limited gaming options. |
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local couriers offer delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Livingstone has several repair shops for mobile and computer devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers may have ping pong tables available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Some local centers offer English and local language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Livingstone Public Library offers resources for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Livingstone Community Centre hosts various cultural activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Few gaming lounges exist; gaming occurs mostly at home or in cafes. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are limited gaming options; most gaming happens in informal settings. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $650 per m², with 40 m² = $26,000. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $500 per m², with 40 m² = $20,000. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $600 per m², with 60 m² = $36,000. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $450 per m², with 60 m² = $27,000. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $550 per m², with 80 m² = $44,000. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $400 per m², with 80 m² = $32,000. |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Zambia operates a progressive tax system for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 37.5% |
| 🧾 VAT | 16% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, specific rules apply for foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax applies based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% on property sales. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $20,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $300 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $12,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $24,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $250 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $15,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $350 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $28,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $16,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% for individuals and companies. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Zambia has a progressive tax system for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 37.5% |
| 🧾 VAT | 16% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax applies based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 10% on property purchases. |