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Guide
Essentials
🏙️ City | Livingstone is a city on the Zambezi River in southern Zambia, known for its proximity to Victoria Falls and a rich history tied to exploration. |
👥 Population | approximately 100,000 |
💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 10-20 Mbps. |
💸 Currency & Banking | 1 ZMW ≈ 0.055 USD; ATMs are available but card acceptance is variable. |
🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; it's advised to use bottled water. |
🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/D sockets. |
📶 SIM Card | MTN and Airtel are popular providers with good coverage. |
💳 Banking for Expats | FNB, Stanbic Bank; International cards accepted by major banks. |
🛌 Accommodation | Options include guesthouses, hotels, and Airbnb; prices range from $20 to $100 per night. |
💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is the preferred method but mobile payment options like Airtel Money are growing. |
🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb options start at around $30 per night. |
🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Jollyboys Backpackers offer beds from $10. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Close to Victoria Falls, notably in the town center. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Areas around the city center and near the river offer a good mix of amenities. |
Working and Networking
🏢 Best Coworking Space | Victoria Falls Business Center offers desk space and meeting rooms. |
☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Zambezi is great for remote work with Wi-Fi and a relaxed atmosphere. |
💼 Networking Events | Look for events on local Facebook groups and community boards. |
🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join the Livingstone Expats group on Facebook for meetups. |
Transportation
🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Yango offers reliable ride-hailing options in Livingstone. |
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local shops rent bicycles for around $10 per day. |
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Not applicable; Livingstone is near the Zambezi but lacks traditional beaches. |
✈️ Top Regional Airline | Proflight Zambia operates domestic flights. |
✈️ Top International Airline | South African Airways and Kenya Airways have international routes. |
🛣️ Highway Access | Good access via the T1 highway connecting to Lusaka. |
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Livingstone Railway Station offers limited train services. |
🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal public transport passes; minibuses are common for local transport. |
✈️ Regional Travel | Minibuses connect Livingstone to nearby towns like Choma and Kazungula. |
Health and Wellness
🏥 Best Hospital | Livingstone General Hospital provides basic healthcare services. |
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Tranquil Space offers yoga classes and wellness retreats. |
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fit for Life Gym is a popular spot for fitness enthusiasts. |
🧺 Laundry Services | Various laundromats exist; expect prices around $5 for a standard load. |
Food and Drink
📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats is available for food deliveries. |
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Nshima, a traditional Zambian staple made from maize. |
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Green 5 offers vegan and vegetarian dishes. |
🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sugar 'n' Spice serves delicious cakes and desserts. |
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Check local markets for budget-friendly options, like the Livingstone Market. |
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia Zambia offers online shopping. |
🛒 Grocery Delivery | Shop n' Go provides grocery delivery services. |
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Livingstone region has lively bars such as the Livingstone Pub. |
🍻 Local Brewery | Royal Wave Brewery offers local beer tasting tours. |
🍷 Wine Bars | No specific wine bars noted, but larger restaurants often have wine selections. |
🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various stalls near markets offer local street food options. |
🍕 Popular International Cuisine | The Golden Leaf serves a variety of international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Victoria Falls is the main attraction, renowned for its breathtaking beauty. |
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Livingstone Museum showcases local history and culture. |
🏰 Historical Sites | David Livingstone's first church is a notable historical site. |
🕍 Religious Sites | The Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul is a prominent church in the area. |
🎉 Annual Events | Livingstone hosts the Victoria Falls Carnival every April. |
🎨 Cultural Districts | The town center reflects a mix of Zambian and colonial architecture. |
🎭 Theater Venues | Community halls occasionally host plays and events. |
🛍️ Local Markets | Livingstone Market offers local crafts and foods. |
🎼 Music Scene | Local bars frequently feature Zambian music artists. |
🎨 Street Art | Murals can be seen around the city, highlighting local culture. |
🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Various local chefs offer cooking classes focusing on Zambian cuisine. |
👩🎨 Art Galleries | Check out the Zambia Arts Association’s exhibitions. |
🕰️ Historic Buildings | Many colonial buildings are present in the city center. |
🏴 Local Heritage | The city celebrates its heritage through various community events. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is nearby for game viewing and scenery. |
🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Victoria Falls National Park is a must-visit for nature lovers. |
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The pathways along the Zambezi River offer scenic views. |
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Devil's Pool at Victoria Falls is a thrilling viewpoint. |
🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands near Livingstone are excellent for birdwatching. |
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain camping sites near the Zambezi allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local postal services offer efficient parcel delivery. |
🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local electronics shops offer basic repair services. |
🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers may have ping pong tables available. |
🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local schools and private tutors offer English and local languages. |
📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Livingstone Library offers quiet study areas. |
🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers facilitate various workshops and events. |
🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited, but some cafes may have gaming options. |
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Livingstone Casino offers a few gaming options. |
Business
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000) |
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $24,000) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $42,000) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $30,000) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $650 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $52,000) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $450 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $36,000) |
💼 Corporate Tax | 35% |
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
🏦 Tax System | Zambian tax system based on income and capital gains. |
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 37.5% |
🧾 VAT | 16% |
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No specific CFC rules in place. |
🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax applies based on property value. |
🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Government charges a property transfer tax of about 5%. |
💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Zambia does not have a special tax regime for digital nomads but offers a straightforward tax system. |