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Guide
Lusaka, Zambia πΏπ²
#312
,
Nomad Score:
54%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Lusaka is the capital and largest city of Zambia, known for its dynamic culture and growing economy. |
π₯ Population | Approx. 2 million |
π» Internet Speed | Average speed of 20-30 Mbps |
πΈ Currency & Banking | Zambian Kwacha (ZMW) - Approx. 1 USD β 22 ZMW |
π° Tap Water | Not drinkable, recommended to use bottled water |
π Power | 230V, 50Hz, π Type D adapters commonly used |
πΆ SIM Card | MTN and Airtel are the main mobile providers offering good coverage and data plans. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, and many banks offer services for expatriates. |
π Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and serviced apartments through platforms like Airbnb. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted in major establishments, but cash is still widely used. |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local listings on websites like OLX and Facebook Marketplace. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostels such as Fawlty Towers and Lilayi Lodge offer budget-friendly options. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Kabulonga and Woodlands known for their amenities and proximity to attractions. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Kabulonga and Arcades are preferred for their co-working spaces and cafes. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | The Office, located in the city center, offers a collaborative work environment. |
β Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Zambezi is known for its good coffee and free Wi-Fi. |
πΌ Networking Events | Regular meetups and entrepreneurial events hosted by organizations like Startup Zambia. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Expat groups on Facebook and WhatsApp facilitate social gatherings and information sharing. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt and Uber operate in Lusaka for convenient transportation. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; primarily local bike rental shops are available. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Lusaka is landlocked; closest water bodies are Lake Kariba and Lake Tafika, a few hours away. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Proflight Zambia offers regional connections. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | Ethiopian Airlines and Emirates provide direct flights from Lusaka. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Major roads like the Great East Road connect Lusaka to key towns across Zambia. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Lusaka Railway Station serves as a hub for train travel. |
π Public Transport Passes | No formal public transport pass, but minibuses are widely used for local commuting. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Bus services like Mazhandu Family Bus Services connect to major cities. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | University Teaching Hospital (UTH) is the largest and well-equipped facility. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Wellspring Yoga Studio offers various classes. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Snap Fitness provides modern fitness facilities. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Wash & Fold services available in neighborhoods like Woodlands. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Bolt Food and Jumia Food are popular for local cuisine delivery. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Nshima with relish is a staple dish that should not be missed. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Bistro Grill offers a range of vegetarian dishes. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | Patisserie Bakery is recommended for sweet treats. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Woodlands Shopping Mall offers various budget-friendly grocery options. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia and Zambezi Market for online shopping. |
π Grocery Delivery | Zambia Online Grocer delivers groceries throughout Lusaka. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Longacres and Arcades are vibrant nightlife districts. |
π» Local Brewery | Zambezi Breweries offers local beers and tasting experiences. |
π· Wine Bars | The Wine Cellar in Kabulonga provides a selection of wines. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Try local street food at Freedomway Market. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Hungry Lion serve popular fast food options. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | The Independence Arch and Lusaka National Museum are key attractions. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | The Lusaka National Museum showcases Zambian culture. |
π° Historical Sites | The Old Clock Tower is a significant historical marker. |
π Religious Sites | Cathedral of the Holy Cross is a notable landmark. |
π Annual Events | Lusaka July and the Zambian International Trade Fair are noteworthy events. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | Manda Hill is known for its cultural and artistic vibrancy. |
π Theater Venues | The Lusaka Playhouse hosts a variety of performances. |
ποΈ Local Markets | City Market is popular for local crafts and goods. |
πΌ Music Scene | Venues like the Afro-brasserie host local music concerts. |
π¨ Street Art | Vibrant murals can be found in the CBD showcasing Zambian talent. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Cooking with Zeddy offers classes on traditional Zambian cuisine. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | The 37D Gallery features contemporary Zambian art. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The Supreme Court building is an architectural highlight. |
π΄ Local Heritage | The traditional Chitenge fabric reflects Zambian heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | Lusaka National Park offers nature experiences close to the city. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Kafue National Park is a few hours drive away for safari adventures. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along the Lusaka Golf Club are ideal for walking and cycling. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | The Kopje viewpoint provides panoramic views of Lusaka. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | The Lusaka Wetlands attract various bird species. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some campsites near Kafue offer bonfire settings. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx provide reliable parcel delivery. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Tech repair shops like FixIt offer good services. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Lusaka Sports Club has facilities for table tennis. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | English language classes available at various institutions. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | The National Archives of Zambia offers study spaces. |
ποΈ Community Centers | The Lusaka Community Centre hosts various social events. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | GameOn is a popular arcade and gaming venue. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | The casino at the Intercontinental Hotel provides gaming options. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 50 mΒ² = $60,000) |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per mΒ² (e.g., 50 mΒ² = $40,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,600 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = $96,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = $72,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,900 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = $152,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = $120,000) |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 35% |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
π¦ Tax System | Progressive income tax system implemented. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 37.5% |
π§Ύ VAT | 16% |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable tax regulations for foreign companies. |
π Property Tax | Annual property tax based on property value. |
π Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 10% of property purchase price. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No source-based taxation for remote work. |