Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Lusaka is the capital and largest city of Zambia, known for its dynamic culture and growing economy. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 2 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 20-30 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Zambian Kwacha (ZMW) - Approx. 1 USD ≈ 22 ZMW |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, recommended to use bottled water |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type D adapters commonly used |
| 📶 SIM Card | MTN and Airtel are the main mobile providers offering good coverage and data plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, and many banks offer services for expatriates. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and serviced apartments through platforms like Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted in major establishments, but cash is still widely used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local listings on websites like OLX and Facebook Marketplace. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels such as Fawlty Towers and Lilayi Lodge offer budget-friendly options. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Kabulonga and Woodlands known for their amenities and proximity to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Kabulonga and Arcades are preferred for their co-working spaces and cafes. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Office, located in the city center, offers a collaborative work environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Zambezi is known for its good coffee and free Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups and entrepreneurial events hosted by organizations like Startup Zambia. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expat groups on Facebook and WhatsApp facilitate social gatherings and information sharing. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt and Uber operate in Lusaka for convenient transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; primarily local bike rental shops are available. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lusaka is landlocked; closest water bodies are Lake Kariba and Lake Tafika, a few hours away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Proflight Zambia offers regional connections. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Ethiopian Airlines and Emirates provide direct flights from Lusaka. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major roads like the Great East Road connect Lusaka to key towns across Zambia. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Lusaka Railway Station serves as a hub for train travel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal public transport pass, but minibuses are widely used for local commuting. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Bus services like Mazhandu Family Bus Services connect to major cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | University Teaching Hospital (UTH) is the largest and well-equipped facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Wellspring Yoga Studio offers various classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Snap Fitness provides modern fitness facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Wash & Fold services available in neighborhoods like Woodlands. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Bolt Food and Jumia Food are popular for local cuisine delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Nshima with relish is a staple dish that should not be missed. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Bistro Grill offers a range of vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Patisserie Bakery is recommended for sweet treats. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Woodlands Shopping Mall offers various budget-friendly grocery options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia and Zambezi Market for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Zambia Online Grocer delivers groceries throughout Lusaka. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Longacres and Arcades are vibrant nightlife districts. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Zambezi Breweries offers local beers and tasting experiences. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Cellar in Kabulonga provides a selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Try local street food at Freedomway Market. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Hungry Lion serve popular fast food options. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Independence Arch and Lusaka National Museum are key attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Lusaka National Museum showcases Zambian culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Old Clock Tower is a significant historical marker. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Cathedral of the Holy Cross is a notable landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Lusaka July and the Zambian International Trade Fair are noteworthy events. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Manda Hill is known for its cultural and artistic vibrancy. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Lusaka Playhouse hosts a variety of performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | City Market is popular for local crafts and goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Venues like the Afro-brasserie host local music concerts. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Vibrant murals can be found in the CBD showcasing Zambian talent. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking with Zeddy offers classes on traditional Zambian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The 37D Gallery features contemporary Zambian art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Supreme Court building is an architectural highlight. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The traditional Chitenge fabric reflects Zambian heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Lusaka National Park offers nature experiences close to the city. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Kafue National Park is a few hours drive away for safari adventures. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along the Lusaka Golf Club are ideal for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Kopje viewpoint provides panoramic views of Lusaka. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Lusaka Wetlands attract various bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some campsites near Kafue offer bonfire settings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx provide reliable parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech repair shops like FixIt offer good services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Lusaka Sports Club has facilities for table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | English language classes available at various institutions. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The National Archives of Zambia offers study spaces. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Lusaka Community Centre hosts various social events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | GameOn is a popular arcade and gaming venue. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The casino at the Intercontinental Hotel provides gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $40,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $96,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $152,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $120,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 35% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive income tax system implemented. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 37.5% |
| 🧾 VAT | 16% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable tax regulations for foreign companies. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 10% of property purchase price. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No source-based taxation for remote work. |