Lusaka, Zambia 🇿🇲
Nomad Score:
52%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Lusaka is the capital city of Zambia, known for its vibrant culture and economic opportunities. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 2 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 10-20 Mbps, with some coworking spaces offering higher speeds. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 18 ZMW. Zambia's currency is the Zambian Kwacha (ZMW). Major banks include Stanbic Bank and Zambia National Commercial Bank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, Type G sockets. Load shedding occurs occasionally. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available from providers such as Airtel and MTN, with prepaid options. SIM cards are easily obtainable at shops and kiosks. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Most major banks accept international cards; mobile banking is popular. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, short-term rentals, and local guesthouses. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Slowly improving, but cash is still king in many places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Blue Sky Hostel offer affordable options. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Work in Progress, located in Woodlands, provides a great environment for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Ristorante, known for its good coffee and ambiance. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check out events hosted by Lusaka Connect Meetup on Facebook for networking opportunities. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Lusaka Expat Community on Facebook hosts various meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt and Uber are popular options for getting around Lusaka. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; bikes can be rented in some areas, but not widely available. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lake Kariba, a few hours drive from Lusaka, offers beach-like experiences. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Proflight Zambia operates domestic flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | South African Airways and Ethiopian Airlines have flights to Lusaka. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major highways connect Lusaka with the rest of Zambia; the Great East Road is notable. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Lusaka Railway Station serves as the primary train hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is mainly via minibuses; no formal pass system. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Intercity buses are available through companies like Mazhandu Family Bus Service. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | University Teaching Hospital (UTH) is the largest and best-equipped. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Wellness World offers yoga classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First and The Edge Gym are popular fitness centers in Lusaka. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Various laundry services are available including The Wash House. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | ZamFood and Jumia Food are popular food delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try nshima, a staple food made from maize meal. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Mamma Mia's offers a range of vegetarian options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sweet Indulgence is known for its cakes and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Soweto Market offers a variety of affordable local foods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia Zambia serves as a popular online marketplace. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Pick n Pay and Spar offer grocery delivery options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Arcades Mall area features multiple bars and restaurants. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Zambia Breweries produces popular local beers like Mosi. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Café e’Caffe offers a nice selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food stalls around Cairo Road serve local street food options. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Check out The Royal Dil for Indian food. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Freedom Statue and the Lusaka National Park. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Zambia National Museum showcases the country’s history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Look for the old British Colonial buildings and the Lusaka Railway Station. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Cathedral of the Holy Cross is a prominent place of worship. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Lusaka Festival is held every August, celebrating local culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Hilltop area is known for its community and cultural events. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Lusaka Playhouse hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Sunday Market is a great place for local crafts and arts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Natasha’s Music Venue hosts local Zambian artists and performances. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals can be found in various neighborhoods, especially near schools. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Try a cooking class at Lando's Cultural Village. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Henry Tayali Art Gallery features Zambian artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Mint building is a great example of colonial architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Zambian flag symbolizes the country’s rich history and culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Lusaka National Park is close, ideal for wildlife spotting. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Lower Zambezi National Park is a few hours drive away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Mulungushi River Trail is perfect for walking or cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoints at Munda Wanga Environmental Park offer great sights. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Zambezi River wetlands are excellent for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some campsites near the river allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx offer reliable delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Places like TechnoFix offer quality tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Youth Sports Center has table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The Zambia Language Centre offers English and local language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Lusaka Library offers a quiet place to study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Lusaka Community Centre hosts various activities and classes. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Game Network has a good setup for gaming enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Manda Hill Casino offers gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $36,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $28,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $850 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $51,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $36,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $64,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $550 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $44,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial taxation with certain exemptions. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 37.5% |
| 🧾 VAT | 16% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable under certain conditions. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on capital value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% for property transfer. |