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Guide
Essentials
🏙️ City | Ndola is the third-largest city in Zambia and serves as a hub for copper mining and industry. |
👥 Population | Approximate population is around 200,000. |
💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 10-20 Mbps. |
💸 Currency & Banking | Zambian Kwacha (ZMW); 1 USD ≈ 22 ZMW. |
🚰 Tap Water | Mostly non-drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
🔌 Power | Electricity is generally 220V, 50Hz; Type G sockets are common. |
📶 SIM Card | MTN and Airtel are popular mobile providers offering various prepaid packages. |
💳 Banking for Expats | Banks such as Standard Chartered and Barclays are widely used; Visa and MasterCard are accepted. |
🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local guesthouses, and serviced apartments in neighborhoods such as Copperbelt. |
💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless transactions are becoming more popular, especially with mobile money. |
🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are available for short-term stays. |
🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Budget lodgings like Ndola Hotel and local hostels are available. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Central Ndola area and near the Copperbelt Museum. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Copperbelt suburb is good for a longer stay with more amenities. |
Working and Networking
🏢 Best Coworking Space | Verve Coworking Space is recommended for remote work. |
☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Konga offers a quiet atmosphere and free Wi-Fi. |
💼 Networking Events | Madame's Networking Group hosts regular meet-ups for expats. |
🥂 Social Events for Expats | Events are often organized by the Ndola Expat Community on Facebook. |
Transportation
🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxify and Uber are operational for convenient ride-hailing. |
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; however, local bike rentals can be found near parks. |
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lake Tanganyika is approximately 2 hours away for beach activities. |
✈️ Top Regional Airline | Proflight Zambia offers regional flights. |
✈️ Top International Airline | South African Airways serves international routes. |
🛣️ Highway Access | Well-connected by the Great North Road (T2) to Lusaka. |
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Ndola Railway Station serves rail transportation needs. |
🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses and roadside minibusses offer affordable travel; no formal passes available. |
✈️ Regional Travel | Buses operate to Lusaka, Kitwe, and other major cities. |
Health and Wellness
🏥 Best Hospital | Ndola Central Hospital provides essential medical services. |
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga in the Park offers weekly sessions. |
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First Ndola has various workout options. |
🧺 Laundry Services | Quick Wash Laundry Service available downtown. |
Food and Drink
📱 Best Food Delivery App | Zambia-based delivery app, 'Bolt Food', offers various choices. |
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Nshima with grilled fish is a must-try local dish. |
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like The Green Plate offer vegetarian meals. |
🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Zambia’s Sweet Haven Bakery specializes in local sweets and treats. |
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like the Ndola Market offer affordable produce. |
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia Zambia provides a wide range of online shopping options. |
🛒 Grocery Delivery | Checkers and Pick n Pay offer delivery services in the area. |
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Limba's Lounge is popular among locals and expats alike. |
🍻 Local Brewery | Zambian Breweries offers local beer tours. |
🍷 Wine Bars | Bordeaux Wine Bar features a selection of local and imported wines. |
🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer local delicacies near the Ndola central market. |
🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like La Cantina serve Italian dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Copperbelt Museum is a key tourist attraction. |
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Ndola Art Gallery promotes local artists. |
🏰 Historical Sites | The old mine sites provide insights into Ndola's mining history. |
🕍 Religious Sites | St. Mary’s Cathedral is a notable local church. |
🎉 Annual Events | Copperbelt Music Festival attracts both locals and tourists annually. |
🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the city center for cultural experiences and markets. |
🎭 Theater Venues | Zambia National Theater hosts various performances. |
🛍️ Local Markets | Ndola Market showcases local crafts and foods. |
🎼 Music Scene | Check out local music performances at Ndola's nightlife venues. |
🎨 Street Art | Walls around the city feature vibrant murals by local artists. |
🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes at local community centers provide authentic Zambian cuisine experiences. |
👩🎨 Art Galleries | Contemporary Zambian art is displayed at local galleries. |
🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Ndola Railway Station building is an architectural landmark. |
🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural pride is reflected in community events and celebrations. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Lukulu Wetlands is a serene escape located a short drive away. |
🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Kaoma National Park is accessible for wildlife enthusiasts. |
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | There are many recreational paths around Ndola's parks. |
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Overlooks at local parks provide beautiful views of the landscape. |
🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Nearby wetlands are ideal for birdwatching. |
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | The Ndola Botanical Gardens allow controlled bonfires in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx offer reliable parcel delivery services. |
🛠️ Tech Repair Services | QuickFix Tech Repair provides repairs for electronics. |
🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have table tennis facilities. |
🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools in the area provide lessons in English and local languages. |
📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Ndola City Library is a quiet place for studying. |
🏘️ Community Centers | Various centers hold events and classes for community engagement. |
🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local cafes offer gaming setups for entertainment. |
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Giant's Casino provides options for gaming and entertainment. |
Business
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 3,500 ZMW per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 140,000 ZMW) |
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 2,800 ZMW per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 112,000 ZMW) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 3,200 ZMW per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 192,000 ZMW) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 2,500 ZMW per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 150,000 ZMW) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 3,000 ZMW per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 240,000 ZMW) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 2,300 ZMW per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 184,000 ZMW) |
💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
🏦 Tax System | Zambia follows a source-based taxation system. |
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 37.5% |
🧾 VAT | 16% |
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules are in place. |
🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax applies based on property value. |
🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% on property purchases. |
💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Tax treaties may apply depending on your residence; consult local regulations. |