Ndola, Zambia 🇿🇲
Nomad Score:
47%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Ndola is the second-largest city in Zambia and a key industrial center located in the Copperbelt Province. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 500,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 10-20 Mbps, with some areas offering up to 40 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 ZMW ≈ 0.063 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type D/G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available from Airtel and MTN. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted; local banks include Zanaco and Stanbic Bank. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, guesthouses, and hotels like Protea Hotel by Marriott Ndola. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Partially cashless; cards are accepted in most restaurants and shops, but cash is preferred. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Booking.com offer available options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Affordable guesthouses such as Ndola Backpackers or local lodges. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | No major coworking spaces, but informal setups in cafes like Café Eclair are popular. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Eclair offers a good atmosphere and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check local listings for events at Ndola Golf Club or social media groups for expats. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Meetup groups on Facebook and local sports events provide networking opportunities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt operates in Ndola, with local taxis also available. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are limited; walking and taxis are more common. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lake Bangweulu is about a 2-3 hours drive for beach access. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Proflight Zambia. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Ethiopian Airlines and South African Airways connect Ndola internationally. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the Great North Road (T2) and the Copperbelt Highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Ndola Train Station connects to other major cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Mini-bus taxis are the most common and economical public transport. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and taxis available between Ndola, Kitwe, and Luanshya. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Ndola Teaching Hospital is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options; consider local gyms that may offer classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness centers like The Arena provide gym facilities and group classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Dry cleaning and laundry services are available in major hotels and local laundromats. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food offers food delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Nshima with wild mushrooms or fish; local izi mwanga (samosas) are popular. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited, but restaurants like Tooters offer vegetarian meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Café Eclair and The Coffee Shop have great desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Markets like the Ndola Central Market offer affordable local food and produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia is the main online shopping platform for various goods. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Check local stores, as options for delivery are generally limited. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Popular spots include The Ndola Golf Club and local pubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Zambian Breweries provides local beer options. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited wine bars; some restaurants serve imported wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local stalls serve snacks like Chikanda (African potato). |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Several establishments offer Chinese, Indian, and Italian cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Ndola Museum and the Copperbelt Railway. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Ndola Museum showcases local culture and history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The old railway station is a historical landmark. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Local churches include St. John's Cathedral. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Carnival of Ndola is celebrated annually. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Ndola Central Market offers a glimpse into local culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local theaters host cultural shows, such as Ndola Arts Theatre. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Central Market offers various local produce and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars host live music events on weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Look for murals in urban areas around town. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local culinary schools occasionally offer classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited; visit local markets for handmade crafts. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Ndola City Hall is a notable architectural site. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Zambian culture is celebrated through festivals and community events. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Kafue National Park is a few hours away, great for wildlife. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The nearby Nkamba Hills offer hiking opportunities. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited; walking in parks like Ndola Forest is recommended. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Ndola Plateau provides views over the Copperbelt. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Local parks and reserves, such as the Ndola Forest Reserve, attract birds. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some local parks may allow bonfires; check with park authorities. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local services available for parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops provide electronic and computer repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some community centers have recreational tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local universities offer English and Bemba language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Ndola Library is a quiet space for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community centers like Ndola Youth Centre host various activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Home gaming options are more common; dedicated lounges are limited. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Limited options; check local gambling facilities. |
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. $750 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $45,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $550 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $33,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $56,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $40,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial basis for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 37.5%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 16%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, guidelines for taxation are enforced. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual taxes based on property values. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% on property purchases. |