Bulawayo, Zimbabwe 🇿🇼
#467
,
Nomad Score:
51%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Bulawayo is the second largest city in Zimbabwe, known for its rich history and cultural diversity. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 650,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 10-15 Mbps, with some areas reaching up to 25 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 3,900 ZWL (Zimbabwean Dollar), cash is often preferred but international cards are accepted in major locations. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; it is advised to use bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type D/G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available providers include Econet and NetOne. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Standard Chartered and Ecobank are popular choices among expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels to guesthouses and private rentals listed on Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; major cards accepted at some hotels and restaurants, but cash is more widely used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available via Airbnb and local real estate agents. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include Bulawayo Backpackers. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The city center or the vicinity of the National Museum. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Suburbs like Hillside or Burnside for quieter environments and reliable internet. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Ikhaya Co-Working Space offers good facilities for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Gumbo's Place is excellent for working with good coffee and free Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Tech community meetups are held regularly at venues like The Bulawayo Club. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Bulawayo Expat Meetup group on Facebook organizes monthly gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt operates in Bulawayo and is a reliable option for getting around. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; better to use rented cars or taxis. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lake Kariba is approximately a 5-hour drive away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Zimbabwe provides domestic flights from Bulawayo. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Ethiopian Airlines offers connections through Addis Ababa. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The Bulawayo–Harare Highway (A5) provides good connectivity. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Bulawayo Railway Station serves as the main transit point. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local combis (shared taxis) are the most common form of public transport. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Bulawayo to nearby cities like Harare and Victoria Falls. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Mater Dei Hospital is the most well-regarded healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Zimbabwe offers classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Club Zimbabwe provides modern gym facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Super Laundry offers a convenient laundry service. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats operates in select areas of Bulawayo. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Sadza served with beef stew is a must-try traditional meal. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Green Room Cafe offers a good selection of plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Victoria Falls Bakery is well-known for its pastries and cakes. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Bulawayo Market has a range of affordable local produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local online shopping options include Zimall. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Choppies Supermarkets offers grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | 21 on Eighth is popular for nightlife and live music. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Bulawayo has several craft breweries including Zimbabwe Brewing Company. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Shop offers a good selection of local and international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near the city center serve delicious local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Nando's provides a familiar taste of Portuguese cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The National Gallery and Khami Ruins are essential visits. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe showcases local wildlife. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Old Bulawayo Ruins are significant historical landmarks. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Centenary Park hosts various religious and cultural events. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Bulawayo Arts Festival is held annually and celebrates local artists. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Cowdray Park is vibrant with local culture and community spirit. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Bulawayo Theatre hosts various performances and shows. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Breeze Market offers a range of local crafts and foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music venues can be found along the city center's nightlife stretch. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The walls near the city center feature vibrant murals created by local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Taste Zimbabwe offers traditional cooking classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo showcases local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Bulawayo City Hall is a notable architectural landmark. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Ndebele culture is prominently represented throughout the city. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Matobo National Park is a short drive away, known for its landscapes and wildlife. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Hwange National Park is within a few hours' drive, famous for its elephants. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Public parks such as Nkulumane Park have nice walking paths. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Batoka Gorge offers stunning viewpoints and trails. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Matobo Hills are excellent for birdwatching, especially for raptors. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Many parks allow bonfires; check local regulations first. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services offer parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech shops downtown provide phone and computer repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The Bulawayo Language School offers Shona and Ndebele classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Bulawayo Public Library is a quiet place for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Southern African Development Community (SADC) maintains community outreach. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Game Over Lounge features gaming facilities. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Bulawayo Casino provides various gaming and entertainment options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $36,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $750 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $45,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $950 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $76,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $56,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed based on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 50% |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict regulations exist. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Tax assessed based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate of 3% on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific tax benefits, but a relatively low cost of living. |