Bulawayo, Zimbabwe 🇿🇼
Nomad Score:
49%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Bulawayo is Zimbabwe's second-largest city, known for its colonial architecture and cultural heritage. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 650,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speeds around 10 Mbps, depending on service provider and location. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 1,000 ZWL (Zimbabwean Dollar). ATMs available but cash is often needed. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity supply is 220V, 50Hz, with Type D and G sockets. Regular power cuts may occur. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Main mobile providers include Econet, NetOne, and Telecel, with prepaid options widely available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | NatBank and Steward Bank are commonly used, with access to international services through agents. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and Airbnb rentals, with average prices around $30-60 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Not widely cashless; mobile payments are gaining popularity but cash is still preferred. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are popular for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include The Nest and other budget guesthouses in town. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Venture Coworking offers flexible desk space and a vibrant community. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Mugg & Bean at the Bulawayo Centre is popular among remote workers for its free Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Chambers of Commerce and various tech meetups happen regularly; check local Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Monthly expat meet-ups are organized in local restaurants; check the Bulawayo Expat Facebook Group. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt and Uber operate in Bulawayo, providing safe and affordable transport options. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited bike rental availability; personal bicycles are more common. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No beaches; closest lake is Lake Kariba, 5 hours away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Zimbabwe offers regional flights from Bulawayo. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Regional flights mainly connect through Harare; no major airlines directly in Bulawayo. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The A5 Highway connects to Harare and major cities. Good access for road trips. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Bulawayo Railway Station serves as the main transit hub for train travel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport mainly consists of shared taxis (combis) with fares around $1-2. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and taxis service routes to nearby towns and cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | United Bulawayo Hospitals is the largest public healthcare facility with emergency services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga@Yard offers wellness classes and yoga sessions. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness clubs like Fleek Fitness and Virgin Active offer gym facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromats and washing services available in the city center. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Bolt Food and Uber Eats are popular for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Sadza served with stew or relish is a staple local dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Various cafes and restaurants offer vegetarian dishes, particularly at café venues. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Ice Cream Galore for delicious desserts and homemade ice cream. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Supermarkets like OK Zimbabwe and TM pick N Pay for budget shopping. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia and other local online platforms offer shopping services. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermarkets like Spar offer delivery services in the city. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Fifth Avenue and the city center host popular bars and nightlife spots. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Dawn Brew is a local brewery known for its craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Cellar downtown offers a great selection of local and imported wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer local snacks like biltong and pies around the city. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Several restaurants offer Chinese, Indian, and Italian cuisines. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Natural History Museum and Bulawayo Railway Museum are key attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Bulawayo Art Gallery showcases local art and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the Matobo Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage site with rock art. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Anglican Cathedral of St. Mary and St. John offers architectural beauty. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Zimbabwe International Trade Fair attracts attendees from around the world. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Visit areas like Khumalo for vibrant cultural experiences. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Bulawayo Theatre hosts local performances and shows. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Bulawayo Market is popular for local crafts and fresh produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music venues and pubs regularly feature local bands and artists. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore the murals and street art scattered across Bulawayo. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cookery schools often host classes in Zimbabwean cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Various galleries showcase contemporary Zimbabwean art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Victorian-era buildings line the city center, showcasing colonial history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Check out the Bulawayo Railway Station and its historical significance. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Explore the Matobo National Park for hiking and wildlife experiences. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Hwange National Park is a few hours away, known for its elephants. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The city has several parks with walking routes, including Centenary Park. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Find great views at the Mzilikazi Art and Craft Centre. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Matobo Hills offer excellent birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Public parks such as Queens Park allow fire events in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx provide local and international shipping services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Gadgets have repair shops in major malls in Bulawayo. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Various community centers host table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | English is widely spoken; Shona and Ndebele classes available. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The National Gallery of Zimbabwe offers quiet spots for reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community halls often host events for locals and expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | There are limited gaming lounges; most gaming occurs in private homes. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Bulawayo Casino offers gaming options along with dining facilities. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $40,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $54,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $42,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $850 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $68,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $48,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Currently, 25% corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividends are taxed at 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Tax system is based on worldwide income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 50%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 14.5%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules apply for taxation of foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax system is based on market value assessments. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate of 4% during property purchases. |