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Gweru, Zimbabwe 🇿🇼
#469 ,

Nomad Score: 49%

Essentials

🏙️ City Gweru is the capital of the Midlands Province of Zimbabwe, located approximately 275 kilometers southwest of Harare.
👥 Population Approximate population of 163,000.
💻 Internet Speed Average internet speed is about 10 Mbps, with some areas offering fiber connections.
💸 Currency & Banking Currency is the Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL). 1 USD ≈ 3,000 ZWL (as of April 2025).
🚰 Tap Water Tap water is not recommended for drinking; bottled water is advisable.
🔌 Power Electricity supply is 240V, 50Hz, ⚡ Type D plugs are commonly used.
📶 SIM Card Mobile providers include Econet and NetOne, offering various prepaid options.
💳 Banking for Expats Cash withdrawals can be made from various banks, including Steward Bank and FBC Bank. Cards are accepted at some places, but cash is preferred.
🛌 Accommodation Options include lodges, guest houses, and Airbnb services. Rates range from $20 to $50 per night.
💳 Cashless Friendly Partially cashless; while some establishments accept cards, cash is still dominant.
🏠 Short Term Rentals Airbnb and local lodges available for short-term stays, typically around $25 to $60 per night.
🛏️ Budget Accommodation Budget hotels and guest houses such as The Campfire Lodge offer rooms starting from $20.
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists The city center is ideal for tourists due to proximity to attractions and amenities.
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads Avenhouse and Arafura estates are popular with expats and digital nomads for long-term stays.

Working and Networking

🏢 Best Coworking Space Currently, coworking spaces are limited. Local coffee shops often facilitate informal work environments.
Best Cafe for Work Café Adonis is known for a good atmosphere with internet access.
💼 Networking Events Look out for Tech and Business forums hosted at the Gweru Convention Centre.
🥂 Social Events for Expats Expats often meet at bars like The Brook and through Facebook groups focused on Zimbabwe expat communities.

Transportation

🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App Taxify (now Bolt) operates in Gweru for easy ride requests.
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental Biking is not popular, but local rentals could be found at specific guest houses.
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby The closest beach is at Lake Chivero, about 2 hours away by car.
✈️ Top Regional Airline Air Zimbabwe operates regional flights from Gweru Airport.
✈️ Top International Airline International flights primarily operate from Harare International Airport.
🛣️ Highway Access Gweru is connected by the A5 highway, which links it to Harare and Bulawayo.
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub Gweru has a major railway station offering connections to Harare and Bulawayo.
🚍 Public Transport Passes Local public transport mainly involves shared taxis and buses, with no formal passes.
✈️ Regional Travel Intercity buses operate frequently to Harare and Bulawayo.

Health and Wellness

🏥 Best Hospital Gweru General Hospital is the main healthcare facility, offering essential services.
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers Limited options; few private studios may offer yoga classes.
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers Fitness Centre Gweru offers good gym facilities.
🧺 Laundry Services Various laundromats are available in Gweru, with prices around $5 for a wash and fold.

Food and Drink

📱 Best Food Delivery App ZimFood is a local food delivery app prevalent in Gweru.
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try Sadza served with a variety of meat and vegetable relishes is a must-try.
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options Restaurants like The Green Bowl offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly meals.
🍫 Best Dessert Spots Sweet Tooth Bakery is popular for local treats and pastries.
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots Visit the Gweru Flea Market for budget-friendly shopping.
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store Online platforms like Jumia offer limited options for delivery.
🛒 Grocery Delivery Some local supermarkets, like Pick n Pay, may offer grocery delivery.
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area The Brook and Ashton's Lounge are popular nightlife spots with vibrant atmospheres.
🍻 Local Brewery Chibuku Beer is a locally produced drink that is widely enjoyed.
🍷 Wine Bars A few local bars offer a selection of imported wines.
🍲 Street Food Stalls Street vendors sell local snacks, especially around the main market.
🍕 Popular International Cuisine Places like The Olive Tree serve diverse international dishes.

Culture and Attractions

🎟️ Must-See Landmarks Visit the Gweru Military Museum for a glimpse into local history.
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues The National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Gweru showcases local art.
🏰 Historical Sites The Zvanaivhu Memorial is a notable historical landmark.
🕍 Religious Sites The St. George's Cathedral is an architectural highlight.
🎉 Annual Events The Gweru Trade Fair takes place annually, attracting various vendors and visitors.
🎨 Cultural Districts Explore the arts and crafts scene near the city center.
🎭 Theater Venues Gweru’s Cultural Centre occasionally hosts performances and events.
🛍️ Local Markets The main market offers a mix of crafts, food, and textiles.
🎼 Music Scene Local music is vibrant, with traditional Shona music often performed at venues.
🎨 Street Art Some murals can be found in the city center reflecting local culture.
🧑‍🍳 Cooking Classes Local culinary schools may offer occasional cooking classes focusing on traditional dishes.
👩‍🎨 Art Galleries The National Gallery has exhibitions from local artists.
🕰️ Historic Buildings Several colonial-era buildings are in Gweru, showcasing its historical richness.
🏴 Local Heritage Gweru is known for its connection to the Shona culture.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes Kamfinsa Park offers a serene environment for walks and picnics.
🏞️ National Parks Nearby Gonarezhou National Park is a bit further but a beautiful escape into nature.
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths There are paths around local parks suitable for walking and jogging.
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints Hill views around Gweru provide picturesque landscapes.
🦉 Birdwatching Locations Gweru's wetlands attract various bird species for birdwatching.
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots Designated picnic areas in parks allow for bonfires.

Other Services and Amenities

📦 Parcel Delivery Service Postal services are available, but consider using DHL for quicker delivery.
🛠️ Tech Repair Services Local computer and mobile repair shops can be found downtown.
🏓 Table Tennis Spots Some community centers offer table tennis facilities.
🧑‍🏫 Language Classes Language schools may offer classes in Shona and English.
📚 Libraries & Study Spots The Gweru Library is a quiet place for study and research.
🏘️ Community Centers Various centers host community events and workshops.
🕹️ Gaming Lounges Limited gaming options exist; local cafes often have gaming setups.
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls Few gambling venues exist; Gweru does not have major casinos.

Business

🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. $500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $20,000).
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $350 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $14,000).
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. $400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $24,000).
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $300 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $18,000).
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. $350 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $28,000).
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $250 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $20,000).
💼 Corporate Tax Corporate tax in Zimbabwe is currently 25%.
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax Dividends are subject to a withholding tax of 15%.
🏦 Tax System Residents are taxed on worldwide income; businesses also adhere to local tax regulations.
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket The maximum personal income tax rate is 45%.
🧾 VAT Standard Value Added Tax rate is currently 14.5%.
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules Yes, strict rules govern overseas entities for tax purposes.
🏠 Property Tax Annual property taxes are applied based on property value.
🏠 Property Transaction Tax The standard rate is 5% of the property sale price.
💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads No specific tax breaks targeted at digital nomads, but expats can benefit from the local economy.

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