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Gweru, Zimbabwe 🇿🇼
#469
,
Nomad Score:
50%
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. |