Masvingo, Zimbabwe 🇿🇼
#1402
,
Nomad Score:
49%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Masvingo is the capital city of Masvingo Province, located in Zimbabwe, known for its historical significance and proximity to the Great Zimbabwe ruins. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 90,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speeds of around 10-20 Mbps, but can vary significantly. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is the Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL). International credit cards are accepted at some places, but cash is preferred. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not recommended to drink unboiled tap water. Bottled water is widely available. |
| 🔌 Power | Voltage is 240V, 50Hz. Sockets are Type D and G. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Mobile providers include Econet and NetOne. SIM cards can be bought at major shops and require registration. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Standard Bank and EcoCash widely used, offering services suitable for expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include guest houses, hotels, and Airbnb, with ranges from $20-$70 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Cashless payments are becoming more accepted, especially in urban areas, but cash remains king for small vendors. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is available, primarily in residential areas, with prices starting from $25 a night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Budget options include the Masvingo Hotel and various backpackers’ lodges, starting at $15. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Great Zimbabwe area for historical access and scenic views. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The city center offers amenities and coworking options, ideal for longer stays. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Currently, no dedicated coworking spaces, but cafes in the city center offer good work environments. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Coffee Shop on Main Street provides a cozy atmosphere with WiFi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local business forums sometimes host networking events; check community boards. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Expats in Zimbabwe' are active for community meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Econet's 'Hail a Taxi' offers on-demand transport services. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited bike rental services; most explore on foot or traditional taxis. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lake Mutirikwi, about 30 minutes away, offers scenic views and water activities. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Fastjet and Air Zimbabwe operate domestic flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | South African Airways and Ethiopian Airlines for international travel. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | A4 Highway connects Masvingo to Harare and Beitbridge. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Masvingo Train Station provides limited services, primarily freight. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Minibus taxis are widely used; no formal public transport passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Minibus services connect nearby cities such as Bikita, Gutu, and Zaka. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Masvingo General Hospital is the primary facility, but private clinics are available. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Few options; check local community boards for wellness events. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Local private gyms are available, with a small selection of facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services available at hotels and select laundromats in town. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Food delivery is limited; popular local restaurants may offer deliveries. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Sadza is the staple dish, often served with meat and vegetables. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited, but local supermarkets offer a good selection of fruits and vegetables. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sugar Bush Cafe offers local desserts and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Chow-Good Food Market offers affordable local produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Zimpost is the primary postal service, with limited e-commerce options. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited options; local markets offer fresh goods. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The city has a few bars; popular choices include The Club House. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Eagle Lager is a favorite local beer. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options; local markets sell wines from nearby regions. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local vendors sell snacks like biltong and fried dough. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Some restaurants offer Chinese and Indian cuisine, with quality varying. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Great Zimbabwe National Monument is the most significant historical attraction. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Masvingo Museum features local historical artifacts. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Great Zimbabwe ruins date back to the 11th century. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Joseph's Cathedral, a notable church in the town. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Great Zimbabwe International Festival runs annually, showcasing cultural heritage. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The city center has a mix of businesses reflecting local culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local performances happen sporadically at community centers. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Masvingo Market is vibrant with local crafts and goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local events host traditional Zimbabwean music occasionally. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art is emerging but limited in variety. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local restaurants may offer classes; check community boards. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited; local cultural centers may have exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The remnants of the colonial architecture can be found throughout the city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Rich heritage associated with the ancient Great Zimbabwe civilization. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Lake Mutirikwi is a popular nature escape for locals and visitors. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Gonarezhou National Park is a few hours away, featuring wildlife and beautiful landscapes. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Few marked paths; locals often walk or cycle on rural roads. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Viewpoints at the Great Zimbabwe ruins offer stunning vistas. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Lake Mutirikwi is a wonderful spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in parks and campsites encourage bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local postal services are available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Few local shops offer basic tech repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers have facilities for table sports. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Limited options; informal classes may be found through community boards. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Masvingo Library is the main location for reading and study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers host various cultural events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | None specifically; local vendors often have video games available for play. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Very limited options for gaming entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approximately $600 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $24,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approximately $450 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $18,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approximately $550 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $33,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approximately $400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $24,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approximately $500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $40,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approximately $350 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $28,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Currently at 25%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax system for individuals; corporate taxes apply to companies. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% for incomes above a certain threshold. |
| 🧾 VAT | 14.5%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are regulations governing taxation of foreign entities. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual taxes based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% on property sales. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Currently, no specific tax benefits targeted at digital nomads. |