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Masvingo, Zimbabwe 🇿🇼
#1402 ,

Nomad Score: 51%

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.

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