Masvingo, Zimbabwe 🇿🇼
#1402
-20.072014, 30.834193
Nomad Score:
47%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Masvingo is the capital of Masvingo Province and is located near the Great Zimbabwe ruins. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 85,000 inhabitants. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 10-20 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | The currency is the Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL). 1 USD is roughly equivalent to 1,295 ZWL. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally not safe to drink; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 240V, 50Hz with Type D and G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Local providers include Econet, NetOne, and Telecel. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major banks like Stanbic and CBZ accept international debit and credit cards. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guest houses, and private rentals; sites like Airbnb and local agencies are available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited acceptance of cards; cash transactions are preferred. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through local agencies and platforms like Airbnb. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Affordable options include the dormitory at Masvingo Backpackers and local guesthouses. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Currently, there are no dedicated coworking spaces in Masvingo; local cafes are used for work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The coffee shop 'Zimbo's Coffee' is popular among remote workers. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Networking opportunities are rare; local community events and meetups can be found on social media. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups and local meetups provide social interaction opportunities for expats. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt is available for rides, alongside local taxi services. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; renting bicycles from local shops is possible but not common. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lake Mutirikwi, about 30 minutes away, is the closest recreational water spot. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Zimbabwe operates domestic flights from Masvingo to Harare. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | International flights generally go through Harare Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via the A9 highway connecting to Harare. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Masvingo's train station connects to the national rail network. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport consists mainly of combis (shared taxis) with no passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Taxi and bus services are available for intercity travel. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Masvingo General Hospital is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited wellness centers; yoga can be found in local community classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Local gyms like Elegance Gym offer basic fitness facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are available in hotels and local laundromats. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | ZimFood offers local delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Sadza with Nyama and vegetable relish is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Options are limited; local markets provide fresh vegetables for self-catering. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | 'Bakers Inn' is popular for cakes and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Masvingo's local markets, such as the Central Market, are great for budget shopping. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Most e-commerce options are limited; local options like 'ZimPapers' offer some goods. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | No major grocery delivery services are available currently. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The nightlife is centered around bars and restaurants near the city center. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | The local beer, Chibuku, is widely available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited wine bars; restaurants often serve local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer various snacks like fried fish and fresh fruits. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Local Indian and Chinese restaurants are available. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Great Zimbabwe National Monument is a UNESCO World Heritage site. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Great Zimbabwe Museum showcases the area's history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The ruins of Great Zimbabwe itself are a significant historical site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Anglican Cathedral of St. Francis is a notable church. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Great Zimbabwe International Festival takes place annually. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Zimbabwean cultural heritage can be explored in local crafts markets. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local performance art is mainly held in community centers. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Masvingo Central Market is a vibrant place for local goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars often host live music featuring traditional Zimbabwean music. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Art is often displayed in local markets and community spaces. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes focusing on traditional Zimbabwean cuisine are occasionally offered. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited galleries; most art can be found in markets. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Historic colonial buildings are scattered throughout the city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Shona people’s cultural heritage is preserved in various forms. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Lake Mutirikwi offers boating and fishing opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Gona re Zhou National Park is accessible for wildlife viewing. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Walking trails near Great Zimbabwe provide scenic views. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Viewpoints at the Great Zimbabwe ruins are stunning. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Lake Mutirikwi is popular for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain camping areas near the lakes allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local postal services are available for deliveries. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited tech repair shops; larger repairs may need to be done in Harare. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some community centers have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language classes focusing on English and Shona can be found locally. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public libraries offer reading spaces, though collections are limited. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers host various cultural events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Very few gaming lounges; most gaming is home-based. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Not widely available; entertainment centers offer limited gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $24,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $450 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $18,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $30,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $24,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $550 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $44,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $380 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $30,400). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | The corporate tax rate is 25%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The dividend withholding tax rate is 20%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | The tax system is progressive with various income brackets. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | The maximum personal income tax rate is 40%. |
| 🧾 VAT | The standard VAT rate is 14.5%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict regulations apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax is based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | A 5% property transaction tax applies. |