Mutare, Zimbabwe 🇿🇼
#470
,
Nomad Score:
49%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Mutare is the fourth largest city in Zimbabwe, located in the eastern part of the country, near the border with Mozambique. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 185,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 20-30 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is the Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL). 1 USD ≈ ZWL 350. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not recommended to drink tap water; bottled water is advisable. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity: 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type D and G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Econet and NetOne offering decent mobile internet. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Cash transactions are common; international banking options include EcoBank and Stanbic Bank. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include guesthouses, lodges, and Airbnb rentals. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Some establishments accept card payments, but cash is more widely used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses available for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels and budget guesthouses such as Mutare Backpackers. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The city center and vicinity of the Eastern Highlands are popular among tourists. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The city center provides access to amenities and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Space for Creatives is a popular coworking option with internet access. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Manna Coffee Shop offers a conducive atmosphere for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Techmeetups are organized monthly; check local social media for updates. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expat groups on Facebook facilitate meetups and social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt operates in Mutare though traditional taxis are also available. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options available; best to use taxis or public transport. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Chipinge Beach, approximately 90 minutes from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Zimbabwe is the main carrier for regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Ethiopian Airlines offers international connections via Addis Ababa. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main highway linking Mutare to Harare is A3. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Mutare Railway Station is the primary transport hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | ZUPCO provides public transportation; inquire locally for passes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis available for travel to nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Mutare Provincial Hospital provides essential health services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options; try local gyms that offer group classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First Gym offers workout facilities and classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available; inquire at guesthouses for services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food operates in Mutare, providing local delivery options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Sadza with Nyama (a staple dish) is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Garden of Eden Cafe offers various plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Hugo's Bakery is famous for its cakes and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mutare Market for fresh produce and local snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Check out local ZimStock for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local chain supermarkets may offer limited delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Lodge Bar is a popular nightlife spot for locals and expats. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Mutare has few small breweries; try local beer brands. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Not widely available; local wines can be found in shops. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various options available at Mutare Market for quick bites. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Several restaurants serve Asian and European cuisines. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Mutare Museum and the nearby Bvumba Mountains. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Mutare Museum showcases local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the historical railway station for its architectural significance. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Cathedral of St. Mary is the main church of the city. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Mutare Arts Festival attracts artists and performers each year. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The city center is where cultural activities mainly occur. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Community theater holds performances regularly. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Visit the local flea markets for crafts and trinkets. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars showcase live music on weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Look for murals around the city, especially near the train station. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Some local chefs offer cooking classes highlighting traditional meals. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Check out the Arts Society of Zimbabwe gallery in Mutare. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Explore the colonial architecture scattered throughout the city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The British colonial past is evident in many public buildings. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Bvumba Mountains provide beautiful hiking trails and scenery. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Nyanga National Park is about an hour away, famous for its landscapes. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths leading to nearby hills are good for recreational walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Viewpoints along the Bvumba road offer breathtaking vistas. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Mtarazi Falls area is a known spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Bvumba Mountains have designated areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx operate in the city for parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops available for mobile and computer repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers may have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local institutes may offer English and Shona classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Mutare Public Library offers quiet study areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Check out the Mutare Community Centre for events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited options available; watch local forums for gaming events. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | A small casino exists within a major hotel in Mutare. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $400 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $16,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $300 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $12,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $350 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $21,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $250 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $15,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $24,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $230 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $18,400). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Based on worldwide income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Currently up to 50%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% standard Value Added Tax. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, regulations apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typically around 5% during property transfers. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific incentives; tax based on income and residence. |