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Guide
Mutare, Zimbabwe πΏπΌ
#470
,
Nomad Score:
51%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Mutare is the fourth largest city in Zimbabwe, located in the eastern part of the country, near the border with Mozambique. |
π₯ Population | Approximately 185,000. |
π» Internet Speed | Average speed of 20-30 Mbps. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | Currency is the Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL). 1 USD β ZWL 350. |
π° Tap Water | Not recommended to drink tap water; bottled water is advisable. |
π Power | Electricity: 220V, 50Hz, π Type D and G sockets. |
πΆ SIM Card | Major providers include Econet and NetOne offering decent mobile internet. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Cash transactions are common; international banking options include EcoBank and Stanbic Bank. |
π Accommodation | Options include guesthouses, lodges, and Airbnb rentals. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Some establishments accept card payments, but cash is more widely used. |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses available for short-term stays. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostels and budget guesthouses such as Mutare Backpackers. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The city center and vicinity of the Eastern Highlands are popular among tourists. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The city center provides access to amenities and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | Space for Creatives is a popular coworking option with internet access. |
β Best Cafe for Work | Manna Coffee Shop offers a conducive atmosphere for remote work. |
πΌ Networking Events | Techmeetups are organized monthly; check local social media for updates. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Expat groups on Facebook facilitate meetups and social gatherings. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt operates in Mutare though traditional taxis are also available. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options available; best to use taxis or public transport. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Chipinge Beach, approximately 90 minutes from the city center. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Air Zimbabwe is the main carrier for regional flights. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | Ethiopian Airlines offers international connections via Addis Ababa. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Main highway linking Mutare to Harare is A3. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Mutare Railway Station is the primary transport hub. |
π Public Transport Passes | ZUPCO provides public transportation; inquire locally for passes. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis available for travel to nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Mutare Provincial Hospital provides essential health services. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options; try local gyms that offer group classes. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First Gym offers workout facilities and classes. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Local laundromats available; inquire at guesthouses for services. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food operates in Mutare, providing local delivery options. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Sadza with Nyama (a staple dish) is a must-try. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Garden of Eden Cafe offers various plant-based meals. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | Hugo's Bakery is famous for its cakes and pastries. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Mutare Market for fresh produce and local snacks. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Check out local ZimStock for online shopping. |
π Grocery Delivery | Local chain supermarkets may offer limited delivery services. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Lodge Bar is a popular nightlife spot for locals and expats. |
π» Local Brewery | Mutare has few small breweries; try local beer brands. |
π· Wine Bars | Not widely available; local wines can be found in shops. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Various options available at Mutare Market for quick bites. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Several restaurants serve Asian and European cuisines. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Mutare Museum and the nearby Bvumba Mountains. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Mutare Museum showcases local history and culture. |
π° Historical Sites | Visit the historical railway station for its architectural significance. |
π Religious Sites | Cathedral of St. Mary is the main church of the city. |
π Annual Events | The Mutare Arts Festival attracts artists and performers each year. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | The city center is where cultural activities mainly occur. |
π Theater Venues | Community theater holds performances regularly. |
ποΈ Local Markets | Visit the local flea markets for crafts and trinkets. |
πΌ Music Scene | Local bars showcase live music on weekends. |
π¨ Street Art | Look for murals around the city, especially near the train station. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Some local chefs offer cooking classes highlighting traditional meals. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Check out the Arts Society of Zimbabwe gallery in Mutare. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | Explore the colonial architecture scattered throughout the city. |
π΄ Local Heritage | The British colonial past is evident in many public buildings. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | Bvumba Mountains provide beautiful hiking trails and scenery. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Nyanga National Park is about an hour away, famous for its landscapes. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths leading to nearby hills are good for recreational walking. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | Viewpoints along the Bvumba road offer breathtaking vistas. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Mtarazi Falls area is a known spot for birdwatching. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Bvumba Mountains have designated areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx operate in the city for parcel delivery. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Local shops available for mobile and computer repairs. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers may have table tennis facilities. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Local institutes may offer English and Shona classes. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | Mutare Public Library offers quiet study areas. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Check out the Mutare Community Centre for events and activities. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Limited options available; watch local forums for gaming events. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | A small casino exists within a major hotel in Mutare. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $400 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = $16,000). |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $300 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = $12,000). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $350 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = $21,000). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $250 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = $15,000). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $300 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = $24,000). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $230 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = $18,400). |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 25% tax rate. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% tax on dividends. |
π¦ Tax System | Based on worldwide income for residents. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | Currently up to 50%. |
π§Ύ VAT | 15% standard Value Added Tax. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, regulations apply. |
π Property Tax | Annual property tax based on assessed value. |
π Property Transaction Tax | Typically around 5% during property transfers. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific incentives; tax based on income and residence. |