Mutare, Zimbabwe πΏπΌ
Nomad Score:
50%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Mutare is the fourth-largest city in Zimbabwe, located near the eastern border with Mozambique. |
π₯ Population | Approximately 180,000 residents. |
π» Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 7 Mbps, but varies based on provider. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | Currency is the Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL). Visa and Mastercard are accepted widely. |
π° Tap Water | Generally not drinkable. It's recommended to use bottled water. |
π Power | Electricity supply is 220V, 50Hz, with Type D and G sockets. |
πΆ SIM Card | Providers include Econet, NetOne, and Telecel, with good coverage across the city. |
π³ Banking for Expats | ZB Bank and CBZ Bank offer services for expats, including account opening in USD. |
π Accommodation | Options include local guesthouses, hotels, and rental apartments on platforms like Airbnb. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, there are mobile payment solutions like EcoCash widely accepted. |
π Short Term Rentals | Available on Airbnb and local real estate platforms. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Affordable lodging can be found at places like the Eastern Highlands Hotel. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | Chawasarira Community Center offers a quiet space for remote work. |
β Best Cafe for Work | Indigo Cafe provides free Wi-Fi and a comfortable atmosphere. |
πΌ Networking Events | Local business networking events are hosted monthly at the Chamber of Commerce. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Meetup events can be found on Facebook groups such as Mutare Expats. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt operates in the Mutare area, offering affordable rides. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available at the Mutare City Council bike share program. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Sunset Beach on Lake Chivhu is about a 1-hour drive from Mutare. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Air Zimbabwe and Fastjet operate regional flights from Mutare. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | South African Airways and Ethiopian Airlines provide international connections. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Access to the A3 highway, connecting to Harare and the East. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Mutare Railway Station serves regional train services. |
π Public Transport Passes | Commuter omnibuses available for local travel without a formal pass. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Buses from Mutare to nearby cities like Harare operate regularly. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Mutare Provincial Hospital is the main health facility in the city. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Wellness centers like The Light House offer yoga and fitness classes. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness 24 is a popular gym in the city offering various training programs. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Laundry services are available at local laundromats such as Sparkle Laundromat. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | HungryBites and Mr D Deliveries have options for takeaway and delivery. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Sadza ne Nyama, a staple dish of Zimbabwe made with cornmeal and meat. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Tandai's and the Greenhouse Cafe offer vegan-friendly meals. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | Visit Sweet Tooth Bakery for a variety of delicious pastries. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Mutare Market offer fresh produce at budget prices. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | ZimAllOnline and Arosys are local platforms for online shopping. |
π Grocery Delivery | Check out Choppies for grocery delivery services in the city. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | The Treetops Bar is known for its vibrant nightlife and local drinks. |
π» Local Brewery | Great Zimbabwe Brewery offers local craft beers and brewery tours. |
π· Wine Bars | Explore Chandlery Wines for a selection of local and imported wines. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Several stalls at Mutare Market offer local snacks like Chikanda. |
π Popular International Cuisine | The Golden Peacock serves Chinese cuisine favored by locals. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Mutare Museum and the nearby Bvumba Mountains for stunning views. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | The Mutare Museum showcases local history and cultural exhibits. |
π° Historical Sites | The Old Mutare mission is an important historical site to explore. |
π Religious Sites | St. Augustine's Church is a notable landmark in the city. |
π Annual Events | The Manicaland Cultural and Arts Festival occurs every October. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | Explore the Craft Village for local crafts and artisan goods. |
π Theater Venues | The Mutare Arts Centre hosts various performances and local arts events. |
ποΈ Local Markets | The Mutare Flea Market is popular for unique local products. |
πΌ Music Scene | Live music events can be found at various pubs around the city. |
π¨ Street Art | Various murals can be seen throughout downtown Mutare. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Local culinary schools offer classes on traditional Zimbabwean cuisine. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Visit the Art Gallery at the Mutare Arts Centre for local artworks. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The old railway station building holds historical significance. |
π΄ Local Heritage | The Mutare stone sculptures are significant symbols of local heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | The Bvumba Mountains offer beautiful trails and scenery for hiking. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Vumba Botanical Gardens provide stunning views and local flora. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths are available around Makoni Estates for leisure walks and cycling. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | Samalima Viewpoint is a popular spot for breathtaking views. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | The Bvumba highlands are renowned for birdwatching. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas in the Bvumba Mountains allow for bonfires, check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx offer shipping services within the city. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Local tech shops such as Tech Hub provide gadget repairs. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Community centers frequently host table tennis sessions. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Institutions like Alliance FranΓ§aise offer language lessons. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | The Mutare Public Library is a great place for reading and study. |
ποΈ Community Centers | The Mutare Community Centre offers various activities and workshops. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Gaming venues are limited, but some local cafes offer gaming facilities. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | The Mutare Casino offers a range of gaming experiences. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $900 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = $36,000). |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $600 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = $24,000). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $850 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = $51,000). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $550 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = $33,000). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $800 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = $64,000). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $500 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = $40,000). |
πΌ Corporate Tax | The corporate tax rate is currently 25%. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | The tax rate applied to dividend distributions is 15%. |
π¦ Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income subject to certain exemptions. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | The maximum personal income tax rate is 50%. |
π§Ύ VAT | The standard Value Added Tax rate is 14.5%. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules apply to foreign subsidiaries. |
π Property Tax | Yes, based on property values and location. |
π Property Transaction Tax | A tax of 5% is applicable during property purchases. |