Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe 🇿🇼
#468
,
Nomad Score:
52%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Victoria Falls is a resort town in Zimbabwe, located near the famous waterfalls of the same name, making it a popular tourist destination. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 35,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of 10 Mbps, depending on the provider. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 126 ZWL (Zimbabwean Dollar), USD is widely accepted. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type D sockets are commonly used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Econet and NetOne, with decent 4G coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banking services available at Stanbic Bank, CBZ Bank, and FBC. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from luxury hotels like Victoria Falls Hotel to budget stays in hostels. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless options, but businesses increasingly accept mobile payments like Ecocash. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb offers good options for short stays; typical prices range from $30 to $150 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Backpackers Lodge and Victoria Falls Backpackers offer budget-friendly stays starting around $20 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Town Center, close to attractions and restaurants. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | An area near the Zambezi River, known for its tranquility and proximity to coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Nest - a shared workspace environment with high-speed internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Coffee House - offers free Wi-Fi and comfortable seating. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups are organized through local tourism boards and expat groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Victoria Falls Expats Facebook Group hosts gatherings and provides local advice. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | SafeRide and local taxi services are available; negotiate fares beforehand. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Available at several local shops; typical prices are around $10 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No beaches, but Zambezi River offers water activities like rafting. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Zimbabwe with flights connecting to Harare and other major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Regional carriers include South African Airways and British Airways. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | A8 highway connects Victoria Falls to major cities like Bulawayo and Livingstone. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Victoria Falls Railway Station with limited train services. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Mostly informal transport; buses operate with no set passes. Pay as you go for local minibus taxis. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Minibus taxis are available for intercity travel, typically costing around $10. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Victoria Falls Hospital provides basic medical services; for emergencies, travel to Livingstone is recommended. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga classes available at local gyms; try Zambezi Yoga Retreats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness centers like Victoria Falls Fitness provide basic gym facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services available through most hotels and local laundromats. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | WhatsApp and local restaurants deliver food upon request. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Sadza served with nyama (meat) and vegetable stew is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Zambezi Explorer offers a range of vegetarian options on the menu. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Coffee House serves excellent cakes and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Visit the local market for fresh produce and local crafts. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited e-commerce; locals use Facebook Marketplace for buying/selling. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Some grocery stores offer delivery; check with local shops. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Most nightlife is centered around the Town Center, with places like Shearwater Explorers Campsite popular for drinks. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Many local breweries offer tastings; try Chibuku beer while there. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Livingstone Lodge has a decent selection of local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors sell local delicacies near the market area. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurant Ilala offers a mix of international and local dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Victoria Falls Museum offers insights into the area's history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The historic Victoria Falls Hotel dates back to the early 1900s. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The local Christ Embassy church is popular among expats. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Victoria Falls Carnival, held each April. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Visit the village markets to experience local crafts and culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Outdoor performances often take place at local hotels and lodges. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Victoria Falls Craft Market for Souvenirs and local art. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local live music at bars like the Livingstone Backpackers. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street murals can be found around the town, showcasing local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are offered at selected lodges for traditional Zimbabwean dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local galleries such as the Visual Arts Gallery feature local artwork. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Victoria Falls Bridge, an engineering marvel built in 1905. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The cultural heritage of the Ndebele and Shona peoples is integral to the region. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Zambezi National Park offers a variety of wildlife viewing opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Hwange National Park and Chobe National Park in Botswana are a short distance away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Trails along the Zambezi River and in nearby national parks. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoints at Victoria Falls provide stunning views of the falls. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Zambezi National Park is renowned for birdwatching, with many species to observe. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated bonfire areas can be found in camping sites near the Zambezi. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services are available for parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops provide basic repair services, mostly centered around electronic devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Few recreational centers offer table tennis; inquire at your accommodations. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer Shona and Ndebele classes intermittently. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Few study spots; consider cafes or accommodation as alternatives. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers host cultural events and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited facilities; internet cafes sometimes have gaming options. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Vic Falls Casino offers gaming options and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $152,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $128,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Resident individuals are taxed on worldwide income; foreign nationals may have different rules. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 40% |
| 🧾 VAT | 14.5% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable restrictions apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on property value assessments. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% on property transfers. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Taxpayer benefits for foreign investors and businesses; specific exemptions may apply. |