Ancient Ruins, Mighty Falls & Untamed Wilderness
Generally no. Zimbabwe uses a source-based system, so income earned outside Zimbabwe is often not taxable here — with important exceptions for certain investment income (such as some foreign interest and dividends) that can be deemed to have a Zimbabwean source. Get advice on your specific income types.
You pay tax in the currency in which you earn. Income received in USD is taxed under the USD tax tables, and income in ZiG under the ZiG tables. Businesses may have obligations in both.
It is a 3% surcharge calculated on the income tax you owe (both personal and corporate), earmarked for the National AIDS Trust Fund. It is added on top of your computed tax, not on your income directly.
Often not. Under the Final Deduction System, PAYE withheld by your employer is treated as your final tax for straightforward employment income. You must file if you have additional income, multiple employers, or other complicating factors.
Without a valid ZIMRA tax clearance certificate (ITF263), a withholding tax is deducted from payments made to you. Holding a current clearance lets you receive gross payments and signals compliance.
Effectively yes. The public system is overstretched, so expatriates and most professionals rely on private care paid via medical aid or international insurance. Ensure your policy includes cover for treatment in the region and, critically, medical evacuation.
There is no single reliable nationwide emergency line, so it is common to hold a membership with a private ambulance/evacuation provider such as MARS or EMRAS and call their dispatch directly. Keep those numbers saved. Police can be reached on 995 in some areas, but response times vary.
It depends on location and season. Harare and the highveld are largely low-risk, while low-lying areas such as Kariba, the Zambezi Valley and the lowveld carry seasonal malaria risk, especially in the rainy season. Take prophylaxis and mosquito precautions when travelling to those areas.
Common medicines are usually available in city pharmacies, but supply of specialist drugs can be inconsistent. Bring a sufficient personal supply plus your prescription and a doctor's letter, and identify a reliable pharmacy after you arrive.
Yes. The US dollar is widely used and much of daily life runs on cash. Bring newer, undamaged notes in small denominations, as worn or torn notes and large bills without change can be hard to spend.
Largely yes. Zimbabwe uses 230V, 50Hz with predominantly UK-style Type G (three rectangular pins) and some Type D sockets. Bring adaptors for other plug types.
Load-shedding can be significant, sometimes many hours a day in dry seasons. Most homes and businesses invest in solar, inverters or generators, and use gas for cooking. Factor a power backup into your housing choice.
Yes. WhatsApp is the default channel for personal and business communication in Zimbabwe, from arranging services to customer support. Set it up early with your local number.