Lusaka, Zambia Report of what it's like to live there - 04/26/25
Personal Experiences from Lusaka, Zambia
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
Third post abroad, lived in two other Africa posts before this.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
Lusaka is FAR. To the East coast it takes more than 30 hours of travels and West coast 2 days of travel. Most people overnight in DOHA when transiting to and from the US.
3. How long have you lived here?
1.5 years.
4. What years did you live here?
2023-2025.
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic mission.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
The farthest embassy housing is about 20 minutes from embassy. If there is a funeral on the main road, maybe 45 minutes. Houses are cinder block builds with plumbing in the concrete walls. Building regulations are poor and despite thorough vetting there tends to always be something that needs fixing. Sizes of yards depend on location, but most have some green space and lots have pools.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
You can find most things locally, you will have to go to three stores though. Theres a reliable butcher with good refrigeration. The supermarkets lose power and so meat and dairy can go from frozen to thawed and back to frozen again. Nuts and produce are solid when you find the right vendor.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
DPO for kids snacks and household items. Ingredients are not always listed locally.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Limited and ever changing. It’s common that your favorite place is open one week and closed the next. There are some delivery options, Tigmoo eats but it’s not reliable.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Ants, cockroaches, spiders, rats, mice and occasional snakes and lots of termites. All manageable in most housing, but takes time to find the solution.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO is solid, two to three week arrival. DHL also can work for some items.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Housekeepers, gardeners, nannies and drivers are all common place. Full time employment is around $200 month depending on the hours and role.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Gym at the embassy gets some use. There are other local gyms, kickboxing, pilates, padel tennis. All affordable.
4. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
Walking is not recommended, there are no sidewalks and drivers tend to make their own rules. Drunk driving is a huge issue. Some serious bikers brave the roads and some runners have found decent routes as well. Some reserves exist to go for walks, limited though
5. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Credit cards, cash and mobile money are common.
6. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Catholic, Baptist, and LDS are in town.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
English is widespread. No need for any other language. Tutoring is affordable, there are few reputable teachers in town for Nyanja.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes, accessibility is not common. Elevators often are shut down and non functioning. No sidewalks and the floors are often slippery tiles that are treacherous.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
No to all. Mini buses are dangerous, taxis are in disrepair. Some private drivers are available. Functioning seatbelts are not commonplace and car seats for kids are never provided.
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
High clearance for potholed roads. They get washed out in the rains and you need to use the dirt shoulders often.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Order Starlink ahead of arrival and bring a UPS to keep it running during power outages, especially if you work from home. WiFi is spotty and subject to throttling and power outages.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Local services, MTN and Airtel are fine. They will go down occasionally but you need one or the other for a mobile money account.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
No quarantine. There are 2-3 good vets that can manage most cat/dog issues. Specialty medication and food is hard to get here and often won’t ship DPO, plan ahead.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Lots is remote working EFMs with the help of Starlink. Local salaries are very low, don’t know of anyone working on the local economy.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
So many! Lots of opportunities around town.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Casual everywhere.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Very safe and peaceful, petty crime like anywhere. Police ask for bribes from expats often but usually leave diplomats alone.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Cholera outbreaks are seasonal. Malaria risk outside of Lusaka so meds are recommended if you travel. Strep seems to be a constant issue for everyone at the embassy whether you have kids or not.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Depends on your neighbors. Some Zambians burn trash and that can be awful to live next to. If you have good neighbors it’s totally fine.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Bring your EpiPens and do not trust restaurants to adhere to precautions.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
Nothing of note.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Mild and comfortable. Rainy season, but current drought skipped most of the rains.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
AISL is the school everyone goes to, it’s phenomenal and has the only library in Lusaka. Casa dei Bambini is an excellent preschool-2nd grade option.
2. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
Casa dei bambini and AISL have preschool options. Not cheap, but excellent facilities and well-staffed.
3. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Most activities are at AISL. Gymnastics, soccer, swim classes, ballet and horseback riding are around town, too.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Decent, mostly South Africans.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Lots of clubs and WhatsApp groups.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Families awesome. I’ve heard dating is really difficult from single friends.
4. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
Friendly locals, tribal prejudice seem to be more of an issue than anything else.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Wouldn’t recommend, same sex relationships are illegal.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Gender based violence is a serious issue locally, doesn’t seem to translate to expats.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
This is a campers dream post. So many affordable options in driving distance.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
This is a DIY post, you make your own fun and adventures. If you want to start a group for something the community will join you.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
So many handicrafts, fabrics and baskets
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Small town and easy to download the spots and to dos.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
Many find it hard to adjust if it’s their first Africa post, there’s a cultural shock that many people go through the first 6 months.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes, it’s a chill post.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
bring whatever you want!
4. But don't forget your:
medications.
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
None
6. Do you have any other comments?
Previous people at post have oversold the post, in all honesty it’s fine, but I would not give Lusaka a glowing review. It gets boring here and there are everyday annoyances that grate on people’s nerves over time.
