Harare, Zimbabwe Report of what it's like to live there - 09/26/25
Personal Experiences from Harare, Zimbabwe
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
We have lived in South America, Europe, and the Middle East, prior to moving to Zimbabwe.
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?
We are from the USA. The flight paths are long, with connections in South Africa, Ethiopia, or Qatar, and can take 24-40 hours, depending on the final destination city in the USA.
3. How long have you lived here?
Two 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?
Housing is generally nice, spacious, with generous yards and a swimming pool. The neighborhoods are not new, so the houses have some character, but often have beautiful trees and lots of outdoor space. The housing is located along the northern suburbs from Emarald Hills/Mount Pleasant/Alex Park over to Borrowdale/Chisipite/Highlands. Commutes to our embassy near Westgate are between 15-45 minutes, depending on your residence and the time of day.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Many items are available, but prices vary and you normally have to go to several places to get your full list of groceries and supplies. If you stop at only the big-box grocery store, you will overpay for produce, pool supplies, and several other items. If you get your pool supplies at the hardware store, and your veggies at the farmers' markets, and your cheese and meat at the specialty shops, you will get more of you money's worth. That said, items like butter, cheese, and some meats are more expensive here. Gasoline is about $6 per gallon, so much more than the USA, but in line with many other countries we have served in.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Certain sauces, dressings, cleaning supplies, certain drinks, candies, baking mixes, and some specialty items hard to find here.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Many nice restaurants with Asian, African, or international cuisine, and steakhouses. Take-out includes sushi, pizza, KFC, etc.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
The housing is not new, and doors and windows are not sealed tight, so it not uncommon to see ants or spiders. The "flattie" spiders are harmless to humans, but eat mosquitos and other pests so we leave them alone and they leave us alone. We also see geckos in and outside the house; again, good to eat bugs, and occasionally other lizards outside. We have had to kill rats in our yard with traps. Overall, not bad.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Local postal facilities are not advisable. We use the embassy's diplomatic pouch to receive mail (with lots of limitations on liquids, batteries, etc.). Sending letter mail is easy, packages less so.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
House help is quite affordable. Most expats have a part or fulltime housekeeper/nanny, as well as a gardener. Some employ a driver/errand runner or use their gardener for that, but we have never had a driver. Costs for full-time help are in the $300-400/month range.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
They are several gyms. I am not familiar with the prices but I think they are reasonable.
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?
We run around neighborhood in the morning and it is perfectly safe. Biking is not as easy due to traffic, but is possible if you have experience. Biking on an early weekend morning is best.
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 can be used at most stores and restaurants, but smaller shops and farmers' markets will only take cash. USD is used everywhere and you do not need to obtain the local currency. We recommend caution with ATMs, unless it is in your work place.
6. What English-language religious services are available locally?
There are many Christian and other religious services in English.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
English is universally spoken, though many locals prefer their local language when they are with each other.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes. This county has no ramps, few or no sidewalks.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Local buses and mini-vans (kombis) are not advisable. There are some safe and affordable private taxi companies. No Uber.
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?
Driving is right-hand drive, so only ship a car if it drives on the left side of the road. SUVs are advisable due to the potholes and generally rough terrain in many places. Toyota Prados are common and mechanics are used to seeing them.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Internet is fine, not incredible, but works for us. It is about $100/month. Not hard to install if your home had it before. Starlink is also available but we have not pursued that ourselves.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
The local carrier is affordable, but the interface and uploading of credit from scratch cards is mildly annoying. Int'l services like GoogleFi do not work here.
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 required. Decent vet services. Great kennel (more like a farm) we used once. We have had a great time with our dog here and he loves it.
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?
Outside jobs are almost nil, unless you just want to volunteer, then you are only limited by your own efforts and imagination. Local salaries are low.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Many, depends on your interests.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Diplomatic dress is formal: suit and tie for men, dress/skirt/suit for women. The business world is a notch less formal and ties are rare. In public places people wear all kinds of outfits so no dress code, just normal.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Watch your surroundings at night while driving (drunk drivers, poor lighting, snatch and grabs at intersections possible, not common though). Watch your surroundings when loading groceries at parking lots, etc. Do not leave bags and items in full view. We feel safe, but there is some crime. We have a fulltime guard at our house and feel safe at home.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Medical care is medium. There are some nice smaller private hospitals that are great for emergencies.
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?
Air is fine. Occasional burning garbage, but generally the air is terrific in Harare around our home.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Seasonal allergies, perhaps. It is green here with many trees.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
Not that I can think of.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
The climate is amazing. We are at altitude here, so the days are never too hot and the nights always cool down. The winters are very mild, with overnight lows are in the single digits Celsius for a few weeks only in July/Aug. We swim in our pool almost year round and eat on our deck year round. Rains come in Dec-Feb usually. Overall, we love the weather here and consider it one of the perks.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
The Harare International School (HIS) is terrific. It is small, but has most sports and an IB program. Our kids have thrived here with the smaller class size, including in high school. Each grade has about 30 kids, give or take. The school leadership is very good.
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?
Yes.
3. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes, we know kids (and adults) who take private lessons in golf, tennis, horseback riding, etc.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
There are many diplomats, including from UN agencies, as well as foreign business folks. Not a huge community, but certainly enough to enjoy yourself if you make friends in those circles. Morale is high among expats. If you are getting an expat salary in USD, life is great in Zim. Expats may roll their eyes at the poor roads, lack of stoplights, the poor electricity grid, etc., but they almost all universally enjoy being posted here.
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?
Restaurants, private homes mostly.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
I think it can be good for all, but singles may struggle if they are only keen to date other expats. It is not 'big city' living, so some folks might get bored. Downtown Harare (CBD) is not ideal to hang out in and not advisable after dark, so fun is often limited to restaurants or private homes in the suburbs after dark.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Probably not great, as the society is generally quite conservative, but among the expat community it is probably just fine.
5. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
Yes. It is what you make of it. The locals are friendly. We have had many local friends over to our home.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Probably some, but I cannot comment on any particular problems. The business and government world is still male-heavy, but seems to be progressing.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Zimbabwe has been an amazing post. We are very glad we came here. Getting out camping, going on safaris, visiting Vic Falls, museums in Bulawayo, Mana Pools, Hwange, Great Zimbabwe, Nyanga, etc. We have had many friends and family come visit as well.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Golfing is great. Hiking. Camping.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Not really. Yes, some souvenirs. Amazing if you like Shona art/sculpture. We have had some affordable and nice clothes made from cool African patterns.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
The weather. The blossoms in the spring. Clean air. Spacious housing.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
It is as we expected, or better. When you have some inconveniences, just remember that this is Africa.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
100%.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
heavy winter coats. Just a medium jacket will get you through August.
4. But don't forget your:
sun block, pool toys, golf clubs, backyard grill, binoculars, sense of adventure.
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
For politics, Two Weeks in November, and many other books about the Mugabe era and Zim independence movement.
6. Do you have any other comments?
We love it here. There are moments when you miss Europe or America, but by and large we have enjoyed it. The Zimbabwean people are so kind and warm.
