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Pros and Cons of Living in Zambia | Expat Exchange
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Pros and Cons of Living in Zambia

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Jan 04, 2024

Summary: The pros of living in Zambia include its diverse culture, beautiful landscapes, and friendly people. Zambia is also home to many national parks and wildlife reserves, making it a great destination for nature lovers. Additionally, the cost of living in Zambia is relatively low, making it an attractive option for those looking to stretch their budget. The cons of living in Zambia include the lack of infrastructure and access to basic services such as healthcare and education. Additionally, the country is prone to natural disasters such as floods and droughts, which can cause significant disruption to daily life. The political situation in Zambia is also unstable, with frequent changes in government and a lack of economic stability.

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What are the pros and cons of living in Zambia?

Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Zambia responded:

"Expats and digital nomads in Zambia appreciate the country's natural beauty, with its lush forests, rolling hills, and stunning waterfalls. They also enjoy the friendly and welcoming people, who are always willing to help out newcomers. Additionally, the cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. On the downside, the infrastructure in Zambia is not as developed as in other countries, making it difficult to access certain services and amenities. Additionally, the country is prone to power outages, which can be a major inconvenience," explained one expat living in Zambia.

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What do expats in Zambia appreciate most about the local culture?

"Expats in Zambia appreciate the warm hospitality of the local people, the vibrant culture and the beautiful landscapes. They also enjoy the diverse cuisine, the vibrant music and dance, and the rich history and traditions of the country. Additionally, expats appreciate the strong sense of community and the relaxed pace of life in Zambia," said a person living in Zambia.

"I love how people-oriented they are. They will chat freely in the market, and they love connecting. It's every extrovert's dream. ;-)," explained one expat living in Kabwe.

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What do expats find most challenging?

"The lack of internet is a challenge. There are also few options for good schools here, and those that are good are incredibly expensive boarding schools. It can be annoying how long it takes to get anything done here (unless you bribe)," explained one expat.

"Expats in Zambia often find the local culture to be quite different from what they are used to. Many find the language barrier to be a challenge, as English is not widely spoken outside of the major cities. Additionally, the local customs and traditions can be difficult to understand and navigate. Expats may also find the pace of life to be slower than what they are used to, as well as the lack of modern amenities and infrastructure. Finally, the cost of living in Zambia can be quite high, making it difficult for expats to adjust to their new lifestyle," said one person in Zambia.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

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