Living in Malawi presents you with a mixture of excitement and apprehension, as this relatively small country rarely makes international headlines. The country has a fairly significant expat population, a large portion of which relocate with the intention of only staying in Malawi for a couple of years but often end up extending their stay.
As in any country, life in Malawi has its ups and downs. To help you get a clearer idea of life in the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’, we’ve listed some pros and cons of moving to Malawi below.
Accommodation in Malawi
+ PRO: Housing in Malawi is affordable
If you’re moving to Malawi from more developed countries, you’ll find accommodation to be well priced. Expats can often settle in spacious houses with large gardens, the cost of which usually equals that of a small apartment in a European city.
- CON: Rental agreements in Malawi may be unfamiliar
When renting a property in Malawi, be sure that you understand the rental agreement before signing. Landlords may ask for three months’ rent as a deposit, and you should budget accordingly. Indeed, initial costs may be surprisingly high, as the substantial deposit and the first month’s rent are typically required upfront.
Cost of living in Malawi
+ PRO: Low cost of living in Malawi
The cost of living in Malawi remains reasonable for expats, particularly those earning foreign currency. The price of rent, groceries, and eating out is low, as is hiring domestic workers. Expats will often hire someone to help clean and cook, as well as someone to provide gardening services. Currency fluctuations can affect purchasing power, but daily expenses stay manageable for most international professionals.
- CON: Many products aren’t available
Many products, brands, shops and restaurants that you may be used to back home are considered luxuries in Malawi. This includes clothing, sports equipment, toiletries and cosmetic products. Other than locally produced food, many products are imported, which means that they are expensive. You’ll have to plan and pack effectively when travelling into the country, particularly when it comes to electronics.
Lifestyle and culture in Malawi
+ PRO: Friendly people
It’s certainly no accident that Malawi is known as the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’: the country is famous for its friendly people and warm culture. Malawians are compassionate and helpful, which means you’re greeted with the biggest smiles and can make connections and build friendships quite easily.
- CON: Slow pace of life
If you’re used to a fast-paced life, then Malawi will take some getting used to. Even if you’re normally relaxed, you’ll still notice that things rarely happen on time in Malawi. This is the case with formal business meetings, social events, or arrangements for a plumber or electrician to resolve a household problem. This is often a cause of frustration for expats from cultures that are more exacting about timeliness.
- CON: Electricity and water supplies are problematic
Along with the slow pace of life, expats will have to adjust their lifestyles to the many power cuts and water shortages that occur in Malawi. You’ll have to get used to using inverters to power essentials at home, while workplaces would often have generators. Some houses have boreholes to circumvent the dwindling water supply.
Healthcare in Malawi
+ PRO: Skilled healthcare practitioners
There are many skilled expat and local doctors who provide high-quality healthcare in a few of the country’s hospitals.
+ PRO: Good supply of medication
Pharmacies in Malawi are decent, and most medications are available. If something isn’t readily available, it can usually be ordered.
- CON: Access and availability of hospitals
Healthcare infrastructure in Malawi faces significant constraints, with limited facilities and hospital beds nationwide. Outside the major cities, the number of doctors is low and access to hospitals is particularly limited. We’d also recommend you consider health insurance that covers emergency evacuation to South Africa or elsewhere in case practitioners in Malawi can’t provide the level of treatment needed.
- CON: Diseases like malaria are a big concern
Health coverage is important as there are high rates of disease in Malawi, especially malaria. You’ll need to take the necessary precautions to avoid malaria, such as the use of prophylactics, mosquito repellents and nets.
Safety in Malawi
+ PRO: Malawi is peaceful
Malawi is generally rather peaceful. That said, poverty is high, and crime is a reality. Crime is most often opportunistic, and many expats opt to have guards stationed outside their properties, which is usually enough of a deterrent for break-ins.
- CON: Political tension
Despite the normal tranquil laid back lifestyle, Malawi faces political tension, especially around election time, and protests have been known to turn violent. You’ll need to be cautious during these times and stay in touch with the community in your city to stay updated.
Education in Malawi
+ PRO: Excellent international schools
Malawi has a small selection of excellent international schools located in Lilongwe and Blantyre, which provide high-quality education. Teachers at these schools are often a mix of Malawians and expats, and both the International Baccalaureate (IB) and IGCSE/A-Level curricula are available.
- CON: High fees for international schools
International schools come with international fees, which are often charged in US dollars. Malawi’s currency fluctuates frequently, and fees can change dramatically from term to term. If you’re getting paid in kwacha, you’ll feel the heavy cost of international education.
Getting around in Malawi
- CON: Poor road networks
Despite recent work to improve the country’s road system, including ongoing infrastructure projects, the roads are narrow, and existing potholes are not sign-posted. Roads in rural areas also may not be tarred, and you’re encouraged to drive four-wheel-drive vehicles rather than sedans. Driving at night in rural areas is also not advised due to the prevalence of people and animals on the road. Major transport infrastructure projects are ongoing with funding from international partners, although progress has been affected by fuel shortages and currency challenges.
+ PRO: Cars give great freedom to travel
Cars are the most common form of transport among expats, as they provide the most independence and freedom to travel. There is so much to see in Malawi, from city life to the lake and beautiful national parks, and a car is therefore vital.