Living in Malawi puts expats in a small country in southeast Africa bordered by Zambia, Mozambique and Tanzania. Affectionately known as the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’, Malawi has a population that is warm and welcoming, with a climate to match.

Besides the country’s clement weather and good-natured people, expats might be drawn to Malawi for its gorgeous lake and landscapes, low cost of living and relaxed pace of life. The expat community here thrives on the country’s natural beauty and affordable lifestyle.

Living in Malawi as an expat

Living in Malawi means adapting to a culture that’s more conservative than in many Western countries, although the people are friendly, helpful and lively. Making friends is likely to be a breeze.

Both locals and other expats are generally approachable and helpful. While this does limit culture shock, you’ll still have to adjust your lifestyle. Some goods and services, such as many clothing shops, are not as easily available as they might be back home. You’re also likely to experience frequent power cuts – something that may take some getting used to.

That said, you’ll always be able to get what you need and import what you can’t find in the country. The capital and largest city is Lilongwe, while Blantyre serves as Malawi’s commercial capital.

Most expats in Malawi live in these two main cities. The expat scene includes diplomats, teachers, doctors, missionaries, businesspeople, hospitality and NGO workers, and government officials. Malawi’s expat population is mainly from the UK, Europe, the USA, and South Africa.

As a poor, landlocked country, Malawi ranks among the world’s least developed nations. The economy relies heavily on agriculture, with more than 80 percent of the working population employed in this sector. Tobacco, tea, sugarcane and cotton are major exports, and expats are likely to work in these industries.

The tourism sector accounts for a small percentage of working expats. If you work in tourism, you’re probably going to be located near Lake Malawi, which is the third-largest lake in Africa and covers about a fifth of the country.

The possibility to relax and take in beautiful sunsets and all that nature has to offer while enjoying water sports, hikes, or casual strolls on the beach lures many tourists. Professional networking happens mainly through industry associations and the close-knit expat community.

Cost of living in Malawi

The cost of living in Malawi remains largely affordable when compared to other expat destinations. Accommodation is reasonably priced, and if you’re from a Western country, you’ll find you get more bang for your buck here.

Expat accommodation here is usually freestanding houses or gated complexes, although apartment living is growing. Houses tend to have large gardens, perfect for families and pets.

The downside is that the country experiences power outages and water shortages. You’ll have to purchase inverters or generators as well as bottled water to ensure consistent supply.

Groceries are a bit on the pricey side, especially if you want to buy imported Western products. Internet is also costly, so you’ll have to budget accordingly.

Families and children in Malawi

If you have a family in Malawi, there are a handful of private and international schools, while homeschooling offers an alternative that is both cheaper and more convenient for many families. If you have children, you must also account for the often hefty fees associated with international schools. Private education can be a significant expense for expat families.

The international and private schools, mainly in Lilongwe and Blantyre, provide children with a strong educational environment to grow and learn. These follow the British national curriculum of IGCSEs and A-Levels or offer the International Baccalaureate.

Bishop Mackenzie International School is the only IB World School in the country. Several schools offer boarding facilities, which may be suitable for those living in more remote areas of Malawi. As space may be limited, parents should apply as early as possible.

Healthcare in Malawi has improved in recent years, although standards still fall well below what expats may be used to. There are both public and private hospitals and clinics, but these often lack resources and sufficient medical staff.

While general health issues and emergencies may be catered for in Lilongwe and Blantyre, anything more serious may require air evacuation to a nearby country such as South Africa. Ensure you have adequate medical insurance for your family to cover emergency airlifting out of the country.

Climate in Malawi

The climate in Malawi features two main seasons: the cool dry season (May to October) and the hot wet season (November to April). Malawi has a subtropical climate, but temperatures remain warm throughout the year, with an average of 81°F (27°C).

Some parts of the country are vulnerable to flooding during the hot wet season. The dry season offers ideal conditions for outdoor activities and travel around the country.

Getting around Malawi is manageable, with minibus taxis and buses serving most areas. The main city roads are fairly well maintained, making driving viable for expats.

Moving to Malawi means you’ll encounter a slow pace of life and will likely face a range of wonderful experiences and frustrating challenges. With patience and understanding, you can easily adapt to your new life in the Warm Heart of Africa.

Fast facts

Population: Around 22 million

Capital city: Lilongwe

Neighbouring countries: Malawi borders Mozambique to the east, south and southwest, Zambia to the northwest and Tanzania to the northeast.

Geography: Malawi is a small landlocked country characterised by central plateaus and rugged highlands in the north and south. The Great Rift Valley traverses the country. Lake Malawi takes up a huge portion of eastern Malawi, covering about 20 percent of Malawi’s total area.

Political system: Unitary presidential republic

Major religions: Christianity and Islam

Main languages: English and Chichewa

Money: The Malawian Kwacha (MWK), which subdivides into 100 tambalas.

Tipping: Tipping is optional, but not necessary. Tipping is usually at 10 percent if a service charge is not included.

Time: GMT+2

Electricity: 230 volts, 50 Hz. ‘Type G’ three-pin plugs with flat blades are used.

Internet domain: .mw

International dialling code: +265

Emergency numbers: 997 (police), 998 (ambulance), 999 (fire department)

Drives on the: left. Minibus taxis and buses service Malawi fairly extensively. The main city roads are fairly well maintained, so driving in Malawi is viable. As the roads can be poorly illuminated, it’s best to avoid driving at night.

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.

Moving to Malawi 

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.