🇹🇿Is it worth living and working in Zanzibar? - My Summary & Assessment 2022

[@windofsuns]

How do you feel now 6 months after leaving Zanzibar being in Asia again? Do you want to go back / or seriously think about it? Is Asia including the mandates much better for you, from your feeling?

[@MinimalistNomad]

Thanks for asking. I feel good about my decision. I would go back to Zanzibar under slightly different circumstances. Mandates were never a problem in Tanzania but more so in Asia. I have a very good memory of Zanzibar and its people.

[@windofsuns]

​@@MinimalistNomad "slightly different circumstances" means, - that if in Asia a bit more Mandates will be put in place again? - or do you mean if you would be in a different situation down in Zanzibar? Just curious because I am in the same situation, that my heart is in Asia but also thinking about Zanzibar (and even about the Dominican Republic - three completely different directions :D).

[@MinimalistNomad]

@@windofsuns Yes, with "slightly different circumstances" I mean that for example, the salary situation would need to improve. This has nothing to do with Zanzibar itself but rather with the international companies who are doing business there. If you can land a job in Zanzibar then you have won the lottery. It's not that easy. Southeast Asia is still a highly preferred location for me but I am orienting myself toward different continents now. South America comes more and more into my focus now. I wanna see and experience Latin American culture. Never been there. And Asia is Asia...Where are you from? May I ask?

[@windofsuns]

@@MinimalistNomad I understand, well I am living in Bulgaria and I was living in Central America (Costa Rice / Panama) and also in Thailand. The prices in Costa Rica were very high - f.e. renting a motorbike was 70 USD per day - in Thailand it was the same price but per month. So I feel much more appealed to Thailand - also with the culture: In Central America a "live" is not so much worth - and after some months I was going through the streets with my children instead by my self alone to go to a shop - just because it is safer not be become robbed. Even if it never happened to me - it was a subcontious feeling (that I reflected once we flew to Florida after 1.5 years. Once we were there it felt like escaped from a prison...) You are always seen as rich, and because the prices are much higher than you expect there, it feels much worse when you see that people just want to make money from you. We also have been on a budget - but the expences were crazy in Costa Rica, like if we would be in Switzerland but with a much lower quality. Tomatoe Sauce f.e. costed like 6-7 USD - I payed 2 usd in Europe. So we ran out of money very fast there. Thats why we left Costa Rica and went to Panama. But there we had a feeling that there is no culture. And still a live is not much worth there. We imagined: "Can we imagine living 10 years here?" and we said: "Definitivly no!" Even if we met some of the most incredible local people there! They dont need seminars for personality etc. to be very special in a positive way. But still, we said "no". Thailand was a completely different. We loved the culture, the infrastructure, the prices (and the freedom that comes with it). I had the feeling: It has the best out of both worlds. Now with the mandates and the strictness it might become difficult maybe. Thats why I am not sure yet where to escape from the war zone here in Europe. I am thinking about Dominican Republic (but am afraid about the "no culture feeling"), Zanzibar (but am afraid about the poverty once you are away from the beach) and Asia (but am afraid about what would happen if the mandates will become more strict especially with a tourist visa). Looks to me that there is not a real "right solution". Thats why I really enjoy your videos talking about your experiences inside the countries. Because you have your perspective that is very interesting because its very similar to mine - and its much worth to me to see you in places where I have not been yet like Zanzibar, because you talk in a deep way about it. It shows your personality where a lot of people can identify with. Thats what makes it interessting. Maybe one interesting Video would be: Zanzibar vs. Asia from a perspective to live there (not just to travel there).

[@MinimalistNomad]

@@windofsuns Thank you for sharing your thoughts and views. I appreciate when people take their time to write these extensive comments. They will also help other viewers. Have you thought of sharing your thoughts in a video and posting it here as well? I believe you can help a few people with sharing your experiences. Anyway, I have been to Bulgaria last year to check it out. It is being said that Bulgaria has also very affordable living costs (when you earn US Dollars of course and are from a Western country) Bulgaria was recommended to me by other expats. Perhaps you can comment on that. Also Bulgaria's nature is diverse. You have mountains and seaside. That makes it attractive to many travellers. Bulgaria is still on my list as one of my favorite destinations in Europe. As far as Thailand/Asia goes, I agree with you. Lifestyle and quality of life is good (always assuming you earn Dollars). People are not aggressive in general although poverty exists and you always have to apply your common sense like you would do in your home country. Latin America is certainly a rougher territory, that is well known. Many expats fancy Costa Rica. But I dont know why when you are telling me that expenses are so high there. Are you in Europe now? Mandates here (In some Asian countries) have stopped, just for your info. There are no more mandates in Thailand/Vietnam/Malaysia. You should come here! Thank you for your comment on my "deep thinking". This is exactly what I want to achieve with these kind of videos but sometimes I feel that "deep thinking" is not so much appreciated in these times of rush, sensationalism and bling-bling. Noted on your video suggestion Zanzibar vs Asia. I will think about it. Contact me at any time at my email: [e-mail] I bet we can have some fruitful exchange in the future. I am up for it. Take care!!👍

[@hennybill3537]

Hope you won't regret youre decision to leaving Zanzibar. Good luck Marcel, i like the videos from Zanzibar. Pole pole 🙏💪

[@MinimalistNomad]

Thanks Mate!

[@AwakenWithMarkInAFRICA]

My family and I came across your video, it was unbelievably thoughtful 🤔. You reminded me of the power of authenticity. Please stay authentic. We will be moving to Fumba Town. We hope that the community will evolve into something that we’re pleased with. All the best in your journey.

[@MinimalistNomad]

@@AwakenWithMarkInAFRICA Many thanks for your comment, Mark! Much appreciated. What makes you move to Fumba Town? From your videos, I must assume that you are American, right? What brings you to Zanzibar? Good luck with your channel!!

[@AwakenWithMarkInAFRICA]

@@MinimalistNomad Yes, American. Retirement. Life in US not very affordable, it was also becoming unbearable. There’s no ocean in Rwanda - LoL. A planned community that I can afford (east/west coast US prices begin in the millions, I've lived on both coasts).

[@reshapingyourdestiny]

@@AwakenWithMarkInAFRICA Makes sense. Thanks for explaining Mark and Good Luck with your new life in Zanzibar!!

[@davidjosekapito150]

Nice piece👍

[@MinimalistNomad]

Thanks Bro👍

[@MsArtelia]

I want to know?

[@abeeral-rasbi6205]

Do you miss Zanzibar ? Would you go back to living in Zanzibar or prefer living in south east Asia ?

[@MinimalistNomad]

I prefer Southeast Asia for many reasons but I would travel to Zanzibar at anytime again.

[@sitaram-nu5cw]

Iam coming from nepal to get information sir

[@MinimalistNomad]

Are you planning to travel to Zanzibar?

[@sitaram-nu5cw]

@MinimalistNomad plz sir whatsapp nbr?

[@hamadaouda1000]

Thank you for your video ,how can I get job in Zanzibar?

[@MinimalistNomad]

Check different job search sites like LinkedIn for example.

[@sparklesecret4573]

You have a good heart. Am looking forward to go to Zanziba for work, though am not white, i hope the salalry will be good

[@MinimalistNomad]

Thanks for your comment. Wish you good luck👍