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Guide
Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso π§π«
#602
,
Nomad Score:
50%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Bobo-Dioulasso is the second largest city in Burkina Faso, known for its vibrant culture and music scene. |
π₯ Population | Approximately 500,000 |
π» Internet Speed | Average 5-10 Mbps |
πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 EUR β 655.96 XOF (CFA Franc). Major banks include Banque Atlantique and Ecobank. |
π° Tap Water | Not drinkable, recommend bottled water. |
π Power | Voltage is 220V, 50Hz. Sockets are Type C and E. |
πΆ SIM Card | MTN and Orange are popular mobile providers with good coverage. |
π³ Banking for Expats | International cards accepted at some ATMs and hotels, but cash is essential. |
π Accommodation | Options include local guesthouses, hotels, and Airbnb listings. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Limited, cash is preferred, but some businesses accept mobile money. |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb offers various short-term rental options. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Bobo and Hotel Laico are affordable lodging options. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Downtown Bobo near the Central Market. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Boulevard de l'Union area offers quieter spots with cafes. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | CafΓ© des Arts provides a suitable environment for remote work. |
β Best Cafe for Work | CafΓ© de la RΓ©publique is known for its wifi and relaxed atmosphere. |
πΌ Networking Events | Monthly expat meetups hosted at La Maison du Peuple. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Check local Facebook groups for expat gatherings. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Smart Taxi is a popular local taxi app. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Cyclic offers bike rentals for exploring the city. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | No nearby beaches, but the beautiful Cascades de KarfiguΓ©la waterfall is a day trip option. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Air Burkina connects to Ouagadougou and other regional cities. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | Air France and Ethiopian Airlines offer international connections. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Accessible via Route National N1 leading to the capital. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Bobo-Dioulasso train station serves as the main transit hub. |
π Public Transport Passes | No formal public transport passes; use shared taxis or minibuses. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis provide access to nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bobo-Dioulasso is the main healthcare facility. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Bobo offers beginner to advanced classes. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gym Maval offers various fitness facilities. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Laverie de Bobo offers affordable laundry services. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food for local restaurant deliveries. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Riz Gras,' a local rice dish typically made with chicken or beef. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Le Petit Cafe offers vegetarian dishes. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | PΓ’tisserie Nounou specializes in french pastries. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Bobo Market has fresh produce and local delicacies. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia for shopping needs. |
π Grocery Delivery | Limited options, but local markets provide fresh goods. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Boulevard de l'Union has a variety of bars and nightclubs. |
π» Local Brewery | Brasserie de Bobo offers local beer options. |
π· Wine Bars | CafΓ© Rouge offers a selection of wines. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Street vendors around the market offer tasty local snacks. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Bobo-kana serves various international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | The Grand Mosque and the Bobo Dioulasso Railway Station are essential visits. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | The Musee National de la Musique offers insight into Burkinabe culture. |
π° Historical Sites | Visit the Bobo Fortress, a part of the cityβs heritage. |
π Religious Sites | The Grand Mosque is significant for its architecture. |
π Annual Events | Fespaco, a major film festival, occurs every two years in Ouagadougou. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | The artisanal area offers local crafts and traditions. |
π Theater Venues | Cultural Theatre of Bobo hosts local performances. |
ποΈ Local Markets | Place de la RΓ©volution features local crafts and foods. |
πΌ Music Scene | Live music at local bars showcases traditional Burkinabe music. |
π¨ Street Art | Vibrant murals can be seen throughout downtown. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer classes on traditional cuisine. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Galerie des Arts de Bobo showcases local artists. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The colonial architecture in the city center is notable. |
π΄ Local Heritage | Cultural festivals celebrate the diverse ethnic groups in the area. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | The nearby Cascade de KarfiguΓ©la offers stunning views and great hiking. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | W National Park is about 2 hours away, offering wildlife viewing. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Various paths around the city and to nearby parks. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | Enjoy views from the hills around Bobo-Dioulasso. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands around Bobo offer birdwatching opportunities. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas near national parks for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local services provide reliable parcel delivery. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Local repair shops in the city center can assist with devices. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Community centers may have table tennis facilities. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Local universities offer French courses for expats. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | The local library provides quiet spaces for studying. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Several community centers host events and activities. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Limited, but cafes may have gaming setups. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling options are minimal in Bobo-Dioulasso. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬900 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β¬36,000) |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬600 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β¬24,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬800 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β¬48,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬550 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β¬33,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬750 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β¬60,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬500 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β¬40,000) |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 27.5% |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 12.5% |
π¦ Tax System | Residents are taxed on Burkinabe-source income. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 27% |
π§Ύ VAT | 18% standard rate. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are CFC rules that might apply. |
π Property Tax | Annual tax requires declaration on property ownership. |
π Property Transaction Tax | approximately 4% on property transactions. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific incentives for digital nomads. |