- Home
-
Guide
Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso 🇧🇫
#602
,
Nomad Score:
49%
Essentials
🏙️ City | Bobo-Dioulasso is the second largest city in Burkina Faso, known for its vibrant culture and music scene. |
👥 Population | Approximately 500,000 |
💻 Internet Speed | Average 5-10 Mbps |
💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 655.96 XOF (CFA Franc). Major banks include Banque Atlantique and Ecobank. |
🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, recommend bottled water. |
🔌 Power | Voltage is 220V, 50Hz. Sockets are Type C and E. |
📶 SIM Card | MTN and Orange are popular mobile providers with good coverage. |
💳 Banking for Expats | International cards accepted at some ATMs and hotels, but cash is essential. |
🛌 Accommodation | Options include local guesthouses, hotels, and Airbnb listings. |
💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited, cash is preferred, but some businesses accept mobile money. |
🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb offers various short-term rental options. |
🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Bobo and Hotel Laico are affordable lodging options. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Downtown Bobo near the Central Market. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Boulevard de l'Union area offers quieter spots with cafes. |
Working and Networking
🏢 Best Coworking Space | Café des Arts provides a suitable environment for remote work. |
☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café de la République is known for its wifi and relaxed atmosphere. |
💼 Networking Events | Monthly expat meetups hosted at La Maison du Peuple. |
🥂 Social Events for Expats | Check local Facebook groups for expat gatherings. |
Transportation
🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Smart Taxi is a popular local taxi app. |
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Cyclic offers bike rentals for exploring the city. |
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No nearby beaches, but the beautiful Cascades de Karfiguéla waterfall is a day trip option. |
✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Burkina connects to Ouagadougou and other regional cities. |
✈️ Top International Airline | Air France and Ethiopian Airlines offer international connections. |
🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via Route National N1 leading to the capital. |
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Bobo-Dioulasso train station serves as the main transit hub. |
🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal public transport passes; use shared taxis or minibuses. |
✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis provide access to nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
🏥 Best Hospital | Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bobo-Dioulasso is the main healthcare facility. |
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Bobo offers beginner to advanced classes. |
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gym Maval offers various fitness facilities. |
🧺 Laundry Services | Laverie de Bobo offers affordable laundry services. |
Food and Drink
📱 Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food for local restaurant deliveries. |
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Riz Gras,' a local rice dish typically made with chicken or beef. |
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Le Petit Cafe offers vegetarian dishes. |
🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pâtisserie Nounou specializes in french pastries. |
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Bobo Market has fresh produce and local delicacies. |
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia for shopping needs. |
🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited options, but local markets provide fresh goods. |
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Boulevard de l'Union has a variety of bars and nightclubs. |
🍻 Local Brewery | Brasserie de Bobo offers local beer options. |
🍷 Wine Bars | Café Rouge offers a selection of wines. |
🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors around the market offer tasty local snacks. |
🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Bobo-kana serves various international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Grand Mosque and the Bobo Dioulasso Railway Station are essential visits. |
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Musee National de la Musique offers insight into Burkinabe culture. |
🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the Bobo Fortress, a part of the city’s heritage. |
🕍 Religious Sites | The Grand Mosque is significant for its architecture. |
🎉 Annual Events | Fespaco, a major film festival, occurs every two years in Ouagadougou. |
🎨 Cultural Districts | The artisanal area offers local crafts and traditions. |
🎭 Theater Venues | Cultural Theatre of Bobo hosts local performances. |
🛍️ Local Markets | Place de la Révolution features local crafts and foods. |
🎼 Music Scene | Live music at local bars showcases traditional Burkinabe music. |
🎨 Street Art | Vibrant murals can be seen throughout downtown. |
🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer classes on traditional cuisine. |
👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galerie des Arts de Bobo showcases local artists. |
🕰️ Historic Buildings | The colonial architecture in the city center is notable. |
🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural festivals celebrate the diverse ethnic groups in the area. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The nearby Cascade de Karfiguéla offers stunning views and great hiking. |
🏞️ National Parks Nearby | W National Park is about 2 hours away, offering wildlife viewing. |
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Various paths around the city and to nearby parks. |
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Enjoy views from the hills around Bobo-Dioulasso. |
🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands around Bobo offer birdwatching opportunities. |
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas near national parks for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local services provide reliable parcel delivery. |
🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local repair shops in the city center can assist with devices. |
🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers may have table tennis facilities. |
🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local universities offer French courses for expats. |
📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The local library provides quiet spaces for studying. |
🏘️ Community Centers | Several community centers host events and activities. |
🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited, but cafes may have gaming setups. |
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling options are minimal in Bobo-Dioulasso. |
Business
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €36,000) |
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €600 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €24,000) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €48,000) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €550 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €33,000) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €750 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €60,000) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €40,000) |
💼 Corporate Tax | 27.5% |
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 12.5% |
🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on Burkinabe-source income. |
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 27% |
🧾 VAT | 18% standard rate. |
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are CFC rules that might apply. |
🏠 Property Tax | Annual tax requires declaration on property ownership. |
🏠 Property Transaction Tax | approximately 4% on property transactions. |
💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific incentives for digital nomads. |