Nomad Score:
39%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Goma is a city located on the northern shore of Lake Kivu in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, near the Rwandan border. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 1 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 10-20 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 2,000 CDF. Major banks include Rawbank and Banque Commerciale du Congo. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. It's recommended to use bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C sockets. Electricity supply can be inconsistent. |
| 📶 SIM Card | MTN and Africell are popular mobile providers with good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in urban areas; however, cash is preferred. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb options are available, along with guesthouses in the city. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless options; cash is more commonly used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Options available on platforms like Airbnb. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like Hotel Moke offer affordable lodging. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Mikeno Lodge offers a quiet environment with reliable internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café la Pirogue is known for a good atmosphere and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local expat meetups and community events are organized through Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Goma Expat Community regularly hosts social events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxi services are available, but Uber and similar apps are not commonly used. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycles can be rented from local shops; however, options are limited. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lake Kivu's beaches, including Plage de Nguna, are nearby and accessible. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Trans Air Congo operates flights from Goma to other regional cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | RwandAir offers international connections from Kigali. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Goma is connected to major roads leading towards Bukavu and Kigali. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Goma does not have a train station; transportation is mostly by road. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Few public transport options; primarily minibuses (taxis) are in use. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis connect Goma to nearby towns and cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Centre Hospitalier Bon Samaritain is one of the largest hospitals in Goma. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Wellness options are limited; some hotels offer basic fitness facilities. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic gyms are available in some hotels, but options are limited. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundries offer wash-and-fold services at reasonable rates. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Locally, restaurants often provide delivery directly rather than through apps. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Don't miss out on 'Ikanja', a local dish made of fish and plantains. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Kivu Café offers a few vegetarian dishes, although options are limited. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pastry shops in Goma serve local sweets, but specific shops are rare. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets such as the Goma Market offer fresh produce and goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited online shopping; local Facebook groups can facilitate buying and selling. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited; small local stores might deliver upon request. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | A popular nightlife area is around Avenue Colonel Ebeya. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Goma does not have a significant brewery industry. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Local restaurants may serve wine, but dedicated wine bars are uncommon. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food can be found, offering local dishes and snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza places like 'Pizza Goma' serve varied international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Virunga National Park is a major attraction for its wildlife and scenery. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museums are limited; check local listings for temporary exhibits. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The ruins of old colonial buildings are scattered throughout the city. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Catholic and Protestant churches are present throughout Goma. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Goma Festival celebrates local culture and music every year in August. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The area around Avenue Colonel Ebeya showcases local culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local community theaters occasionally put on performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Goma Market is notable for arts, crafts, and local goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can often be found at local bars and events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art is emerging, with murals found in various neighborhoods. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Limited availability; check local community centers for classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Goma is developing its art scene, but formal galleries are sparse. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old colonial buildings reflect the city's historical significance. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural practices reflect the rich heritage of the Tutsi and Hutu peoples. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Lake Kivu offers a beautiful natural escape for swimming and boating. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Virunga National Park, famous for its mountain gorillas. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Trails around Lake Kivu provide stunning views for walking and biking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The hills around Goma offer incredible views of the lake and volcano. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Virunga National Park is a hotspot for diverse bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas around Lake Kivu allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local courier services are available, but international services might be limited. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops can handle basic repairs for phones and laptops. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Limited access; check local community centers. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | French language classes are occasionally offered through local schools. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Local community centers may have study areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various community centers host events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited in Goma; check local cafes for gaming options. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No dedicated casinos are available in Goma. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $40,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $54,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $104,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $80,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive income tax with various rates. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 40% |
| 🧾 VAT | 16% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable to specify taxation. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 5% for property sales. |