Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo 🇨🇩
#139
,
Nomad Score:
40%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Goma is the capital city of North Kivu province, located on the northern shore of Lake Kivu, near the Rwandan border. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population of 700,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is about 5-10 Mbps, with some public places offering free Wi-Fi. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 2,000 CDF (Congolese Franc). ATMs are available, but cash is mostly preferred. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Voltage is 230V, 50Hz; plug types C and D are used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Mobile providers include Airtel and Orange. SIM cards can be purchased in shops or kiosks. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks such as RAWBANK and BCDC are available; some online payment systems can be used. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb and hotels like Hotel Ihusi are common; guesthouses are also available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is preferred in most places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Options available via Airbnb and local real estate websites. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel La Belle Époque offers budget-friendly stays. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Lakeside area is popular for its views and proximity to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Central Goma, close to coworking spaces and cafes. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Goma Coworking offers a conducive environment for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Mambo is popular among digital nomads for its Wi-Fi and coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check local Facebook groups or expat meetings for networking opportunities. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | There are meetups organized by the Expat Community of Goma. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxi service is common; locals also use bike taxis. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Not widely available; bike taxis can be hired. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Plage de Kabare on Lake Kivu, approximately 30 minutes away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Congo provides flights to Kinshasa and other major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | RwandAir operates flights to regional destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the N2 highway connecting to Rwanda and other cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No major train hubs; public minivans (taxis) connect local areas. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport operates on a pay-per-ride basis. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Taxis and buses can be used to travel to other cities and towns. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Clinique Ngaliema is a reliable healthcare facility in Goma. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga sessions can be found at local studios or through community groups. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Club du Lac offers fitness facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | There are local laundromats available throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Food delivery options are limited; local restaurants may offer delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Saka-Saka (cassava leaves with peanut sauce) is a traditional dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Local markets offer fresh produce; some restaurants provide vegetarian options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pastry shops in the city offer a variety of local desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Goma Market are ideal for budget shopping. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited options; some local stores may offer online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery services are minimal; shopping is primarily done in stores. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Central Goma offers various bars and nightclubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brasserie de Goma produces local beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited wine bars, but some restaurants serve international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food is prevalent; try grilled meats and fried plantains. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants serve pizza and Chinese food among other international cuisines. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Mount Nyiragongo is an active volcano and a must-visit for its stunning views. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Goma Museum offers insights into the local culture and history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The remains of the 2002 volcanic eruption can still be seen around the city. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Notre Dame Cathedral is a prominent landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Various cultural festivals celebrate local heritage throughout the year. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the artsy streets of the vibrant city center. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local theaters occasionally host cultural performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Goma Market is popular for local crafts and foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music is common in bars, often featuring local artists. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Local artists display vibrant street art throughout the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Occasional cooking workshops are held by local chefs. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Small galleries showcase local artists’ works. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Several colonial-era buildings can be found in Goma. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The heritage of Goma includes influences from both Congolese and Rwandan cultures. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Virunga National Park is a short trip away, known for its biodiversity. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Virunga National Park offers hiking and gorilla trekking experiences. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along Lake Kivu provide scenic views for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Lakeside viewpoints offer stunning views, especially at sunset. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Nearby wetlands are ideal for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain lakeside areas are designated for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local postal services can send parcels, but international delivery may take time. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer basic tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Table tennis is played casually in community centers. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language classes are offered in both French and Swahili at local schools. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Basic library facilities exist, primarily at schools. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers host various cultural events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming lounges available, mainly in larger hotels. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No major casinos; limited gaming options exist. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $152,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $128,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed based on their local income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 40% |
| 🧾 VAT | 16% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict rules are currently established. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% standard rate during property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific incentives are currently in place for digital nomads. |