Brazzaville, Congo 🇨🇬
#506
-4.26944, 15.271225
Nomad Score:
40%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Brazzaville is the capital city of the Republic of the Congo, situated on the Congo River directly across from Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1.8 million people |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speeds are around 5-15 Mbps, with some locations offering higher speeds. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | The currency is the Central African CFA franc (XAF). 1 USD ≈ 600 XAF. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity supply is 220V, 50Hz, with Type C and E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Airtel and MTN, offering decent coverage in urban areas. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards can be used at major banks like BGFI Bank and EcoBank. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and serviced apartments suitable for short and long stays. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is more widely accepted, but some places do accept cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is available in the city with various options ranging from budget to luxury. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Affordable guesthouses like Le Petit Hotel and Auberge le Relais. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Vibe Coworking specializes in flexible working spaces. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Jazz is popular among remote workers, offering good Wi-Fi and coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check local Facebook groups for tech meetups and cultural events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Congo often gather through online platforms like Meetup and Facebook. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is available in Brazzaville, providing a safer option than regular taxis. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Currently limited; bike sharing services are not widely available yet. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The Bouenza River area located about 1 hour away offers scenic waterfront access. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Congo operates regional flights within Central Africa. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France and Ethiopian Airlines serve international routes from Brazzaville. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major highways connecting Brazzaville to regional cities include the N1 and N2. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Brazzaville railway station connects to several key destinations, although services can be infrequent. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific public transport pass system; buses and shared taxis operate on various routes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses are available for intercity travel; agencies include SOTRA and Express du Congo. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital de District de Brazzaville is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Wellness center options are limited; some gyms offer yoga classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Planet and Club Sportif are popular gyms in town. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats are available; some hotels offer laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food is widely used for restaurant deliveries. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Saka-Saka, a cassava leaves dish, is a local favorite. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegetarian dishes are available at various local eateries. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pastry shops like La Pâtisserie offer a range of sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Markets such as Marché Central have fresh produce and local foods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Only limited e-commerce options; Jumia is a notable marketplace. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Delivery options for groceries are limited; markets are more prevalent. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The districts of Poto-Poto and Ouenzé come alive at night with bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brasseries du Congo produces local beers available in many bars. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine options are limited; check out local restaurants for selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Popular street food items include grilled meat skewers and fried plantains. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | International restaurants include Le Gourmet and Restaurant El Caïman. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Basilique Saint-Anne and the Congo River waterfront. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The National Museum of the Democratic Republic of the Congo offers cultural insights. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Historic sites like the Presidential Palace and the Poto-Poto market. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Explore the impressive architecture of the Basilica of Saint Anne. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Organized cultural events include the Festival of the Ngoma. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Visit the Bacongo district for its local artisan shops. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Kinshasa Arts Theater often hosts performances accessible from Brazzaville. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Marché Central is the largest market, offering local crafts and food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music styles such as soukous are prevalent in bars and clubs. |
| 🎨 Street Art | See vibrant murals in the downtown areas reflecting local culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Limited options, but local chefs sometimes offer classes in their homes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Visit the Guelaw Gallery for contemporary art from Congolese artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Check out the colonial architecture of the former Governor's residence. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Traditional Congolese storytelling and music are integral to the culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Lac Kivu is a popular scenic destination about 2 hours from the city. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Nouabale-Ndoki National Park is accessible though requires planning. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited designated paths; however, scenic riverside walks are available. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Congo River viewpoints provide picturesque settings for photography. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching opportunities are present in nearby parks, notably the Lac Tumba. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Public beaches by the river occasionally allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local postal services available for parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Many small shops in the city repair phones and computers. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local parks sometimes have tables available for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Limited options; private tutors are often found through online ads. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Mainly public schools and community centers offer limited study spaces. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural centers often host events and classes for locals and expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming lounges are scarce, but some cafes have gaming setups. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The city hosts a few casinos like Casino Brazzaville. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $112,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $72,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial tax system for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% |
| 🧾 VAT | 16.5% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are regulations governing foreign companies. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Applicable, calculated based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% standard rate. |