Pointe-Noire, Congo 🇨🇬
#507
-4.797537, 11.850329
Nomad Score:
40%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Pointe-Noire is a coastal city in the Republic of the Congo, known for its vibrant economy due to oil exploration. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1,000,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 5-10 Mbps, with some cafes and coworking spaces offering higher speeds. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 700 XAF. Major banks include Banque Postale du Congo and BGFI Bank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/D sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Operators include Airtel and MTN, with prepaid options available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International banks like HSBC and Standard Chartered are available, along with local banks accepting international cards. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Short-term rentals are available via Airbnb. Many budget hotels and guest houses also exist. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless options; cash is widely preferred. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local real estate listings provide options; expect to pay around $30-$60 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Guest houses and budget hotels like Hotel Jean-Baptiste range from $20-$40 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Nest is a popular coworking space with reliable internet and great working environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe des Arts offers a relaxed atmosphere, good wifi, and coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Look for expat meetups and business networking events hosted by local chambers of commerce. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Pointe-Noire Expat Facebook Group organizes various social events and gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxify operates in Pointe-Noire, offering reliable ride-hailing services. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited bike rentals available; most transportation is through taxis and local buses. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Youpi Beach is the closest popular beach, only a 15-minute drive from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Trans Air Congo is the main regional carrier. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Ethiopian Airlines and Air France connect Pointe-Noire to international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major roads include N1 and N2 connecting to Brazzaville and other cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Pointe-Noire Railway Station serves as the main hub for train transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus services are available, but a comprehensive public transport pass system is lacking. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Shared taxis and buses are the primary means to travel to nearby towns. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hôpital de l'Amitié is the leading hospital offering various medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Wellness Center 'Le Panthéon' offers yoga classes and wellness activities. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Bongo Club offers gym facilities and fitness classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats like 'Laverie Pointe-Noire' provide washing and drying services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food delivers a variety of local restaurants' dishes. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the local fish dish 'Poisson Braisé' which is widely recommended. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like 'Resto Vegetarien' offer vegetarian choices. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Le Royal offers tasty pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets such as Marché Alphonse offer budget-friendly food options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited e-commerce presence; Facebook Marketplace is often used. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Some local supermarkets offer grocery delivery; check with local stores. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Nightlife hotspots include Avenue de la Paix with various bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Enjoy local beer at 'Brasserie de Pointe-Noire' offering brewery tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Le Petit Vin serves a variety of local and imported wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near the markets offer a mix of fast food and local favorites. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Casa de la Pizza offers good Italian food options. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Cathedral of Pointe-Noire is a must-visit landmark. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Musee de la Mer showcases the maritime history of the region. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The railway station is an important historical site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Church of Christ is a key religious site in the area. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Festival of the Sea celebrates local culture and traditions in August. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Central Pointe-Noire is bustling with local culture and art. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The City Theatre hosts local plays and performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Marché Central offers a variety of local goods and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The local music scene includes live performances at various bars like 'Bateau Ivre'. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Pointe-Noire has vibrant street art murals throughout the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Join a local cooking class at 'Cuisine de la Mer' for local recipes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local galleries exhibit Congolese artists' work, such as Galerie des Arts. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Historic colonial buildings are found throughout the city center. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Traditional Congolese culture is displayed through various festivals and local crafts. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Biosphere Reserve of Loango offers beautiful natural scenery and wildlife. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Loango National Park is about 30 minutes away by car, known for its coastal forests. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Take walks along the Atlantic coast with scenic views. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Pointe-Noire lighthouse provides stunning ocean views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Explore the coastal wetlands for birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beaches near Pointe-Noire allow bonfires after sunset. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Services like DHL and local courier companies are available for shipping. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops at Avenue de la Paix offer phone and computer repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Public parks often have tables for ping pong. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer French classes for expatriates. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The municipal library has a study space but is limited in resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community centers hold events and activities for locals and expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Game cafés with console setups are available in the city. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casinos like 'Casino de Pointe-Noire' provide gaming options. |
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. $500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $30,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $56,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $32,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Worldwide income basis but specifics can vary. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 18%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict rules exist. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Based on local evaluation of property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate is 5%. |