Buea, Cameroon 🇨🇲
#1381
4.156789, 9.231591
Nomad Score:
53%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Buea is a city in the Southwest region of Cameroon, located at the foot of Mount Cameroon. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is around 200,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is about 10-15 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Local currency is the Central African CFA franc (XAF); 1 USD ≈ 600 XAF. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity supply is 220V, 50Hz, and Type C/D sockets are used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include MTN, Orange, and Nexttel, with reasonable prepaid options. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Most banks accept payments via Visa and Mastercard; local banks include Afriland First Bank and Union Bank. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local guesthouses, and furnished apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payments are increasingly accepted, particularly in larger establishments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and booking.com offer numerous short-term rental options in the area. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Affordable options include local guesthouses such as 'Mountain View Hotel' and hostels. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The 'Buea Innovation Hub' offers co-working spaces and networking events. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | 'Cafe de L'Afrique' is popular for its Wi-Fi and quiet environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups are held at the Buea Innovation Hub; check social media for scheduling. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The 'Buea Expats Community' Facebook group hosts various social events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis are available, but there is no established app; negotiate fare beforehand. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are limited; however, request bikes from local shops for short-term use. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Limbe Beach, about 30 minutes away by car, is the closest beach. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Camair-Co operates domestic flights within Cameroon. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Camair-Co also offers international flights to neighboring countries. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Buea is connected via the Buea-Limbe highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Buea does not have a train hub; local buses and taxis are the primary means of transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport passes are not common; pay per ride on local minibuses. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses from Buea to Limbe and Douala are frequent and affordable. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | The 'Buea Regional Hospital' is the main healthcare facility in the city. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | 'Mountainside Yoga Studio' offers yoga classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | 'Fit 4 Life Gym' provides access to fitness equipment and classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats and hotel laundry services are available; prices vary. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Local options like 'Jumia Food' for food delivery are gaining popularity. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Ekwang', a traditional dish made with cocoyams and spices. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | 'The Green Plate' provides vegetarian and vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | 'Sweet Tooth Bakery' is known for its pastries and cakes. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Buea Market offers local produce and snacks at budget prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Online stores are limited; shops like 'Jumia Cameroon' offer various products. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery services are currently emerging with limited options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The 'Buea Town Center' features a few local bars and lounges. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | 'Buea Beer' is a local beer brand worth trying. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited wine bars; check local restaurants for wine selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors sell snacks like 'Koki' (bean cakes) and 'Puff-Puff'. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Check out 'Pizza Hut Buea' for familiar international options. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Mount Cameroon and the Limbe Wildlife Centre are must-see attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The 'Buea Cultural Center' showcases local heritage and art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The German Colonial buildings in Buea reflect historical architecture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The 'Cathedral of Saint Joseph' is a notable religious site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Mount Cameroon Race of Hope happens annually, attracting many visitors. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore 'Mile 17' for local crafts and culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local venues host performances; check community boards for details. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Buea Market is vibrant and perfect for local shopping and goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars often feature Cameroonian music; check out live performances. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals around town highlight local culture and narratives. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer cooking classes for traditional Cameroonian dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Check out 'ArtMakers Buea', showcasing local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old German Buea City Hall is a notable historical site. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The cultural heritage reflects influences from Bantu and colonial history. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Explore the trails around Mount Cameroon for hiking and nature walks. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Mount Cameroon National Park offers guided tours and biodiversity. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Various paths are available around the city and in national parks. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Views of the mountain and the Atlantic Ocean from various points in Buea are stunning. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The area around Mount Cameroon is rich in bird species, ideal for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas around the foothills permit bonfires; inquire locally. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local options include 'Express Union' and 'DHL' for parcels. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops on Commercial Avenue offer general tech repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Check local community centers for table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local language schools offer French and English classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The 'Buea Municipal Library' offers quiet study areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various centers host workshops and community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming lounges exist; mostly found in shopping centers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling facilities are not commonly found in Buea. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 200,000 XAF per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 8,000,000 XAF) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 150,000 XAF per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 6,000,000 XAF) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 250,000 XAF per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 15,000,000 XAF) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 200,000 XAF per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 12,000,000 XAF) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 300,000 XAF per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 24,000,000 XAF) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 250,000 XAF per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 20,000,000 XAF) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The tax rate applied is 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Personal income tax is based on progressive rates, up to 35%. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | The maximum personal income tax rate is 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 19.25%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, rules exist, but they vary in strictness. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | The property tax system exists with annual assessments. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | A property transaction tax of 10% is commonly applied. |