Garoua, Cameroon 🇨🇲
#425
9.307069, 13.393452
Nomad Score:
48%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Garoua is the capital of the North Region of Cameroon, known for its rich cultural heritage and proximity to natural attractions. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population of 200,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 20 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 655 CFA Franc (XAF), 1 USD ≈ 600 CFA Franc (XAF). Local banks such as Afriland First Bank and BICEC are available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not potable; it's advised to drink bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | Voltage is 220V, 50Hz. Sockets are Type C and E. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular mobile providers include MTN and Orange with affordable prepaid options. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards are accepted at major banks and ATMs, but cash is preferred. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Various options from guesthouses to hotels, Airbnb is also available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | No; cash is widely used, though some establishments may accept cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses offer short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Bamendjian Hotel and Chez Hélène offer budget stays. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | There are a few coworking spots like La Rooftop Cafe that cater to remote workers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Abba is popular among freelancers for its ambiance and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local expat meetups can be found via Facebook groups or community boards. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Regular meetups at local cafes organized through social media channels. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | JumiaTaxi is widely used for on-demand transport. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Currently, there are limited bike rental options available. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Limi beach at around a 2-hour drive offers a scenic getaway. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Camair-Co operates regional flights from Garoua Airport. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France and Ethiopian Airlines offer connecting flights through Douala. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major roads connecting to Maroua and the southern regions of Cameroon are easily accessible. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Garoua has a central bus and taxi terminal for regional transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | There are no specific public transport passes; local taxis and buses are paid per ride. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis are available for travel to nearby cities like Maroua and Ngaoundéré. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | The Regional Hospital of Garoua is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Wellness activities are limited; small local gyms offer fitness classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First and GAROUA Gym are popular among locals. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Many guesthouses offer laundry services; local laundromats are also available. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Food delivery services are limited; local restaurants may not offer delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Ndole or Poulet DG, traditional meals served in local eateries. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited options; look for local vegetable dishes at markets. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Bakeries like Le Petit Pecan offer local pastries and bread. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets such as the Garoua Central Market offer fresh produce and local foods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited local e-commerce platforms; international sites like Jumia are accessible. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Currently, grocery delivery services are not widely available. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Nightlife options are limited; bars around Avenue du Général de Gaulle offer local beer. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brasserie de Garoua brews popular local beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options; local restaurants may serve wine. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food stalls near the central market offer local delicacies. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Some restaurants serve kebabs and pizza, catering to local tastes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Grand Mosque and the Garoua Cathedral are notable landmarks. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Regional Museum of Garoua showcases local culture and history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Local history can be explored at the Fortification of Garoua. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Different churches and mosques reflect the cultural diversity. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Garoua Cultural Festival showcases traditional music and crafts annually. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Visit the neighborhood around the central market for local crafts. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local events are held at cultural centers in the city. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Garoua Central Market is vibrant, especially on weekends. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music scenes can be found in bars with live traditional performances. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art is limited, but some community murals are visible. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are not widely available but some local chefs offer lessons. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited art galleries; local artisans can be found in markets. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | There are several colonial-era buildings around the city center. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural festivals often showcase the rich heritage of the local tribes. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Faro National Park is a popular destination for nature lovers. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Faro National Park, known for its diverse wildlife, is about 1 hour away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Few designated paths, but locals often walk along riversides. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Hilltops around Garoua provide great views of the city and surrounding areas. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Faro National Park is ideal for birdwatching enthusiasts. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated bonfire areas are limited; some campsites may allow it. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local courier services like DHL and local post for shipping. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Various small shops offer phone and laptop repairs around the city. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local clubs may have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools by local universities offer French and English classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public libraries are limited; cafes offer spaces for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers host cultural activities and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Few gaming options are available; internet cafes may provide gaming. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Limited options for gambling; local establishments may have gaming machines. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 500,000 CFA (≈ €760) per m². |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 350,000 CFA (≈ €530) per m² for suburban areas. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 700,000 CFA (≈ €1,060) per m². |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 500,000 CFA (≈ €760) per m² for suburban areas. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 800,000 CFA (≈ €1,200) per m². |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 600,000 CFA (≈ €910) per m² for suburban areas. |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividend withholding tax is approximately 16.5%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Cameroon has a worldwide income tax system for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 19.25%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules apply to foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, property taxes are applied based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Property transaction tax is approximately 10% of the sale price. |