Garoua, Cameroon 🇨🇲
#425
,
Nomad Score:
47%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Garoua is a city in the northern region of Cameroon, situated along the banks of the Benue River. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 400,000 inhabitants. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 4-10 Mbps (varies by provider). |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is the Central African CFA Franc (XAF). 1 EUR ≈ 655 XAF, 1 USD ≈ 657 XAF. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | MTN and Orange are the main mobile providers offering affordable data plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major cards accepted at some locations but cash is preferred in most transactions. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local guesthouses, hotels, and Airbnb listings. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is primarily used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb options are available in Garoua. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Kinshasa Hotel, rates starting at XAF 15,000 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Downtown and the riverside area, known for cultural attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Along the Benue River for scenic views and proximity to co-working spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | CoWork Garoua is the main coworking space with flexible desk options. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de Paris offers good coffee and WiFi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly community meetups at local hotels. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups for expats and regular social activities at meetup spots. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Motorbike taxis are common; Uber is not operational. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited availability, but local shops rent bikes. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No beaches; Garoua is landlocked but offers riverfront access. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Camair-Co serves regional flights to Douala and Yaoundé. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Camair-Co for limited international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Connection to the N1 highway towards Yaoundé. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Garoua Railway Station serves regional transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is mainly by bus or shared taxis; no standardized passes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and taxis available for travel to nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Laquintinie Hospital is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited; local gyms offer fitness classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic fitness centers exist, such as GetFit Gym. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available, often in hotels. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No established food delivery apps; local restaurants offer takeout. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Jollof rice with grilled fish is popular. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegetarian dishes are available at various local restaurants. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Bakery at Avenue du 20 Mai serves pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets provide fresh produce and goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited, most shopping is done through local markets. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Not commonly available; local shops provide goods. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Riverside bars like L'Embarcadère for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Limited local breweries; most beer is from larger Cameroonian brands. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options, wine is available in restaurants. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Popular around the market area offering local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | A few places offer pizza and Chinese food. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Benue River promenade and Grand Mosque of Garoua. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Cultural heritage exhibitions at local museums. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Local monuments celebrating Cameroon's history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Grand Mosque and several traditional churches. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Festival of Garoua celebrates local culture and traditions. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Downtown area with traditional markets and cultural shops. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Cultural events held at local community halls. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Main market of Garoua for affordably priced goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars host live music, especially traditional and contemporary styles. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited, but some murals can be found in urban areas. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Available through local chefs at the market. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Few smaller galleries showcase local art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Colonial-style buildings in the city center. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Local crafts and cultural practices celebrated during community festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Benue River area for relaxation and picnics. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Waza National Park for wildlife exploration. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Basic paths along the river and through the city. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Best views from the riverbanks during sunset. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Waza National Park, rich in birdlife. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas by the Benue River. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local courier services available but no international providers like DHL. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops for basic electronics repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Table tennis at community centers occasionally. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Limited options; some local schools offer English and French. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | A small local library for reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community centers host cultural events and gatherings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited; more gaming is done at home or community centers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling not widely available; mainly local games. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. XAF 700,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = XAF 28,000,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. XAF 500,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = XAF 20,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. XAF 600,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = XAF 36,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. XAF 450,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = XAF 27,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. XAF 550,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = XAF 44,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. XAF 400,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = XAF 32,000,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residence-based taxation for individuals. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 40%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 19.25%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict rules on CFCs. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax depends on local regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 10% on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Digital nomads can benefit from favorable income reporting. |