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Guide
Franceville, Gabon π¬π¦
#615
,
Nomad Score:
44%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Franceville is the capital of Haut-OgoouΓ© Province in Gabon, known for its lush rainforests and the nearby LopΓ© National Park. |
π₯ Population | Approximately 50,000 inhabitants. |
π» Internet Speed | Average internet speed of 10-15 Mbps, depending on service provider. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 Euro β 650 CFA Francs. Local and international ATM services are available. |
π° Tap Water | Not drinkable. It's advisable to use bottled water. |
π Power | 230V, 50Hz, Type C/E plugs. |
πΆ SIM Card | Providers include Airtel Gabon and Gabon Telecom, with options for prepaid plans. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Revolut and local banks such as BGFI Bank are popular among expats. |
π Accommodation | Airbnb and local real estate agents offer options ranging from budget to luxury. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless options; cash is often preferred in local markets. |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb availability with rates from β¬20 per night for basic accommodations. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Local guesthouses starting around β¬15-β¬25 per night. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The city center is ideal for tourists due to proximity to sites and amenities. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Consider staying in private rentals near Ngatamo Boulevard for a quiet environment. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | There are currently no dedicated coworking spaces; working from cafes is common. |
β Best Cafe for Work | CafΓ© de la Gare is popular for working, offering good coffee and Wi-Fi. |
πΌ Networking Events | Local business meetups are held monthly; check local Facebook groups for updates. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | The Gabon Expats Facebook Group offers varied events and meetups for networking. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | BlaBlaCar is used for inter-city travel; local taxis are available but may not be app-based. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited, but local vendors may offer manual bikes for rent. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Beaches in Port-Gentil are approximately 2 hours away by road. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Air Gabon is the primary domestic airline. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | Air France and Ethiopian Airlines operate regular international flights. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Main road connections lead to Libreville and other major towns, with decent conditions. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Local transport options are limited; the primary station is in Libreville. |
π Public Transport Passes | No formal public transport pass system; local minibuses are widely used. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis connect Franceville with surrounding cities. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Centre Hospitalier de Franceville provides basic health services. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options; some fitness centers offer classes in urban areas. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness facilities may be limited, with a few local gyms available. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Local laundries available for washing and drying clothes. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | No major food delivery app; local eateries may offer takeaway. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Nyembwe chicken, a traditional dish. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Local markets offer fresh produce, though dedicated vegan restaurants are rare. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | Little known local bakeries offer pastries and sweet treats. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets such as MarchΓ© de Franceville provide budget-friendly options. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Limited; primarily local sellers on social media for goods. |
π Grocery Delivery | Limited options, primarily through local supermarkets. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Nightlife is concentrated near the city center with a few bars and lounges. |
π» Local Brewery | No major local breweries, but several bars serve Gabonese beer. |
π· Wine Bars | Limited availability; most wine is found in restaurants. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Local street food includes grilled fish and meat skewers, particularly in the evenings. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Limited; local restaurants primarily serve African cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | The Tsangha Waterfalls are a major attraction nearby. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Very few; the local craft markets offer insight into Gabonese culture. |
π° Historical Sites | The Norman-French Colonial architecture is notable in the area. |
π Religious Sites | Local churches reflect the diverse faiths in the community. |
π Annual Events | Local traditional festivals celebrate Gabonese culture and heritage. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | The city center itself is the hub for cultural activities. |
π Theater Venues | Limited; local events sometimes held in community centers. |
ποΈ Local Markets | The MarchΓ© de Franceville is a vibrant spot for local goods. |
πΌ Music Scene | Live music varies but often includes local bands performing at bars. |
π¨ Street Art | Limited; some murals can be found near main roads. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Occasionally offered at local cultural centers. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Very few formal galleries; art is often sold at local markets. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The colonial buildings in Franceville are of interest to visitors. |
π΄ Local Heritage | Cultural masks and artifacts can be found in local markets. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | LopΓ© National Park, known for its biodiversity, is about an hourβs drive. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | LopΓ© National Park is recognized for its wildlife and scenic landscapes. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths available in and around parks, though conditions vary. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | The Tsangha Waterfalls offer stunning views and photo opportunities. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | LopΓ© National Park is ideal for birdwatching enthusiasts. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Official bonfire spots are limited; private arrangements may be feasible. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local post services are available for parcels. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Limited; local shops handle basic device repairs. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers may have table tennis facilities. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | French language schools available for learning local languages. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | Few public libraries; local cafes serve as study spots. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Community centers often host events and gatherings. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Limited; most gaming happens at home or in private gatherings. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | No major casinos; local games are played informally. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬1,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β¬60,000). |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬1,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β¬48,000). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬1,800 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β¬108,000). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬1,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β¬90,000). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬2,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β¬160,000). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬1,800 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β¬144,000). |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 30% corporate tax rate. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | Tax rate of 15% on dividends. |
π¦ Tax System | Based on territorial tax system for residents. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate of 40%. |
π§Ύ VAT | Standard VAT rate of 18%. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No specific CFC rules in place. |
π Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on property value. |
π Property Transaction Tax | Property transaction tax is approximately 5%. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific tax incentives for digital nomads, but local tax rates are relatively low. |