Franceville, Gabon 🇬🇦
#615
-1.634397, 13.58948
Nomad Score:
42%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Franceville is the second largest city in Gabon, located in the southeastern part of the country. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 60,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 10-20 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 655.96 XAF, Limited banking options, mostly local banks like BGFI and Société Générale. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, bottled water recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Airtel and Gabon Telecom for mobile connectivity. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards accepted in major stores, cash preferred in local markets. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from local guesthouses to Airbnb listings. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is preferred, especially in local markets. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is available, with prices starting around $30 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Local guesthouses start at approximately $15-20 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Space21 Gabon is a notable coworking space offering workstations and Wi-Fi. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe du Parc is known for good coffee and a conducive work environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Occasional meetups in local cafes; check local Facebook groups for information. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join the Gabon Expats group on Facebook for updates on community events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxi services are common, no ride-hailing apps widely in use. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited bike rental services; it's advisable to use taxis or walk. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Ogooué River banks are a local retreat, not necessarily a beach. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Gabon is a primary domestic carrier. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France and Ethiopian Airlines operate flights to Franceville. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main roads connect to Libreville, but road conditions vary. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No major train services; rely on road transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Limited public transport options; taxis or private vehicles preferred. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses travel to surrounding towns, with estimates ranging from XAF 2,000 to 5,000 depending on the distance. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Centre Hospitalier de Franceville is the main medical facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options; check local listings. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness facilities available at hotels and some community centers. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services offered in hotels; local laundromats are less common. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Limited options; local eateries may offer takeout. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Nyama Choma, a local grilled meat dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited; some local restaurants may offer vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Boulevard des Drapeaux has a few pastry shops. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets such as Marché de Franceville offer fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited online shopping; locals rely on direct markets. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | No major grocery delivery services available. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Along Avenue de la République, a few local bars exist. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Limited local breweries; some imported beers available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Casual dining spots may offer wine, but no specialized wine bars. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local street vendors offer quick bites, especially near markets. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | A few international options like Chinese and Lebanese restaurants are available. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Franceville Cathedral and the Ogooué River. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Limited museums; check local community centers. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Explore colonial architecture in the city center. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Franceville Cathedral is a prominent local church. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Local festivals are sporadic; inquire locally for current events. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Historical districts present limited cultural experiences. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Community theater performances may happen occasionally. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Marché de Franceville offers an authentic local shopping experience. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music often at local bars during weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Some street murals and local artists display their work around town. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Limited availability; local cooks may offer informal lessons. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Few galleries exist; arts and crafts at local markets are common. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Some colonial-era buildings are present in the city center. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Gabonese cultural heritage is preserved through local festivals but less visible in urban settings. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Lopé National Park is about an hour away for hiking and wildlife. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Lopé National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site with rich biodiversity. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Trails around the Ogooué River; limited developed cycling paths. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Viewpoints available near the river; best at sunrise and sunset. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Lopé National Park offers birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Lopé National Park has designated areas, but confirm local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local postal services available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited tech repair service options in town. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Limited availability; occasionally found in community centers. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local language schools are scarce; informal lessons available. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Local libraries are limited; cafes provide informal study spots. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Some community centers host cultural events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming facilities; mainly home gaming. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No major casinos available in Franceville. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m². |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m². |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m². |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m². |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,700 per m². |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m². |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Withholding tax rate is 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Gabonese tax system is based on territorial income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal tax rate is 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 18%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, regulatory framework exists. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax applies, evaluated by local authorities. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Transaction tax around 10% on property purchases. |