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Guide
Libreville, Gabon π¬π¦
#613
,
Nomad Score:
45%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Libreville is the capital and largest city of Gabon, located along the Atlantic coast. |
π₯ Population | Approximately 800,000. |
π» Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 10 Mbps. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 XAF β 0.0018 USD, ATMs widely available but may not accept foreign cards. |
π° Tap Water | Not drinkable, bottled water is recommended. |
π Power | 220V, 50Hz, π Type C/E sockets. |
πΆ SIM Card | Providers include Airtel and Moov, with prepaid SIMs available at kiosks. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard accepted in many businesses; banking options include SociΓ©tΓ© GΓ©nΓ©rale and BICIG. |
π Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and serviced apartments. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Partially cashless; larger hotels and restaurants accept cards. |
π Short Term Rentals | Available through platforms like Airbnb and local real estate agents. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Le Paradis and Hotel Ivotel offer budget options. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The seaside area near the beach with easy access to attractions. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Downtown has coworking spaces and cafes suitable for long-term stays. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | Work Libreville, located in the city center with excellent facilities. |
β Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de la Gare, known for its good coffee and reliable Wi-Fi. |
πΌ Networking Events | Monthly meetups organized by local expat groups and online platforms. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Expat Gabon Facebook group hosts regular social events. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt operates in the city providing reliable transportation. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options currently; recommend checking local community boards for DIY rentals. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Plage de la RΓ©serve is a local favorite, approximately 20 minutes from downtown. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Air Gabon for regional travel to neighboring countries. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | Air France and Ethiopian Airlines operate international flights. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | N1 highway connects Libreville to other major cities in Gabon. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Gare de Libreville for limited train services. |
π Public Transport Passes | Infrequent bus services; buying tickets on board typically. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Options include local buses and rental cars for intercity travel. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Libreville, providing general healthcare services. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Libreville offers classes and wellness sessions. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic-Fit Libreville provides gym facilities for fitness enthusiasts. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Multiple local laundromats available, with 'Pressing de Libreville' being a popular choice. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food delivers from various local restaurants. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Poulet Nyembwe - chicken in palm nut sauce is a must-try. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurant Le Palmier offers vegetarian-friendly dishes. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | Lebanese Bakery is popular for sweets and pastries. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like MarchΓ© Mont-BouΓ«t for fresh produce and local foods. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | E-commerce options include Jumia and local online marketplaces. |
π Grocery Delivery | Some supermarkets offer limited grocery delivery services. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | The area around Avenue de l'IndΓ©pendance has bars and clubs. |
π» Local Brewery | Brasserie de la Cote is a local brewery offering tours and tastings. |
π· Wine Bars | Wine bar Le Gourmet specializes in wines from around the world. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Food stalls in MarchΓ© de Mont-BouΓ«t offer a variety of local street foods. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Restaurant Le Gourmet provides international options. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | La National Museum of Arts and Traditions showcases Gabonese culture. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | MusΓ©e des Arts et Traditions is a vital cultural spot. |
π° Historical Sites | L'Institut FranΓ§ais du Gabon is a significant historical site. |
π Religious Sites | The Saint Michael Cathedral is a prominent landmark. |
π Annual Events | Gabon Festival of Arts and Culture held annually in December. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | Visit the area around Place de la RΓ©publique for local artists. |
π Theater Venues | La ComΓ©die de Libreville hosts regular performances. |
ποΈ Local Markets | MarchΓ© de Mont-BouΓ«t is vibrant and full of local goods. |
πΌ Music Scene | Check out live music at various local bars, especially during weekends. |
π¨ Street Art | Street art can be found all around the city; particularly vibrant in Atong-Atong. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Gabon cooking classes offered through local catering services. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Galleries like Gallery dβArt Patrice Ewe offer local art. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The Presidential Palace is an essential architectural sight. |
π΄ Local Heritage | Rich cultural heritage reflected in local festivals and traditional practices. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | Loango National Park is famous for its wildlife and stunning beaches. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Ivindo National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Promenade de l'Atlantique offers beautiful coastal views for walking or cycling. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | Head to Monts d'AraignΓ©es for beautiful panoramic views. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Ndongu National Park is ideal for birdwatching enthusiasts. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beaches such as Pointe Denis are popular for evening bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | Gabon Post and DHL services available for parcel delivery. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | GabonTech Service offers mobile and computer repairs. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have table tennis facilities. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | French language classes available at various learning centers. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | The National Library offers study spaces in Libreville. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Cultural centers like CitΓ© des Arts host local community events. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming lounges exist; recommend checking local forums for updates. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino de Libreville offers gaming and entertainment. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = $60,000). |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = $48,000). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,400 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = $84,000). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,100 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = $66,000). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,300 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = $104,000). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = $80,000). |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 30% on corporate earnings. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% on dividend distributions. |
π¦ Tax System | Progressive tax system for residents. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate of 30%. |
π§Ύ VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate of 18%. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, rules apply to foreign subsidiaries. |
π Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on property value. |
π Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate of 10% on property purchases. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Gabon offers a friendly tax environment for expatriates and digital nomads. |