Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Moanda is a city located in southeastern Gabon, known for its rich natural resources and close proximity to several industrial sites. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 50,000 inhabitants. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 20 Mbps, but may vary significantly depending on the provider. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Gabon uses the Central African CFA franc (XAF). 1 EUR ≈ 655 XAF. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; it's advisable to use bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 220V, 50Hz, and the plug types used are C and E. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Airtel and Moov, with affordable prepaid plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major banks are BICIG and BGFI, which offer services catering to expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and local apartments; Airbnb has limited availability. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is often preferred, but some larger businesses might accept cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies are available but offer limited options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hotel de la Paix offers budget rooms starting from 30,000 XAF (~€45) per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Central Moanda, close to the marketplace and local attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Residential areas near the business centers provide more amenities and internet access. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | While Moanda lacks dedicated coworking spaces, some cafes offer Wi-Fi for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café du Coin offers a cozy atmosphere with free Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local meetups are rare; connecting via social media for industry-specific groups is advisable. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Engagement in community events through Facebook groups for expats. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Traditional taxis are available, and it's advisable to negotiate fares beforehand. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited rental options; taxis or walking are preferred. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Pointe Denis Beach, around 70 km away, accessible by boat. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Gabon Airlines for domestic flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France and Ethiopian Airlines operate from Libreville, the capital. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Well-connected to main highways leading to other Gabonese cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The main train station is in Libreville; trains to Moanda are infrequent. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal public transport pass system is available; pay per trip. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses operate between major cities; long-distance travel can be done through private transport. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Centre Hospitalier de Moanda for basic medical needs. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited wellness centers; locals recommend engaging in outdoor activities. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic fitness facilities available in the city; check local listings. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local dry cleaners and laundromats available, with prices around 3,000 XAF per kilo. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Limited delivery options; local eateries typically offer takeout. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the traditional dish 'Poulet Nyanga' made with grilled chicken and spices. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Local markets offer fresh fruits and vegetables, but dedicated vegan restaurants are rare. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Local bakeries have pastries; a popular spot is La Boulangerie Moanda. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Moanda marketplace for fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local delivery services are limited; international shipping might be via DHL or FedEx. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited options available; grocery shopping is typically in person. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Local bars near the market offer a social atmosphere in the evenings. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brewery options are limited; most of the beer is imported. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Little to no dedicated wine bars; options are typically found in restaurants. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer snacks like 'sambosa' and 'fumbwa' for locals. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Limited; Italian restaurants providing pizza and pasta can be found. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit local landmarks like the Moanda Market and the surrounding lush landscapes. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Limited local museums; Gabonese art can be found in Libreville. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The city reflects the rich culture of the Fang people, with historical significance. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Local churches represent the Catholic influence in the region. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Cultural festivals are primarily held in Libreville; local celebrations happen during festive seasons. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The market district showcases local crafts and community culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited performance spaces; local events may be held outdoors. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Weekly markets showcase local artisans and food products. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Traditional music is prevalent; performances are often held during celebrations. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited to occasionally commissioned pieces in the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local culinary schools are scarce, but local chefs may offer informal cooking lessons. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Few galleries; many artists display works informally. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Architecture reflects colonial influences, though specific examples are rare. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Regional cultural practices and traditional ceremonies represent local heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Gabon is known for its rainforests and national parks, including Ivindo National Park, about 200 km away. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Lopé National Park is accessible for wildlife and nature enthusiasts, approximately 450 km away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited but rural paths are available for exploring the natural landscapes. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Various vantage points in and around the city offer views of lush greenery. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Rainforests around Moanda provide habitats for various bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Several parks and open fields allow open fires; ask locals for designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services are available for sending parcels. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited tech services available; local shops may provide basic repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers may offer recreational facilities including table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Limited options; French is the primary language, with informal courses available. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Local libraries are minimal; public outdoor areas serve as common study spots. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers occasionally host events for cultural exchange. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Minimal formal gaming spaces; social gaming occurs in homes. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling venues are found in larger cities; none in Moanda. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. XAF 300,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = XAF 12,000,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. XAF 200,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = XAF 8,000,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. XAF 280,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = XAF 16,800,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. XAF 220,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = XAF 13,200,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. XAF 250,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = XAF 20,000,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. XAF 200,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = XAF 16,000,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Tax rate for dividend distributions is 5%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Gabon uses a territorial tax system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 18%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are specific guidelines for foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on local regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 5% of the property's value. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific tax incentives for digital nomads currently exist. |