Oyem, Gabon 🇬🇦
#1468
14.127714, 122.912073
Nomad Score:
42%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Oyem is the capital of the Ngounié Province in Gabon, known for its greenery and cultural diversity. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 60,000 inhabitants. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of around 10 Mbps; stability can vary. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Gabon uses the Central African CFA franc (XAF). 1 EUR ≈ 650 XAF. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, with Type C and E plugs. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Gabon Telecom and Airtel, offering good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards are accepted in major banks such as BGFI and BICIG. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local guesthouses, hotels, and Airbnb, with prices ranging from $15 to $50 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is preferred. Some places accept cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is available, ranging from $30 to $70 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Local guesthouses and communes; prices start from $10 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking space options are limited; check local cafes with Wi-Fi. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café de la Gare offers decent Wi-Fi and a quiet atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Look out for expat community meetups, shared on local social media groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups for expats often host informal gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis are common; no major ride-sharing apps available. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; renting is not common. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Plage de Port Gentil is the nearest beach, about a 6-hour drive. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Gabon operates flights connecting major towns. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France and Ethiopian Airlines for international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to major roads like N1 connecting Oyem to Franceville. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The city has limited train service; buses are the primary mode of transit. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal passes; pay per trip on local buses. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis are available for inter-city travel. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Centre Hospitalier de Oyem is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options; local gyms may offer fitness classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Few gyms available; most hotels have basic facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats are available, with basic services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No major delivery apps; local restaurants may offer delivery directly. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Saka Saka (cassava leaves with fish) is a local specialty. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited; however, local markets offer fresh produce. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Le Bon Goût serves various pastries and local sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets such as Oyem Market provide good deals on foods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia is popular for online shopping but delivery options may be limited. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited; local stores usually do not offer delivery. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Nightlife is mostly limited to local bars and music venues throughout the city. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Local breweries are not prominent; prefer established brands available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options; local wine consumption is low. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food is common around markets, try grilled meat skewers. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Limited; you can find a few Chinese and Lebanese spots. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Oyem Cathedral and local marketplaces. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Cultural centers are limited; check for local exhibitions. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The city is rich in local history, but significant sites are sparse. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Churches and local mosques reflect the diversity. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Fête de la Francophonie celebrations happen every March. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Local neighborhoods offer insights into Gabonese culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited performance spaces; occasionally check community boards. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Markets in Oyem are vibrant and full of local crafts and foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music mainly revolves around traditional Gabonese styles. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited; however, keep an eye out for local murals around the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are rare; locals may offer informal lessons. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Few galleries; mostly pop-up exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The colonial architecture around the city center is notable. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Gabonese cultural heritage remains vibrant despite modernization. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Visit the nearby Loango National Park for wildlife! |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Loango National Park is accessible for wildlife enthusiasts. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited recreational paths; explore by foot to enjoy nature. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Hiking in the hills around Oyem offers scenic views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Loango National Park is known for its birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated camping areas are rare; adhere to local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local post services available; express options may vary. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited tech services; city has few repair shops. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers sometimes have tables available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Limited; expatriate groups may offer informal meetups. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited public spaces; some schools open their libraries. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers host various cultural activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | No dedicated gaming lounges; check local cafes instead. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No major casinos; limited entertainment options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approximately 2,000,000 XAF per m². |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approximately 1,500,000 XAF per m². |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approximately 2,500,000 XAF per m². |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approximately 2,000,000 XAF per m². |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approximately 3,500,000 XAF per m². |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approximately 2,500,000 XAF per m². |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividend withholding tax is 16%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Gabon has a territorial tax system for residents. |
| 📈 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, CFC rules are in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxation is based on valuation. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Transaction tax is generally around 10% of the purchase price. |