Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Port-Gentil is the second largest city in Gabon, located on an island off the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 150,000 people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 20 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency used is the Central African CFA franc (XAF). 1 USD ≈ 600 XAF. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity supply is 220V, 50Hz, and Type C/E sockets are used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major carriers include Airtel and Moov, with prepaid SIM cards readily available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards are accepted in major banks like Gabonese Bank and there are ATMs available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and apartments, particularly around the city center. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Not widely cashless; it's advisable to carry cash for most transactions. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental websites provide options for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like Auberge le Paradis offer dorm beds starting at approximately 12,000 XAF per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The city center is the best area, close to beaches and attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The area around the Port-Gentil Marina is ideal for digital nomads due to its connectivity and business amenities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | There are limited options; check out Les Bureaux Co-working for a quiet work environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe le Calypso is a popular spot for remote work with good coffee and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local expat groups on social media often organize informal meetups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Check out the Port-Gentil Expat Facebook group for community gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxis are available but book through local services as ride-sharing apps aren't common. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are limited; consider walking for local exploration. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Plage de la Pointe is a popular beach with picturesque views. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Gabon Airlines is the main regional air carrier. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France and Ethiopian Airlines operate flights to and from Port-Gentil. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Connected via RN1 to Libreville and surrounding towns. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Trains are not commonly used; focus on road transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local buses are available but do not operate on scheduled routes, pay per ride. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Travel between cities is mainly done via road or domestic flights. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Centre Hospitalier de Port-Gentil offers basic healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Currently, no dedicated yoga studios exist; consider outdoor fitness. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gyms are limited; some hotels offer basic gym facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats are available; ask at your accommodation for recommendations. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Food delivery options are limited; check local restaurants that may offer deliveries. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'puree de manioc' served with grilled fish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegetarian options are available at local restaurants but may be limited. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Patisserie Le Grand provides tasty pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets such as Marché de Port-Gentil offer fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited; consider using international providers for a wider selection. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery services are not prevalent; shopping in person is recommended. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Check out Le Lounge and Les Flots, popular for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Gabon does not have well-known local breweries; most beer is produced by Brasseries de Madagascar. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited wine bars; however, some restaurants offer good selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food is plentiful near the waterfront; try grilled skewers. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Several restaurants offer French and Lebanese cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Port-Gentil Lighthouse and the Museum of Art and Culture are must-visit sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Musee de l'Art et de la Culture is small but represents local heritage. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The historical area of the old port showcases colonial architecture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Michael's Cathedral reflects local religious architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Celebrations such as National Independence Day in August bring locals together. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Strolling through the city center allows for cultural insights. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | No major theaters; look for occasional local performances in community centers. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Marché de Port-Gentil is vibrant and full of local crafts and foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Check out local bars for live music events particularly on weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Port-Gentil has a growing street art scene; look around the markets. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Few options exist; consider local restaurants for cooking experiences. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited independent galleries; local crafts are more prevalent at markets. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Explore colonial buildings scattered around the city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The culture is influenced by a mix of French and local Fang traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Loango National Park, known for its wildlife, is a few hours away. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Loango National Park is the most accessible for visitors. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along the waterfront are popular for walking and jogging. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Lookouts along the coast provide stunning views of the sunset. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The mangroves around Port-Gentil are excellent for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some beaches allow bonfires during designated events; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services operate in the city. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local phone shops can handle basic tech repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Check community centers for recommendations on table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Limited language schools exist; private tutors may be available. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The local library is small but offers a quiet space for reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Check local listings for community events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited; some cafes may offer gaming options. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Port-Gentil does not have casinos; entertainment is mostly in bars and restaurants. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 300,000 XAF per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 12,000,000 XAF) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 250,000 XAF per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 10,000,000 XAF) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 400,000 XAF per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 24,000,000 XAF) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 350,000 XAF per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 21,000,000 XAF) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 500,000 XAF per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 40,000,000 XAF) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 450,000 XAF per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 36,000,000 XAF) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividend tax rate is 20%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Individuals are taxed on worldwide income, with various brackets. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is approximately 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 18%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Gabon has strict CFC regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on assessed value exists. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard property transaction tax rate is around 5%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Gabon does not have specific tax incentives for digital nomads. |