Port-Gentil, Gabon 🇬🇦
#614
-0.715196, 8.778791
Nomad Score:
41%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Port-Gentil is the second-largest city in Gabon, located on an island at the mouth of the Ogooué River. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 120,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 4 Mbps, which can vary greatly by provider and area. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Gabon uses the Central African CFA franc (XAF). 1 EUR ≈ 655 CFA francs. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. It is recommended to use bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, ⚡ Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers like Airtel and Gabon Telecom offer good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Local banks such as BICEC and Afriland First Bank support international transactions. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels to short-term rentals on platforms like Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited acceptance of cards. Cash is preferred in many transactions. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available on Airbnb and local rental sites, with prices starting around $30 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel La Maison is a budget option with rates around $15 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Co-Working Space Port-Gentil offers good facilities and reliable internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe La Paillote, known for its coffee and relaxed atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Occasional events organized by local expat groups can be found on social media. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Groups on Facebook such as 'Expats in Port-Gentil' facilitate community meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxify and local taxis are available, but it's best to negotiate fares. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; renting scooters from local shops is recommended. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Plage de Ngomulaire, approximately 30 minutes from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Gabon is the primary domestic airline. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France and Ethiopian Airlines service Port-Gentil internationally. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via National Route N1, connecting to Libreville. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Port-Gentil does not have a rail system; transportation is primarily by road. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Limited public transport; content on buses is often unreliable. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Port-Gentil to Libreville and nearby towns, with fares around 5,000 CFA francs. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Centre Hospitalier de Port-Gentil is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga sessions might be offered by local fitness clubs; check community boards. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Club Port-Gentil offers gym facilities and classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are available at local laundromats and hotels. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Locally based delivery services such as Jumia Food can be used. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Poulet Nyanga', a local grilled chicken dish often served with plantains. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited; some restaurants offer vegetarian dishes on request. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pâtisserie de Port-Gentil offers a selection of pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Marché de Port-Gentil offer fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia and local retailers offer selections of goods online. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery options are limited; most residents shop in person. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Avenue de la République has several bars popular among locals and expats. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brasserie du Gabon offers local beers, often found in bars. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine is available in local restaurants but specialized wine bars are rare. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors around the central market area offer affordable meals. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants in the city serve French, Moroccan, and Chinese cuisines. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Explore the unique architecture and coastal views along the waterfront. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Musee d'Art de Port-Gentil showcases local arts and heritage. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The early colonial buildings in the city center are worth a visit. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Several local churches and a mosque reflect the city's cultural diversity. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Festival of Arts and Culture is held annually, showcasing local talents. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Visit areas with markets showcasing local crafts and produce. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The city occasionally hosts theater productions at cultural centers. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Marché Total is a well-known market for local products and arts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music is common in bars and during festivals throughout the city. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Art installations can be found around the market area and central streets. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local culinary schools may offer classes on Gabonese cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | There are a few local galleries featuring contemporary and traditional art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Several colonial buildings can be found along Avenue de la République. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Gabonese culture is rich with diverse traditions and languages. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Loango National Park is about 1 hour away and offers wildlife viewing. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Loango National Park is famous for its beaches and wildlife. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Coastal paths and nearby parks provide lovely walking options. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Visit the viewpoints along the coast for picturesque photos. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Loango National Park is a prime spot for birdwatching, especially during migrations. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain beaches may allow bonfires, check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local services like DHL and regional delivery options available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops provide basic repairs for devices and electronics. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Not commonly found; local community centers sometimes have recreational options. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | French language classes are available at local language schools. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Libraries can be found within educational institutions and community centers. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various community centers offer activities and events for locals. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited options; small gaming areas may be available in cafes. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No major casinos are present; local entertainment options are limited. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,100 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $66,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $42,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $80,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $48,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Based on territorial income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 18%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict rules governing the taxation of foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxation is based on the cadastral value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 7% standard rate. |