Bakau, Gambia 🇬🇲
#1094
13.477453, -16.677908
Nomad Score:
51%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Bakau is a coastal city located in The Gambia, known for its vibrant culture and beautiful beaches. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 25,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed around 10 Mbps, varies depending on the provider. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Gambian Dalasi (GMD), 1 USD ≈ 60 GMD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Africell, Qcell, and Gamcel. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard accepted in some places, local banks include Guaranty Trust Bank and EcoBank. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local guesthouses, Airbnb, and hotels like the Bakau Resort. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | No, cash is preferred, though some places accept cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through Airbnb and local agencies, prices range from $25 to $100 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Options like The Ocean Bay Hotel & Resort offer affordable lodging starting from $40 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Gambia Hubs, provides space for freelancers and remote workers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Mango's Restaurant, known for strong WiFi and a relaxed atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Expat and local meetups are organized regularly on Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Local expat communities often gather for social events at the Bakau Craft Market. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Gambia Taxi app, though traditional taxis are also widely available. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikes can be rented from local shops near popular beaches. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Cape Point Beach, known for its beautiful sunsets and soft sand. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Peace operates flights to regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Royal Air Maroc offers flights to international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The city is accessible via the Banjul-Bakau Highway, connecting to Banjul. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The Gambian public transport system relies mainly on shared taxis and buses. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No passes available; pay per journey. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Shared taxis and local minibuses operate to nearby towns. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Banjul Hospital is the nearest and provides general healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Horizon Wellness & Spa for yoga classes and spa treatments. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness clubs available at hotels like the Ocean Bay Hotel. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats provide services, prices starting at D50 ($0.82) per kg. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Gambian Food Service offers delivery from various local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Benachin (one-pot rice dish) is a must-try local specialty. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Veggie-friendly restaurants like The Green House offer diverse options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Bakau Café offers some delightful local desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Bakau's fish market is known for fresh local produce and reasonable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local Facebook groups for buying and selling items exist but online shopping is limited. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery is not widely available; local shops require in-person visits. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Senegambia Strip is famous for nightlife with bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Banjul Breweries produces popular Gambian beers like Julbrew. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited; local stores sell international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors sell popular snacks like meat pies and chicken kebabs. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Establishments offering pizza, Chinese, and Indian cuisine are available in the area. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Kachikally Crocodile Pool, a revered cultural site. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Gambia National Museum located in Banjul is worth a visit. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Fort Bullen, located in nearby Banjul, offers insight into the colonial history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Gamowang Mosque, showcasing local Islamic architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The annual Gambia Festival is celebrated with music and dance. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Bakau Craft Market is a vibrant area representing Gambian crafts. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local theaters host Gambian plays and cultural events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Bakau Market for fresh vegetables and local crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars often have live performances showcasing Gambian music. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals depicting Gambian culture can be found around Bakau. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer classes on traditional Gambian cooking. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallery Banjul features local artists and cultural exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Colonial-era buildings dot the landscape in nearby Banjul. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Gambian culture is rich with traditions, rhythms, and stories. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The River Gambia National Park offers stunning nature scenery. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Abuko Nature Reserve, a short drive away, is known for its wildlife. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Scenic coastal paths suitable for walking and cycling along the beach. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Cape Point provides stunning ocean views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching at the Tanji Bird Reserve is a popular activity. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beaches like Cape Point allow for bonfires in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local postal services offer parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in Bakau can assist with basic tech repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Public parks may have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local community centers offer English and local language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited, but some cafes provide quiet spaces for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers host various classes and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming hubs are less common; most gaming is done at home. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambia does not have casinos; most gaming is informal. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m², example: 50 m² = $75,000. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,100 per m², example: 50 m² = $55,000. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m², example: 60 m² = $108,000. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,300 per m², example: 60 m² = $78,000. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m², example: 80 m² = $160,000. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m², example: 80 m² = $120,000. |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 31%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents taxed on income earned in The Gambia. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Local property taxes apply based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Average transaction tax is approximately 4%. |