Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Bakau is a coastal town in The Gambia, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 20,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average of 10-20 Mbps, with some areas having up to 50 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 Gambian Dalasi (GMD) ≈ 0.018 USD; ATMs are available but may charge high fees. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, with Type G sockets; frequent power outages can occur. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Africell and QCell; prepaid SIM cards are easily available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Local banks like Guaranty Trust Bank and Access Bank; international cards accepted at some locations. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Available options include guesthouses, hotels, and apartments; Airbnb has listings starting at $25 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Moderately cashless friendly; mobile money services are gaining popularity. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses offer several short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Bakau is a budget-friendly option with dorms starting at $15 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The beachfront area is popular among tourists for its proximity to beaches and attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Bakau's residential neighborhoods offer quieter accommodations and are close to coworking spaces and cafes. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Gambia Remote Work Hub located in nearby Fajara offers great facilities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Green Mamba Garden provides a relaxing atmosphere and Wi-Fi for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check local Facebook groups and meetups for digital nomads in Gambia, such as 'Gambia Digital Nomads'. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Bakau Beach Bar hosts weekly social events and live music. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Gambia's taxis can be booked by phone, though formal ride-sharing apps are not widely used. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available at local shops; scooters can also be rented for around $15 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Bakau Beach, easily accessible within walking distance. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Gambia Bird offers flights to regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Royal Air Maroc and Brussels Airlines operate flights from Banjul International Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the Trans-Gambia Highway, making travel to other parts of the country convenient. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train service; road transport is primary. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Minibuses (Gele-Geles) operate with affordable fares; no formal pass systems exist. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses to nearby cities cost around $2-$5 depending on the distance. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | The Medical Research Council Unit in Fajara is the most reputable healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Yoga Center Gambia in nearby Kololi offers classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First in Fajara provides gym facilities for visitors. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats offer services for around $5 per load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Food delivery services include Jollof and online ordering from local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Domoda, a peanut butter stew, widely available at local restaurants. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Kandeh's in Bakau specializes in vegetarian versions of Gambian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | DeliFruits Bakery offers a selection of pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Bakau's local markets provide fresh produce and local snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local e-commerce websites like Gambia Shop allow for small purchases online. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Online delivery options are limited, but local supermarkets like Koita's offer in-store shopping. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Senegambia Strip offers a vibrant nightlife with bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | West African Breweries produces local beers like Julbrew. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited wine bars, mainly found in upscale hotels. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Popular options include roadside vendors selling kebabs and pastries. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants offering Italian, Chinese, and Indian dishes are scattered around the area. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Bakau Fish Market and the Kachikally Crocodile Pool are key attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Gambia National Museum in Banjul showcases local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit Fort Bullen, a historical military site located near the coast. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Bakau Mosque is a prominent religious structure in the town. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Gambia Festival of festivals occurs annually, celebrating local culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Visit the Serrekunda area for vibrant markets and cultural experiences. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Gambia has limited theater venues; local performances often occur in community spaces. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Bakau has vibrant markets offering local produce, crafts, and textiles. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found in bars and at festivals, displaying Gambian culture. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art can be found in urban areas, reflecting local themes and culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer classes to learn Gambian cooking techniques. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Little to no urban-centered galleries, but local crafts can be found in markets. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Historical colonial buildings are scattered around Banjul, a short trip from Bakau. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Gambian heritage is showcased through music, crafts, and festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Fishing and birdwatching at the Tanji Bird Reserve are popular activities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The River Gambia National Park offers wildlife viewing and canoeing. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Coastal paths provide opportunities for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The coastline offers spectacular sunset views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Kachikally Crocodile Pool is also known for birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain beach areas allow for bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Gambia Post offer parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in Banjul handle device repairs; quality varies. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers might provide access to table tennis tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | English language classes are available in local education centers. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited libraries exist; most reading is done in private accommodations. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community centers often host cultural events and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Few gaming lounges exist; local internet cafes may offer gaming. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No formal casinos; informal gaming occurs at some local bars. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m². |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m². |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m². |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m². |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,650 per m². |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,300 per m². |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 31% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | The Gambia has a mix of income taxation and local taxes. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% for individuals. |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% standard Value Added Tax. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict rules currently enforced. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes apply, though rates vary by regional governments. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate of 5% during property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Tax incentives for foreign workers are currently being discussed. |