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Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Banjul is the capital city of The Gambia, located on St. Mary's Island at the mouth of the Gambia River. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 31,000 inhabitants. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is about 20 Mbps, with availability of 4G in central areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 61 GMD. Banks like Guaranty Trust Bank and EcoBank are available, along with ATMs in major areas. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, with Type G power sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include QCell, Africell, and Gamtel. SIM cards are available at the airport and local shops. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and MasterCard accepted at major banks and establishments, though cash is still king. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and Airbnb listings, ranging from budget to mid-range. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is predominantly used, but mobile money services like e-money are gaining traction. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com offer several options in and around Banjul. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Places like Banjul Lodge and The Gambia Hotel provide affordable lodging for travelers. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Kotu and Kololi are popular with tourists due to their beaches and vibrant nightlife. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Fajara area is recommended for its quiet environment, good internet, and proximity to amenities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Kairaba Beach Hotel has spaces suitable for remote work with reliable internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Coffee House offers a cozy atmosphere with Wi-Fi and outdoor seating. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check local Facebook groups and expat meetings for networking opportunities. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Gambia Young Professionals and Gambia Expats Association organize regular meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is not available, but local taxi services are reliable. Negotiating fares is common. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; renting a bicycle from local shops is feasible for short distances. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Kotu Beach is popular for its accessibility and vibrant beachfront activities. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Senegal operates routes from Banjul to other West African destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Gambia Bird and Royal Air Maroc offer international flights to Europe and beyond. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Good access to the Banjul-Serekunda Highway connecting the main areas. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Banjul does not have a train system; public transport is mainly by bus and taxi. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal public transport passes; most transport is pay-per-trip. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis (Gele-Gele) connect Banjul to nearby cities like Serekunda and Brikama. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital is the top healthcare facility in Banjul. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Gambia offers classes in a serene environment. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Gambia provides gym services for short-term memberships. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats are available, with services like Fresh & Clean being popular. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Quickly and MyDoor offer local food delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Jollof Rice and Domoda (peanut stew) are must-try traditional dishes. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | El Sol Restaurant offers good vegetarian choices. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Bakery serves a variety of pastries and local sweet treats. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Banjul Market has numerous affordable local food and craft stalls. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia Gambia is a popular online shopping platform for various goods. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Services like XpressGrocer deliver groceries to your doorstep. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Senegambia area is known for its nightlife, with bars and clubs like Kotu Beach Bar. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Gambia Breweries produces local beers like Julbrew. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Local bars serve a variety of wines, though options may be limited. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | You can find delicious street food options at various stalls near Kairaba Avenue. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restoration with a focus on Asian and continental meals such as Cuba and The Kitchen. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Arch 22, the Gambia National Museum, and Banjul's vibrant beaches. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Gambia National Museum showcases local art and history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Dakar's Old Slave Trade House is a poignant historical site to visit. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Visit the Basilica of St. Mary and various mosques around the city. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Banjul Djembe Festival celebrated in June attracts cultural performances. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Old Town area has traditional Gambian architecture and local markets. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Live performances can often be found at the Gambia National Theatre. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Albert Market in Banjul offers a vibrant shopping experience. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Gambian music plays a huge role in cultural life; check venues for live performances. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Public murals can be seen scattered throughout Banjul, adding color to the streets. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Various local chefs offer cooking classes for tourists eager to learn Gambian dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Banjul has a few small galleries showcasing modern Gambian art and crafts. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old colonial buildings offer beautiful vistas and historical architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Gambian flag represents the cultural diversity and unity of the nation. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The beautiful Tanji Bird Reserve is just a short drive from Banjul. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Banjul is close to the River Gambia National Park, rich in wildlife. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastline provides beautiful paths for cycling and walking along the beaches. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Cape Point offers stunning views of the river meeting the Atlantic Ocean. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Gambia River is popular among birdwatchers for various species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Kotu Beach has areas suitable for bonfire gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL provides reliable parcel delivery services from Banjul. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in Banjul can fix mobile devices and laptops. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some local community centers have tables available for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools in Banjul offer English and local language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Gambia National Library offers resources and a quiet space for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community centers throughout Banjul are hubs for social and cultural activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Some cafes offer spaces for gaming; check local spots for options. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Limited options are available for gambling; check local hotels for information. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $75,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $50,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $72,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $54,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,100 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $88,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $850 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $68,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | The corporate tax rate is 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The effective rate is 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Gambian tax residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | The maximum personal income tax rate is 30%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Gambia does not have strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on property value; rates vary. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | The transfer tax is approximately 5%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | The Gambian government encourages economic activity with incentives like tax holidays under certain conditions. |