Brikama, Gambia 🇬🇲
#1095
13.274391, -16.645443
Nomad Score:
49%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Brikama is the largest town in the Western Region of Gambia, known for its vibrant culture and markets. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 60,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average 4-10 Mbps, with potential for higher speeds in urban areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 GMD ≈ 0.020 USD; banking services available via GTBank and EcoBank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 240V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets; frequent power outages may occur. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Gamtel, Africell, and Qcell provide mobile services with prepaid options widely available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Most banks accept cash; card penetration is still low. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from guesthouses to local hotels, with budget choices in the town center. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is preferred but mobile money options like e-money exist. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses offer short-term accommodation options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Guesthouse Brikama and Lamsat Guesthouse offer affordable lodging options. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | No dedicated coworking spaces, but some cafes and hotels provide adequate Wi-Fi. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Jokor Restaurant is known for its casual environment and reliable internet. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local community events are generally informal; check community boards. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats often gather at local tourist spots and markets for informal meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | No widely used ride apps; Taxis are available but negotiated fares are common. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycles are often rented at local shops; few options for scooters. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Kololi Beach is the closest, about 30 minutes away by taxi. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Senegal connects to regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Royal Air Maroc and Brussels Airlines link to international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Good access to the Banjul-Serrekunda highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Brikama has a bus terminal with services to various destinations. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport operates via minibuses and shared taxis; no formal passes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Travel options include buses and local taxis to neighboring towns. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Brikama Health Centre provides basic medical services; for emergencies, Gambia's main hospitals in Banjul are recommended. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options; some hotels may offer yoga classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Few dedicated gyms; some hotels have basic fitness facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundries available; inquire at hotels for convenient options. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No major delivery apps; local restaurants may provide direct delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Domoda, a peanut stew, or Benachin, a delicious Jollof rice dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Grilled vegetables and rice dishes are commonly available; explore local markets for fresh produce. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Various pastry shops offer local sweets; look for Kelewele (fried plantains). |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Brikama Market offers a wide range of local produce and crafts. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited online shopping; local stores dominate. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited; local markets are the primary shopping venues. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Main Street has a few bars and entertainment spots popular with locals. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Gambia Breweries Limited produces local beers, primarily Star Beer. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options; some upscale restaurants may offer a selection. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various stalls around Brikama Market selling local snacks and dishes. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Few options; some restaurants serve continental dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Brikama market is vibrant and colorful; check out the nearby craft market. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Without dedicated museums, local culture is best experienced in the markets. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the nearby Gambia National Museum in Banjul for a broader context. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The town features several mosques and churches showcasing local architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Cultural festivals often celebrated within the region; timing varies. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the craft district around the market for local arts and crafts. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited; community performances may occur in public spaces. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Brikama Market is lively and a hub for local goods and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music is vibrant, with traditional performances in markets or on the streets. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Not commonly found; however, some vibrant local murals can be seen in the market area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Look for local chefs offering informal cooking lessons in their homes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited; however, local artisans can be found selling their works in markets. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Old colonial architecture can be found near the center; explore local paths. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Traditional crafts such as weaving and pottery are celebrated in Brikama. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Katchikally Crocodile Pool offers tours and has cultural significance. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Banjul National Park is a short trip away, great for wildlife enthusiasts. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Safe to explore on foot; limited cycling paths are available. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The river offers some picturesque views at sunset, especially by the ferry terminals. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatchers can enjoy the nearby wetlands and parks for various species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Limited public areas; check with accommodations for safe areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL operates a service to and from Gambia; inquire locally for specifics. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops can handle basic repairs; availability may vary. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers occasionally set up ping pong tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Informal tutoring available; inquire on local boards or in cafes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited public libraries; cafes and hotels serve as informal study spots. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Check local notices for community gatherings and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited options; locals often play board games or cards in informal settings. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Not available in Brikama; look to Banjul for larger entertainment venues. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. GMD 1,200,000 (e.g., 40 m² = GMD 1,200,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. GMD 800,000 (e.g., 40 m² = GMD 800,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. GMD 1,500,000 (e.g., 60 m² = GMD 1,500,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. GMD 1,100,000 (e.g., 60 m² = GMD 1,100,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. GMD 1,800,000 (e.g., 80 m² = GMD 1,800,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. GMD 1,400,000 (e.g., 80 m² = GMD 1,400,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 0% for small businesses, 30% for large corporations. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Gambia operates on a territorial basis. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Gambia has CFC rules applicable to resident companies. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on annual rental value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 10% on the total value of the property. |