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Guide
Brikama, Gambia π¬π²
#1095
,
Nomad Score:
53%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Brikama is the largest city in the Western Division of The Gambia, known for its vibrant markets and cultural richness. |
π₯ Population | Approximately 80,000 people. |
π» Internet Speed | Average speed is around 5-10 Mbps, depending on the provider. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | The Gambian Dalasi (GMD) is the local currency, with 1 USD β 60 GMD. |
π° Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
π Power | Experience frequent outages; electricity is generally 230V, 50Hz. |
πΆ SIM Card | Providers include Africell, Qcell, and Gamtel, with pre-paid options available. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Access to banks like EcoBank and GTBank, and mobile payment options like 'E-money'. |
π Accommodation | Options include guesthouses, local hotels, and Airbnb listings starting at $15-20 per night. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is preferred, but mobile payments are growing. |
π Short Term Rentals | Available through Airbnb and local rental agencies, typically starting around $200/month. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Budget hotels like The Brikama Lodge start at approximately $20/night. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Brikama Town Center and nearby Kololi are recommended for tourist stays. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Banjul and Serekunda offer better internet service and coworking options. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | The Ground Floor Co-Working Space in Banjul (approx. 30 minutes from Brikama) offers reliable internet. |
β Best Cafe for Work | Cafes like 'Roots Cafe' offer a cozy environment with Wi-Fi. |
πΌ Networking Events | Local meetups happen irregularly; check social media for updates. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | The Gambia Expat Community on Facebook regularly posts about events. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | There are local taxis; ride-hailing apps like 'Gambian Taxi' are emerging. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; some local shops offer bicycle rentals. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Kololi Beach is a popular spot, about 40 minutes away. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Air Senegal offers regional flights to neighboring countries. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | Royal Air Maroc and Brussels Airlines operate flights to Banjul International Airport. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | The Banjul Road connects Brikama with the capital and other major areas. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Brikama does not have a train service; intercity travel is mainly by bus. |
π Public Transport Passes | Limited, as minibuses and taxis operate without formal passes. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Buses run frequently to major towns including Banjul and Serekunda. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Brikama Health Center provides basic services; for advanced care, visit Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital in Banjul. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited local options; wellness retreats are available at resorts outside Brikama. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Several local fitness centers; prices range from $10/month. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Local laundromats provide services, typically costing around $5/kg. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Local services like 'Gambian Eats' and 'Foodli' cater to Brikama. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Domoda, a peanut stew, popular among locals. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cashew CafΓ© offers plant-based meals with local ingredients. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | Try 'Kandeh's Bakery' for popular pastries and sweets. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Brikama Market is the best place for fresh produce and local goods. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Local vendors use Facebook Marketplace for shopping. |
π Grocery Delivery | Services are limited; local markets are the best option for shopping. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Local bars like 'Fanta Bar' offer live music and drinks. |
π» Local Brewery | Banjul Brewery produces local beers, available in restaurants. |
π· Wine Bars | Very limited; most places sell local beers and spirits. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Numerous stalls near the market offering local snacks and meals. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants in nearby Serekunda serve a variety including Chinese and Indian. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Kachikally Crocodile Pool for a unique cultural experience. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | The Gambia National Museum is located nearby in Banjul. |
π° Historical Sites | Fort Bullen offers insight into the colonial past of The Gambia. |
π Religious Sites | Visit the Big Mosque in Brikama, a local architectural gem. |
π Annual Events | The Gambia Horse and Donkey Society organizes events throughout the year. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | Brikama is known for its wood carving and pottery craftsmen. |
π Theater Venues | Local performances may occur at community centers or open-air venues. |
ποΈ Local Markets | Brikama Market is vibrant and filled with local crafts and produce. |
πΌ Music Scene | Local bands frequently perform at venues in Serekunda. |
π¨ Street Art | Brikama has local murals reflecting Gambian culture. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Gambia Cooking Class offers courses in local cuisine. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Limited; check for local exhibitions by community artists. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | Traditional mud huts and clay houses are characteristic of the region. |
π΄ Local Heritage | The cultural heritage of the Mandinka and Wolof people is prominent in Brikama. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | Fathala Wildlife Reserve is about 1 hour away, offering safari experiences. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Abuko Nature Reserve is a short drive from the city, ideal for birdwatching. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited paths; locals cycle on roads and sandy tracks. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | The Brikama River offers beautiful viewing spots along its banks. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Abuko Nature Reserve is a prime spot for bird enthusiasts. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated camping areas near the coast found in retreat centers. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local services are available for parcel deliveries. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Local shops around the market offer phone repairs. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Community centers sometimes have table tennis tables for casual play. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Local schools offer basic English and local language courses. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | Limited; Brikama has a community resource center for reading. |
ποΈ Community Centers | The Gambia Youth Federation operates community interest programs. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Very few; most gaming occurs in private homes or small gatherings. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Limited facilities; mostly found in larger cities like Banjul. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = $40,000). |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = $32,000). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = $72,000). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = $60,000). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $900 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = $72,000). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = $56,000). |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 31% for businesses. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% applicable on dividend distributions. |
π¦ Tax System | Residents are taxed on Gambian income only. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% is the highest applicable rate. |
π§Ύ VAT | 15% standard VAT rate. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules apply as per Gambian tax law. |
π Property Tax | Real property is taxed based on assessed value. |
π Property Transaction Tax | 7% property transaction tax applied. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific benefits for digital nomads, but basic local taxes apply. |