Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Brikama is the largest city in the Western Division of The Gambia, known for its vibrant markets and cultural richness. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 80,000 people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 5-10 Mbps, depending on the provider. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | The Gambian Dalasi (GMD) is the local currency, with 1 USD ≈ 60 GMD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Experience frequent outages; electricity is generally 230V, 50Hz. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Africell, Qcell, and Gamtel, with pre-paid options available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Access to banks like EcoBank and GTBank, and mobile payment options like 'E-money'. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include guesthouses, local hotels, and Airbnb listings starting at $15-20 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is preferred, but mobile payments are growing. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through Airbnb and local rental agencies, typically starting around $200/month. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Budget hotels like The Brikama Lodge start at approximately $20/night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Brikama Town Center and nearby Kololi are recommended for tourist stays. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Banjul and Serekunda offer better internet service and coworking options. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Ground Floor Co-Working Space in Banjul (approx. 30 minutes from Brikama) offers reliable internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafes like 'Roots Cafe' offer a cozy environment with Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local meetups happen irregularly; check social media for updates. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Gambia Expat Community on Facebook regularly posts about events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | There are local taxis; ride-hailing apps like 'Gambian Taxi' are emerging. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; some local shops offer bicycle rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Kololi Beach is a popular spot, about 40 minutes away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Senegal offers regional flights to neighboring countries. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Royal Air Maroc and Brussels Airlines operate flights to Banjul International Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The Banjul Road connects Brikama with the capital and other major areas. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Brikama does not have a train service; intercity travel is mainly by bus. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Limited, as minibuses and taxis operate without formal passes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses run frequently to major towns including Banjul and Serekunda. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Brikama Health Center provides basic services; for advanced care, visit Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital in Banjul. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited local options; wellness retreats are available at resorts outside Brikama. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Several local fitness centers; prices range from $10/month. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats provide services, typically costing around $5/kg. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Local services like 'Gambian Eats' and 'Foodli' cater to Brikama. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Domoda, a peanut stew, popular among locals. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cashew Café offers plant-based meals with local ingredients. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Try 'Kandeh's Bakery' for popular pastries and sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Brikama Market is the best place for fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local vendors use Facebook Marketplace for shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Services are limited; local markets are the best option for shopping. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Local bars like 'Fanta Bar' offer live music and drinks. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Banjul Brewery produces local beers, available in restaurants. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Very limited; most places sell local beers and spirits. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Numerous stalls near the market offering local snacks and meals. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants in nearby Serekunda serve a variety including Chinese and Indian. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Kachikally Crocodile Pool for a unique cultural experience. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Gambia National Museum is located nearby in Banjul. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Fort Bullen offers insight into the colonial past of The Gambia. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Visit the Big Mosque in Brikama, a local architectural gem. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Gambia Horse and Donkey Society organizes events throughout the year. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Brikama is known for its wood carving and pottery craftsmen. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local performances may occur at community centers or open-air venues. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Brikama Market is vibrant and filled with local crafts and produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bands frequently perform at venues in Serekunda. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Brikama has local murals reflecting Gambian culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Gambia Cooking Class offers courses in local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited; check for local exhibitions by community artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Traditional mud huts and clay houses are characteristic of the region. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The cultural heritage of the Mandinka and Wolof people is prominent in Brikama. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Fathala Wildlife Reserve is about 1 hour away, offering safari experiences. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Abuko Nature Reserve is a short drive from the city, ideal for birdwatching. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited paths; locals cycle on roads and sandy tracks. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Brikama River offers beautiful viewing spots along its banks. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Abuko Nature Reserve is a prime spot for bird enthusiasts. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated camping areas near the coast found in retreat centers. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local services are available for parcel deliveries. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops around the market offer phone repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers sometimes have table tennis tables for casual play. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local schools offer basic English and local language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited; Brikama has a community resource center for reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Gambia Youth Federation operates community interest programs. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Very few; most gaming occurs in private homes or small gatherings. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Limited facilities; mostly found in larger cities like Banjul. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $40,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $72,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $72,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $56,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 31% for businesses. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% applicable on dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on Gambian income only. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% is the highest applicable rate. |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% standard VAT rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules apply as per Gambian tax law. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Real property is taxed based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 7% property transaction tax applied. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific benefits for digital nomads, but basic local taxes apply. |