Gunjur, Gambia 🇬🇲
#1097
13.523188, -16.027838
Nomad Score:
53%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Gunjur is a coastal town located in the Western Region of The Gambia, known for its vibrant culture and beautiful beaches. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 10,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Generally around 4-6 Mbps, but can vary significantly. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 62 GMD (Gambian Dalasi). Cash is widely used; ATMs are limited. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Voltage is 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets. Power outages are common. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Africell, Airtel, and Qcell. Prepaid plans are available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Standard banking services with limited international options; popular choices include EcoBank and GTBank. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include guesthouses, local hotels, and Airbnbs starting at around $20 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless options; cash is preferred in most transactions. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses offer varying rates, typically from $20 to $60 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Local guesthouses like Gunjur Project offer affordable stays starting at $20. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Currently, Gunjur lacks dedicated coworking spaces; however, some hotels may offer work-friendly environments. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Gunjur Beach Lodge offers a pleasant atmosphere for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Limited formal networking events; local expat meetups occur occasionally through social media platforms. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expat groups on Facebook organize social gatherings, though they are not frequent. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis are available, but ride-sharing apps are not common. Negotiate fares before traveling. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycles can be rented from local shops at around $5 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Gunjur Beach is a stunning spot, only a few minutes from the town center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Gambia Bird operates regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Royal Air Maroc and Brussels Airlines offer international connections via Banjul. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Gunjur is accessible via the Trans-Gambia Highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Banjul is the main transit hub; Gunjur has local transport but no railway services. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific public transportation passes; fares are paid in cash. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Bush taxis (shared taxis) operate between towns, with fares around 50-100 GMD. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Gunjur has a local health center; for serious issues, travel to Banjul for better services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options; some hotels offer yoga classes or wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic facilities available in some hotels, but no dedicated gyms. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats are available, charging around 50-100 GMD per kg. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Food delivery is minimal; local restaurants offer takeout services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Benachin, a traditional rice dish with fish or chicken. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited; Gunjur does have some local restaurants serving vegetarian dishes like stews. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Local bakeries offer pastries and bread; try the coconut cakes. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets offer fresh produce and snacks at reasonable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited online shopping options; most transactions are done in person. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Most grocery shopping is done locally; delivery services are rare. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Gunjur has a few bars along the beach; nightlife is relaxed. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Gambia has limited local beer brands; the most famous is Julbrew. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | No specialized wine bars; local restaurants typically offer a limited selection. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local vendors sell snacks such as akara (bean cakes) at affordable prices. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Some restaurants offer Western foods, though local cuisine is predominant. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Gunjur Beach and the nearby village of Kachikally offer cultural experiences. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Limited cultural institutions; the Kachikally Museum in nearby Bakau is recommended. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Gunjur has historical significance tied to its fishing and trading past. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Several mosques offer insight into the local Islamic culture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Local festivals such as Jola Day celebrate cultural heritage, with varying dates annually. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The local villages showcase vibrant traditional crafts and lifestyles. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited options; local performances may occur during cultural events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Gunjur market is a hub of local trading, particularly on Saturdays. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bands and traditional music can be found at various bars and events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Not prominent; focus is more on traditional crafts. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Some local chefs offer classes in Gambian cooking, typically organized on request. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited; most art is found in local crafts markets. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Gunjur has some older colonial buildings, but not many are preserved. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Spiritual beliefs and practices are deeply rooted in the community. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Gunjur is close to nature reserves such as the Gunjur Project which focus on wildlife conservation. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Kiani Borr and other protected areas are accessible via short travel. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Quiet roads around Gunjur provide options for cycling or walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Stunning sunset views along Gunjur Beach. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Gunjur is frequented by various migratory birds, particularly around lagoons. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Gunjur Beach allows bonfires in designated areas after getting permission. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Limited services available; local mail is often slow. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Basic repair services are available for electronics in town. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers may have table tennis tables; inquire locally. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Limited options; English is widely understood, but local languages are taught informally. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public libraries are rare; studying can be done in cafes or hotel lobbies. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local centers host community events; participation is encouraged. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming facilities are limited; internet cafes may offer gaming options. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos in Gunjur; local entertainment is focused on music and gatherings. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $20,000). Limited market. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $400 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $16,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $36,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $30,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $56,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $48,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Tax rate is around 31%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Tax rate is 15% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on Gambian income only. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum rate is 30%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Value Added Tax is 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | CFC rules are not strictly enforced. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax applies based only on real estate holdings. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typically 5% applicable during property transfers. |