Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Kololi is a coastal town located in the West Coast Region of The Gambia, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 25,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 15 Mbps, suitable for light work and browsing. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 68 GMD (Gambian Dalasi), ATMs widely available, recommend using international bank cards. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is widely recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Africell and Qcell with affordable data packages. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Most establishments accept cash, but some are starting to accept card payments. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels to guesthouses, including Airbnb rentals. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; majority of places still prefer cash. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb offers numerous listings from $20 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Guesthouses like Afromedia Hotel provide budget-friendly rates starting around $15 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Kololi Beach area is the most popular for its proximity to the beach and restaurants. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Kololi vicinity offers various rental apartments and coworking spaces suitable for longer stays. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Office 239, offering reliable Wi-Fi and a vibrant community. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Bakadaji provides a relaxed atmosphere and good coffee for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | The Gambia Digital Nomads group on Facebook organizes regular meetups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Monthly expat socials at local bars like The Smiling Coast. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt operates in the area, offering reasonable rates. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Cycling is popular; rentals available from local shops for around $5 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Kololi Beach, known for its lively atmosphere and water sports. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Gambia Bird offers short regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France connects with major international hubs. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The Banjul International Airport Highway provides direct access to the capital. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train service; buses and shared taxis are main transport means. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Day passes for local transport are available for about $2. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Kololi to other cities like Banjul and Serrekunda regularly. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | The Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital in Banjul is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Gambia Yoga Practice offers various classes for relaxation. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | The Aqua Fitness Club has modern gym facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundries available, and many accommodations offer laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Food Rocket offers diverse local and international cuisines. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Benachin (Jollof rice with fish) is a must-try Gambian dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Roots & Fruits Cafe has excellent vegetarian and vegan options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Mokas Restaurant offers delicious Gambian pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets in Serrekunda for fresh produce and spices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | JumiaGambia for online shopping of various products. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Groceries can be ordered through local services like BanjuGrocers. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Kololi Strip is famous for its nightlife and bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | The Gambia's own Julbrew is a popular local beer. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Cellar at The Kairaba Beach Hotel offers a nice selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Those near Kololi Beach serve tasty local snacks like meat pies. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Italian, Chinese, and Indian restaurants are available in Kololi. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Kololi Beach and the nearby Bijilo Forest National Park are key attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Gambia National Museum in Banjul showcases local history and art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Kunta Kinteh Island is significant for its history related to the slave trade. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The St. Mary's Cathedral and mosques like the Albert Market Mosque are notable. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Association organizes annual festivals promoting culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Banjul's colonial architecture and vibrant markets offer cultural insights. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The National Arts and Culture Centre in Banjul hosts performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Serrekunda Market is the largest and features a variety of local goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found at numerous bars along the Kololi Strip. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Local artists contribute to vibrant street art along urban centers. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs like Amie offer Gambian cooking classes for visitors. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallery 22 showcases local artists' works in an intimate setting. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Arch 22 monument represents Gambian heritage and history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Symbols of Gambia’s cultural diversity are celebrated through arts and festivities. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Bijilo National Park is a 15-minute drive, offering beautiful coastal and forest scenery. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Makasutu Cultural Forest features nature and wildlife experiences. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Cyclical paths along the beach offer scenic views for walkers and bikers. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Plenty of beach spots provide breathtaking sunset views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching along the Gambia River is rewarding, with diverse species to observe. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated beach areas allow for bonfires during local festivities. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL operates in the area for efficient parcel services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer basic tech repairs; check out Smart Tech in Serrekunda. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local pubs occasionally provide ping pong tables; inquire at bars. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools in Banjul offer English and local language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Gambia National Library in Banjul is a quiet place for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural community centers in Banjul host events and activities for expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Few gaming centers are available; inquire locally for any hot spots. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Q City in Banjul offers a casino for entertainment. |
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. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $120,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $80,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Tax is 30% in The Gambia. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% applied to dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed only on Gambian-source income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 50%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No stringent CFC rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual taxation applies based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typically around 10% during property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No taxation on foreign income for non-residents. |