Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Serekunda is the largest city in The Gambia, known for its vibrant markets and lively atmosphere. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 400,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | 10-20 Mbps (varying based on provider and location) |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 60 GMD, 1 USD ≈ 55 GMD (local currency is Gambian Dalasi) |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. Recommended to drink bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Africell and QCell with prepaid options available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Positively accepting mobile money, and international cards in larger establishments. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from budget hotels to guesthouses and Airbnb rentals. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is primarily used, but mobile money is gaining popularity. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are available. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Try Hotel Kairaba or The Gambia Experience. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Kololi and Cape Point areas are popular for tourists. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Serekunda’s local neighborhoods for a blend of culture and convenience. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Kairaba Beach Hotel offers reliable Wi-Fi and quiet spaces for work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | KMC Café, known for its quiet atmosphere and good coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check local Facebook groups and meetups for expats and digital nomads. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Regular gatherings at local bars and community centers. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | No major ride-hailing apps; negotiate fares with local taxis instead. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Rental services are limited; explore local bike shops for options. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Kololi Beach is about 10 minutes away by taxi. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Gambia Bird operates regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Banjul International Airport is serviced by airlines like Brussels Airlines. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main access roads lead to the capital Banjul and surrounding areas. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Public transport is primarily bus-based, with no trains. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Limited; pay-per-ride is standard. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Local buses connect to other cities, such as Banjul and Brikama. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | The Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga with Nina offers classes suitable for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First Gym has a range of equipment and classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available, such as A+ Laundry Services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Food delivery options are limited; local restaurants often do take-outs. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Benachin is a must-try traditional dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Korean Kitchen Gambia offers various vegetarian-friendly options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Bakery Mami is popular for cakes and sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Serekunda Market offer fresh produce and cheap eats. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local online shopping is limited; best to buy in-person. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited; most visits to supermarkets like Paladium are in-person. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Senegambia Strip has several bars and nightlife options. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Gambia Breweries produce the well-known Julbrew. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options; mostly available at upscale restaurants. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local street vendors offer affordable snacks like meat pies and kebabs. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Istanbul Restaurant offers a mix of Mediterranean and Turkish dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Arch 22 and the Kachikally Crocodile Pool. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Gambia National Museum offers insights into local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Kunta Kinteh Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site worth seeing. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Visit the Gambian National Mosque for its stunning architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | International Roots Festival celebrates Gambia's heritage and culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the local craft markets for handmade goods and souvenirs. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The National Arts and Crafts Village hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Serekunda Market for local goods and a vibrant shopping experience. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Nightlife venues host traditional music and dance performances. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Graffiti can be found on walls around urban Serekunda. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Dine Gambia offers cooking classes to learn about local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Gambia Art Gallery showcases local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Explore the old colonial buildings scattered throughout Serekunda. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Serekunda area reflects rich Gambian cultural history through its architecture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Banjul's beaches and the Abuko Nature Reserve are nearby attractions. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | PIR MAMADOU National Park is reachable in a day trip. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Coastal promenades along the beaches. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The beaches along the coast offer stunning sunset views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Abuko Nature Reserve is a great spot for birdwatchers. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain beaches allow designated bonfire areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local postal services and couriers available for shipping. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Electronics repair shops are found in Serekunda for devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers may host table tennis games. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools are limited; consider private tutors instead. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Fewer public libraries; cafes and community centers often serve as study spots. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Serekunda has various community centers for social events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming options; most people game online from home. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Few options, primarily in larger hotels. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 31% for companies operating in Gambia. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Tax rate applies; check local regulations. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Based on worldwide income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Tax rate can go up to 30%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% standard Value Added Tax rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Limited, with few restrictions. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual tax on properties based on value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 7% for property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Potential for favorable conditions; check local laws. |