Serekunda, Gambia 🇬🇲
#1754
13.438762, -16.674807
Nomad Score:
51%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Serekunda is the largest city in The Gambia, known for its vibrant markets and proximity to the coast. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 150,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 20-30 Mbps, varying by provider. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 61 GMD, 1 USD ≈ 61 GMD. Local banks include Standard Chartered and Trust Bank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/G sockets. Power outages are common. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Africell and Qcell, with reasonable data plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted at major banks. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from budget hostels to mid-range guesthouses like the Senegambia Hotel. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is preferred, although some establishments accept cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are available for short stays, with prices around $30-$100 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Kololi Beach Club offer affordable lodging starting around $15 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | A few cafes act as co-working spots; consider The Kairaba for a decent atmosphere. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Mango's Pub is popular for its Wi-Fi and relaxed vibe. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Occasional meetups happen through Facebook groups for expats. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Gambia Expat Community organizes informal gatherings regularly. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis are available; ride-sharing apps like Bolt are growing in popularity. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are rare; public transportation via shared taxis is more common. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Kololi Beach is the closest, about 20 minutes by taxi. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Senegal provides regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Royal Air Maroc and Air France have connections through Banjul International Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The main roads are relatively good; A1 highway connects Banjul to Serekunda. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Serekunda does not have a train service; local transport is by bus or shared taxis. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific passes; local transportation is pay-per-ride. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Banjul is accessible by local bus; expect a 30-minute ride. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | The Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital offers basic healthcare. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Yoga House in Kololi provides classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gambia Fitness is a popular local gym. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services available at various guesthouses or local laundries. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Food delivery options are limited; some hotels offer in-house delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Benachin (Jollof rice with fish or chicken) is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Try The Vegetarian Restaurant in Serekunda for plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Ice Cream Shop offers a variety of local and international desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Check out Serekunda Market for local produce and goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited options; Facebook Marketplace is popular for local buying. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited; consider local markets or shops for basic needs. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Senegambia Strip is the hub for nightlife and bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Gambia Breweries produces the popular Julbrew. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | La Pizza serves a selection of international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors around Serekunda offer affordable snacks like meat pies. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | The Taj Mahal serves good Indian cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Arch 22 is a notable landmark in Banjul, just a short ride away. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Gambia National Museum in Banjul showcases local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Fort Bullen is a significant historical site worth visiting. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Islamic Centre is a prominent place of worship. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Gambia International Film Festival occurs in November. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore Bakau for a taste of local culture and crafts. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Gambia’s National Theatre hosts local performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Serekunda Market is bustling and offers a range of goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music is common in many bars along the Senegambia Strip. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Look for murals around the markets that depict local life. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking classes in Serrekunda offer insights into Gambian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Art House in Banjul showcases local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Visit the Old Parliament Building in Banjul for historical context. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Traditional Mandingo music and dance performances are part of Gambian culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Banjul National Park offers stunning views and wildlife. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Kiang West National Park is ideal for bird watching. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal road offers scenic views and paths for walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The River Gambia viewpoints near Banjul are picturesque. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Abuko Nature Reserve is famous for its bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Check with your accommodation; some beachfront locations allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local postal services are available for parcel shipping. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in Serekunda can fix mobile devices and laptops. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers offer table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools in Banjul offer classes in English and French. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Local community libraries are sparse; cafes offer study spaces. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Gambia Youth Centre organizes various community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Few options available; local cafes sometimes have consoles. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Gambia has a few casinos, primarily located in hotels along the coast. |
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. $2,100 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $168,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 31%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residence-based taxation. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable rules exist. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes; based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 5% during property purchases. |