Serrekunda, Gambia 🇬🇲
#1093
13.438762, -16.674807
Nomad Score:
52%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Serrekunda is a coastal town in the Greater Banjul Area, known for its bustling markets and proximity to the beach. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 200,000 people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 15-20 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | The Gambian Dalasi (GMD); 1 EUR ≈ 60 GMD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz; Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Africell, QCell, and Gamcel. Prepaid SIMs are widely available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard are accepted at many banks; Africell and QCell mobile money services are popular. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from budget hostels to mid-range hotels and furnished apartments. Airbnbs available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Not very cashless; most transactions are done with cash, but mobile money is growing. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rentals available, typically ranging from $20 to $50 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel-style accommodations start at around $10 per night, with shared facilities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Kairaba Beach Hotel offers a quiet work-friendly environment with reliable internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Coffee Lounge, known for its good coffee and relaxed atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups organized by the Gambia Business Network. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Various expat groups on Facebook host regular gatherings in local bars and eateries. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is not available; local taxis can be hired for around GMD 500 for a short ride. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Available at several local shops, typically around GMD 150 per hour. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Kololi Beach, just a 15-minute drive away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Gambia flies to regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | British Airways and Air France operate flights from Banjul International Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main road connections include the Banjul-Makumbaya highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There are no train services; road transport is the main travel method. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal public transport passes; pricing is generally negotiated. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis operate frequently to neighboring towns like Brikama. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | The Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital is the main healthcare facility in the area. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Check out 'Peaceful Yogis' for classes and wellness retreats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Flow Fitness offers various fitness programs and memberships. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Many local laundries offer services; expect to pay around GMD 100 for a small load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Adama's Kitchen offers a good range of local and international cuisine for delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Don't miss the Benachin (Jollof Rice), a local favorite. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Kairaba Restaurant offers vegetarian dishes and fresh salads. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Gambia Cafe is well-known for its pastries and cakes. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Serekunda Market is a great place for local produce and street food. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | GambiaBuy is gaining traction for local products. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery is limited; shops like Super Store offer delivery options for bulk orders. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Senegambia Strip is the go-to area for bars and nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | West African Breweries produces several local beers, including Julbrew. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Discover the Wine Bar at Kalimba Beach Resort for a relaxing evening. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various stalls along the streets of Serrekunda offer fresh snacks and local dishes. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | The Khana Deli offers popular Indian cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Kachikally Crocodile Pool for a unique cultural experience. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The National Museum of Gambia is an enriching visit. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit Fort Bullen, a former British fort turned historical site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Baba Jabai Mosque is a prominent local religious site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Gambia International Film Festival takes place every November. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the vibrant Kairaba Avenue area for local culture and experiences. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Gambia National Theatre hosts various performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Serrekunda Market is the largest and a must-visit for local shopping. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can often be found in the bars along Senegambia Strip. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Look for colorful murals around the Kairaba Avenue area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Take a class at the Gambia Culinary School for a taste of local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallery 72 features the work of local artists and hosts exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old Banjul Arch 22 is an iconic landmark in nearby Banjul. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Kunta Kinteh Island symbolizes Gambia's rich cultural heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The River Gambia National Park offers stunning nature experiences. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Bijilo National Park is great for birdwatching and nature trails. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Coastal roads along the beaches are popular for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Cape Point views offer spectacular ocean scenery. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching at Tanji Bird Reserve is highly recommended. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some beach areas in Kololi allow bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx provide reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | The Tech Shop in Serrekunda offers various electronic repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local parks often have tables for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Gambia Adult Education Centre offers English and local language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Banjul Library is accessible and a nice spot for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Serrekunda Community Center hosts various events and programs. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited options; check out local cafes with Wi-Fi for gaming. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Banjul Casino, located in the capital, is the closest option. |
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% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Tax rate applied to dividends is 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Tax based on worldwide income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 30%. |
| 🧾 VAT | The standard VAT rate is 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules are in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, annual property tax is applicable. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate of 10% applies on property sales. |