Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Serrekunda is the largest urban area in The Gambia, known for its vibrant markets and coastal proximity. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 100,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 10-20 Mbps, with options for mobile data in many areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 GMD (Gambian Dalasi) ≈ 0.017 USD. Banks include Access Bank, Ecobank, and Standard Chartered. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Voltage is 230V, 50Hz, with Type G sockets; power outages are common. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Africell, Trust, and QCell, available at local shops. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Mobile money is widely used; services include Africell Money and QCash. Some credit cards are accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels to guesthouses, with platforms like Airbnb available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Partially cashless; cash is often preferred in markets and small shops. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses such as Kairaba Beach Hotel offer short-term rentals. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Options include budget guesthouses like Mikkel's Guesthouse. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Kotu and Kololi areas are popular among tourists for their beaches and nightlife. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The coastal areas near Kotu are recommended for digital nomads, offering better internet connections. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Coworking Space Gambia offers a friendly environment for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Juju's Cafe is favored for its Wi-Fi and relaxed atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Occasional events organized by the Gambia Development Network; details can be found on local social media groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Meetups are often organized via Facebook groups like Gambia Expats. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt operates in the area for convenient rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available from local shops, though not widely popular. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Kotu Beach is the nearest and popular among locals and tourists. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Senegal provides flights to the sub-region. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Gambia Bird and Royal Air Maroc operate international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Serrekunda is connected via the Banjul-Serekunda Highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The main transport hub is Banjul, with limited train services. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | There are no formal public transport passes; fares are generally paid in cash. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis service nearby towns and cities, such as Banjul and Brikama. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital is the primary healthcare facility in the region. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Gambia offers yoga classes, mostly in coastal areas. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Island is a popular gym among expats. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundries provide services; some guesthouses offer laundry facilities. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Food delivery is primarily through local services, as international apps are limited. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Domoda, a peanut stew, and Yassa, marinated grilled chicken or fish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Some restaurants such as The Greenhouse provide good vegetarian options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Bakeries like KMC Bakery offer local treats and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Serekunda Market is excellent for affordable local food and goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lately, local vendors are beginning to offer online shopping through social media. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Delivery is limited; most prefer shopping in local markets. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Kotu Beach area is popular for nightlife and bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Gambia Breweries produces local beers such as Julbrew. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Few options exist, but restaurants often serve wine along with meals. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Found throughout Serrekunda, offering local snacks like churas and meat pies. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Places like The Alley serve a range of international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Kachikally Crocodile Pool is a significant cultural site. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The National Museum of The Gambia is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Fort Bullen, though located outside Serrekunda, offers historical insights. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Arch 22 is an important landmark commemorating Gambian independence. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Roots Homecoming Festival celebrates Gambian culture and heritage annually. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Serrekunda is immersed in Gambian culture, prominently displayed at local markets. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Check local notices for cultural performances in nearby venues. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Serekunda Market is vibrant and full of local goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can frequently be found at bars around Kotu. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Some neighborhoods feature street art reflecting local culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The Gambia School of Cooking offers classes on local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Art and culture can be seen at the Gambian Artists Gallery. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Local architecture often reflects historic colonial influences. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Gambian heritage is celebrated through music, dance, and storytelling. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Kotu Stream is a great spot for birdwatching and nature walks. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Banjul’s Abuko Nature Reserve is roughly a 30-minute drive from Serrekunda. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Local paths around the beaches offer scenic views and leisurely strolls. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The beaches provide beautiful sunset views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Banjul Bird Reserve is a known place for exotic bird spotting. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Kotu Beach has designated areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local couriers provide adequate delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer phone and electronic repairs in Serrekunda. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some community centers and bars offer table tennis as part of entertainment. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local language schools offer classes in English and Wolof. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited libraries exist, but quiet cafes can serve as study spots. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Serekunda Community Centre often hosts events and gatherings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | A few local centers feature gaming options, particularly popular among youth. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are limited options for casinos; some bars may have slot machines. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $75,000) with properties available in central areas. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $50,000) in less central locations. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000) in prime areas. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $72,000) in suburban areas. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000) in prime regions. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $120,000) in suburban regions. |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | The corporate tax rate is 31% in Gambia. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The withholding tax on dividends is 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | The Gambian tax system is based on residency and income earned within the country. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | The maximum personal income tax rate is 30%. |
| 🧾 VAT | The standard VAT rate is 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules currently exist. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on the assessed value of the property. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Transaction tax for property purchases is around 5%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | A relatively simple taxation framework appeals to digital nomads, with no tax on foreign income. |