Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Conakry, the capital city of Guinea, is known for its vibrant culture, coastal port, and tropical climate. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 2 million people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 12 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 9,500 GNF. Local banks include Banque Internationale pour le Commerce et l'Industrie de la Guinée (BICIG) and Société Générale de Banques en Guinée (SGBG). |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not safe to drink. |
| 🔌 Power | Voltage is 220V, 50Hz, and uses Type C sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Orange Guinea and Cellcom. Prepaid cards can be obtained easily. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International credit cards accepted at select locations, but cash is preferred. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and apartments available on Airbnb and local real estate websites. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless options; cash transactions are more common. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available via Airbnb, prices range from $20 to $100 a night depending on location and amenities. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options are limited; guesthouses and budget hotels start around $30 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Kaloum District, near the seafront and main attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Les Berges du Golfe area offers a blend of amenities and quieter surroundings suitable for work. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Wakili Coworking Space offers a friendly environment for remote work and networking. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe du Port provides good coffee and Wi-Fi, making it suitable for work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups hosted at Vendor Cafe and community centers. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Expat Community in Conakry' frequently organize social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Yango is a popular ride-hailing app in Conakry. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooter rentals are available, but local traffic can be challenging. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Ranch de la Cité is the closest beach, about 30 minutes from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Guinea operates regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France and Brussels Airlines run flights from Conakry. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major roads connect Conakry to other cities, including the RN1 highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The main transport hub is the Conakry Bus Station. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Limited; most locals use taxi-brousse (shared taxis) for public transport. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis provide travel to nearby cities like Kankan and Nzérékoré. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Donka Hospital is a major healthcare facility serving the city. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga classes are limited; check local community boards for options. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fit & Co. Gym offers fitness facilities; prices start at around $20/month. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats are available; ask at hotels for recommendations. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food delivers various local restaurant options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Poulet Yassa', a traditional chicken dish marinated in lemon and onions. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited options; vegetarian dishes can be found at local restaurants. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pastry shops in Conakry like La Pâtisserie offer local desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets such as Madina Market provide fresh produce and cheap meals. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia is the main online shopping platform for various goods. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited; most expats prefer to shop in person at supermarkets. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Kaloum district has bars like Le Monument offering nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brasserie de Guinée produces local beers; tours available upon request. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options; some upscale restaurants serve international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Popular near the markets, offering dishes like grilled chicken and fried plantains. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants in Conakry offer Chinese and Lebanese food in addition to local cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Conakry's Grand Mosque and the National Museum are key attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The National Museum of Guinea showcases the country's cultural heritage. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The coastal fort, 'Fort de L'Escale', is a historical site worth visiting. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Grand Mosque is an iconic site and open for visitors. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Conakry International Jazz Festival is celebrated every year. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The downtown area, along Avenue Moussa Tavele, is the cultural hub. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Centre Culturel Franco-Guinéen hosts performances and art shows. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Madina Market is the largest and offers a glimpse into local life. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music is common at local venues, celebrating Guinean rhythms. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals can be found in the Kaloum district reflecting local culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking workshops can be found; inquire at community centers. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Some galleries in Conakry showcase local artists' work. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Buildings from the colonial era can be found in the center of the city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The use of traditional fabrics and crafts reflects the rich cultural heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Kipe Beach and the surrounding coastal areas offer a scenic escape. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Lola National Park, about 6 hours away, is known for its wildlife and hiking. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Seaside promenades offer beautiful views and walking paths. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Offers stunning views from Mount Kakoulima, about an hour from the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The lagoons near Conakry have rich birdlife, especially during migration periods. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Public beaches like Kipe Beach allow bonfires in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local postal services provide reliable shipping options. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech service centers are available; check local listings for specific repair shops. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers have facilities for table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offering French classes can be found around the city. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The municipal library offers quiet spaces for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers host cultural and educational events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited options; gamers often play socially at community spots. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Limited, but few entertainment centers feature gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² in city center areas. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² outside the city center. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² for centrally located 1-bedroom apartments. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² in suburban regions. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² for 2-bedroom apartments in the city center. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,700 per m² in suburban areas. |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Corporate tax rate is around 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Withholding tax on dividends is approximately 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Guinea has a progressive tax system based on income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 40%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 18%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Basic CFC rules exist but are not strictly enforced. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax applies based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Property transfer tax is about 5% of the purchase price. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Guinea has no specific incentives, but maintaining non-residency status can minimize tax liabilities. |