Malabo, Equatorial Guinea 🇬🇶
#2083
,
Nomad Score:
40%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Malabo is the capital city of Equatorial Guinea, located on Bioko Island in the Gulf of Guinea. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 200,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speeds around 4-10 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Central African CFA franc (XAF); 1 USD ≈ 600 XAF. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable without purification; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Local providers include GEPETEL and Orange; prepaid SIMs are available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards accepted at major banks; ATMs are available in urban areas. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, hostels, and rentals through Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited acceptance of cards; cash is preferred. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb options are available, with prices starting from $30/night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Malabo offers dormitory beds starting at $15/night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Malabo's city center or near the beach area are popular for tourists. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Central Malabo offers easier access to coworking spaces and cafes. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | GPC (Global Productivity Center) provides a cozy environment for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Malabo, known for its reliable Wi-Fi and coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local meetups are infrequent; expatriate community groups on Facebook may host events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Malabo Facebook group for socializing opportunities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis are available; no popular ride-sharing apps operate currently. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited bike rentals; local rentals may exist but are not widely advertised. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Pico Basile beach is a stunning spot nearby, about 30 minutes drive. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | CEIBA Intercontinental operates regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France and Ethiopian Airlines offer international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main roads are well maintained but may be congested during peak hours. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Malabo does not have a train system; transportation is primarily by road. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport options are minimal; taxis or personal vehicles recommended. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Bus services connect Malabo to other parts of Bioko Island. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital General de Malabo is the main medical facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited wellness centers; some hotels offer yoga classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | World Gym Malabo is a popular option for fitness enthusiasts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundries are available, often offering pick-up services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Delivery services are limited; local restaurants may offer direct delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Pepper soup and seafood dishes are local delicacies worth trying. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Options are limited; local markets often have fresh fruits and veggies. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Café Malabo offers a variety of pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets in Malabo provide fresh produce at lower prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited e-commerce; some local businesses may have online shops. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local grocery stores offer delivery in some areas. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Beach bars in Malabo provide a casual nightlife atmosphere. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Malabo does not have a notable local brewery; beers are imported. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | L'Atelier offers a small selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer snacks and local specialties, particularly at night. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Several international restaurants serve Chinese, Italian, and Lebanese cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Malabo Cathedral and the Monument to the First President are must-see attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The National Museum of Equatorial Guinea provides insights into local culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The old town of Malabo has colonial architecture worth exploring. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Malabo Cathedral is a stunning architectural gem. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Independence Day celebrations on October 12 are significant. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Visiting neighborhoods around the cathedral provides a local atmosphere. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Civic Center Theater often hosts local performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Malabo market for local crafts and fresh produces. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found in various bars, primarily in the evenings. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Notable urban art found in Malabo's downtown areas. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are not widely available; expatriates often share recipes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local art galleries are limited; community exhibitions happen occasionally. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Numerous colonial buildings in the old town of Malabo. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Malabo's unique blend of African and Spanish cultures is visible throughout. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Pico Basilé National Park for hiking and nature exploration. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Pico Basile National Park is the main large park nearby. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited paths, but cycling around the coast is popular. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at Monte Alén offers stunning views of the surroundings. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching is excellent in nearby nature reserves. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated beach areas allow bonfires, especially during festivals. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL provides international and local shipping services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer repairs; limited dedicated services available. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers may have ping pong facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Limited language schools; some expatriates offer private lessons. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public libraries in Malabo offer reading rooms. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community events are hosted at several local centers. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming options; local cafes may have gaming consoles. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | A single casino operates in Malabo, offering gaming experiences. |
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. $1,700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $102,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $84,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,850 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $148,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $120,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividend distribution taxed at 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Equatorial Guinea uses a territorial tax system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Value-Added Tax (VAT) is at 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No significant CFC rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property taxation is based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Tax applied during property purchases is approximately 5%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Low taxes and incentives for foreign businesses operating in Equatorial Guinea. |