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Essentials

πŸ™οΈ City Malabo is the capital city of Equatorial Guinea, located on Bioko Island in the Gulf of Guinea.
πŸ‘₯ Population Approximately 200,000.
πŸ’» Internet Speed Average download speeds around 4-10 Mbps.
πŸ’Έ Currency & Banking Currency is Central African CFA franc (XAF); 1 USD β‰ˆ 600 XAF.
🚰 Tap Water Not drinkable without purification; bottled water is recommended.
πŸ”Œ Power 230V, 50Hz, πŸ”Œ Type C sockets.
πŸ“Ά SIM Card Local providers include GEPETEL and Orange; prepaid SIMs are available.
πŸ’³ Banking for Expats International cards accepted at major banks; ATMs are available in urban areas.
πŸ›Œ Accommodation Options include hotels, hostels, and rentals through Airbnb.
πŸ’³ Cashless Friendly Limited acceptance of cards; cash is preferred.
🏠 Short Term Rentals Airbnb options are available, with prices starting from $30/night.
πŸ›οΈ Budget Accommodation Hostel Malabo offers dormitory beds starting at $15/night.
πŸ™οΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists Malabo's city center or near the beach area are popular for tourists.
πŸ™οΈ 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.
β˜• Best Cafe for Work CafΓ© Malabo, known for its reliable Wi-Fi and coffee.
πŸ’Ό Networking Events Local meetups are infrequent; expatriate community groups on Facebook may host events.
πŸ₯‚ Social Events for Expats Expats in Malabo Facebook group for socializing opportunities.

Transportation

πŸš• 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.
πŸ–οΈ 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.
πŸ›£οΈ Highway Access Main roads are well maintained but may be congested during peak hours.
πŸš‰ 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

πŸ₯ Best Hospital Hospital General de Malabo is the main medical facility.
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers Limited wellness centers; some hotels offer yoga classes.
πŸ‹οΈ 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

πŸ“± 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.
πŸ›’ Affordable Shopping Spots Local markets in Malabo provide fresh produce at lower prices.
πŸ›’ E-commerce/Online Store Limited e-commerce; some local businesses may have online shops.
πŸ›’ 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.
πŸ• 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.
πŸ›οΈ 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.
πŸ• Religious Sites Malabo Cathedral is a stunning architectural gem.
πŸŽ‰ 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.
πŸ›οΈ 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.
πŸ§‘β€πŸ³ Cooking Classes Cooking classes are not widely available; expatriates often share recipes.
πŸ‘©β€πŸŽ¨ Art Galleries Local art galleries are limited; community exhibitions happen occasionally.
πŸ•°οΈ 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

πŸŒ… Nearby Nature Escapes Pico BasilΓ© 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.
πŸŒ„ Scenic Viewpoints The viewpoint at Monte AlΓ©n offers stunning views of the surroundings.
πŸ¦‰ Birdwatching Locations Birdwatching is excellent in nearby nature reserves.
πŸ”₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots Designated beach areas allow bonfires, especially during festivals.

Other Services and Amenities

πŸ“¦ Parcel Delivery Service DHL provides international and local shipping services.
πŸ› οΈ Tech Repair Services Local shops offer repairs; limited dedicated services available.
πŸ“ Table Tennis Spots Community centers may have ping pong facilities.
πŸ§‘β€πŸ« Language Classes Limited language schools; some expatriates offer private lessons.
πŸ“š Libraries & Study Spots Public libraries in Malabo offer reading rooms.
🏘️ Community Centers Community events are hosted at several local centers.
πŸ•ΉοΈ 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).
πŸ’Ό Corporate Tax Standard corporate tax rate is 30%.
πŸ’΅ Dividend Withholding Tax Dividend distribution taxed at 15%.
🏦 Tax System Equatorial Guinea uses a territorial tax system.
πŸ“ˆ 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%.
πŸ’» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads Low taxes and incentives for foreign businesses operating in Equatorial Guinea.

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