Malabo, Equatorial Guinea 🇬🇶
#2083
3.741877, 8.774066
Nomad Score:
38%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Malabo is the capital city of Equatorial Guinea, located on Bioko Island. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 200,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 5 Mbps, but can vary widely. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Central African CFA franc (XAF). 1 USD ≈ 600 XAF. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Power supply is 220V, 50Hz, using Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers like G.E.P. and Movicel offer data plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like Ecobank and Banco Nacional offer services; cash is still widely used. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and Airbnb. Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $400/month. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is preferred and cards are not widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available on Airbnb and local guesthouses. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options are limited; consider guesthouses for budget stays. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Red Island Club offers coworking spaces and networking opportunities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Asoso is popular for working with good WiFi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local expat community groups often organize informal meetups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Expats in Malabo' facilitate social events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis are available; no major ride-hailing apps are operational. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; biking is popular but scooters are rare. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Arena Blanca Beach is a popular spot, about a 30-minute drive. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | CEIBA Intercontinental Airlines serves regional routes. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France and Turkish Airlines offer international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main roads connect to various parts of Bioko Island, but conditions vary. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Malabo does not have a train system; public buses and taxis are primary. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal public transport passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Local buses and shared taxis are available for travel between cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital General de Malabo is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga classes are limited; check local gyms for offerings. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Malabo Gym offers basic fitness services. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services can be found around town, often in hotels. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Local options like Jumia Food exist but are limited. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Sopa de Manilla', a traditional fish soup. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Options are limited; some local dishes can be modified for vegetarians. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pasteleria El Faro offers various pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Mercado Central for fresh goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited options; local shops dominate. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | No established grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Malabo waterfront has bars offering a nightlife experience. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Malabo drinks Club beer, popular among locals. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Few wine bars; some restaurants serve wine. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Common near markets; try grilled meats and local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Some restaurants offer Italian and Lebanese cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Cathedral of Santa Isabel and the Malabo Lighthouse. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo de Art Moderno offers local art exhibitions. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Explore the historic Spanish colonial buildings. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Cathedral of Santa Isabel is a key site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Malabo hosts the Fiestas de la Virgen de los Remedios in September. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Visit the Malabo Cultural Centre for local events. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Nacional is a central venue for performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado Central is vibrant for local culture and goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music in local bars, especially on weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited street art; more traditional displays. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Rare, but some locals offer home-cooked meals and classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Few galleries showcase local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The former Presidential Palace is a significant landmark. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Rich African and colonial influences in culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Explore Pico Basilé for hiking and birdwatching. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Malabo is near the Monte Alén National Park. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited marked paths; some trails exist in parks. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Lookouts near the coastline offer great views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Monte Alén is popular for diverse bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain beach areas allow bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL operates but local services are limited. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Few shops offer basic tech repair; check local listings. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Limited availability; some community centers may have tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | English and Spanish language schools are available. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Library options are limited; some cafes offer quiet spaces. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers host cultural events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited; popular gaming happens in homes. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Few legal gaming establishments exist. |
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. $2,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $176,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Generally 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Equatorial Guinea has a progressive tax system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxation is minimal. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typically around 5%. |