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Guide
Malabo, Equatorial Guinea π¬πΆ
#2083
,
Nomad Score:
33%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Malabo is the capital city of Equatorial Guinea, located on Bioko Island in the Gulf of Guinea. |
π₯ Population | Approximately 200,000. |
π» Internet Speed | Average download speeds around 4-10 Mbps. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | Currency is Central African CFA franc (XAF); 1 USD β 600 XAF. |
π° Tap Water | Not drinkable without purification; bottled water is recommended. |
π Power | 230V, 50Hz, π Type C sockets. |
πΆ SIM Card | Local providers include GEPETEL and Orange; prepaid SIMs are available. |
π³ Banking for Expats | International cards accepted at major banks; ATMs are available in urban areas. |
π Accommodation | Options include hotels, hostels, and rentals through Airbnb. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Limited acceptance of cards; cash is preferred. |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb options are available, with prices starting from $30/night. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Malabo offers dormitory beds starting at $15/night. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Malabo's city center or near the beach area are popular for tourists. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Central Malabo offers easier access to coworking spaces and cafes. |
Working and Networking
π’ 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. |
πΌ Networking Events | Local meetups are infrequent; expatriate community groups on Facebook may host events. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Expats in Malabo Facebook group for socializing opportunities. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis are available; no popular ride-sharing apps operate currently. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited bike rentals; local rentals may exist but are not widely advertised. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Pico Basile beach is a stunning spot nearby, about 30 minutes drive. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | CEIBA Intercontinental operates regional flights. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | Air France and Ethiopian Airlines offer international flights. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Main roads are well maintained but may be congested during peak hours. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Malabo does not have a train system; transportation is primarily by road. |
π Public Transport Passes | Public transport options are minimal; taxis or personal vehicles recommended. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Bus services connect Malabo to other parts of Bioko Island. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Hospital General de Malabo is the main medical facility. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited wellness centers; some hotels offer yoga classes. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | World Gym Malabo is a popular option for fitness enthusiasts. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Local laundries are available, often offering pick-up services. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Delivery services are limited; local restaurants may offer direct delivery. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Pepper soup and seafood dishes are local delicacies worth trying. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Options are limited; local markets often have fresh fruits and veggies. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | CafΓ© Malabo offers a variety of pastries and desserts. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets in Malabo provide fresh produce at lower prices. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Limited e-commerce; some local businesses may have online shops. |
π Grocery Delivery | Local grocery stores offer delivery in some areas. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Beach bars in Malabo provide a casual nightlife atmosphere. |
π» Local Brewery | Malabo does not have a notable local brewery; beers are imported. |
π· Wine Bars | L'Atelier offers a small selection of wines. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer snacks and local specialties, particularly at night. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Several international restaurants serve Chinese, Italian, and Lebanese cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Malabo Cathedral and the Monument to the First President are must-see attractions. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | The National Museum of Equatorial Guinea provides insights into local culture. |
π° Historical Sites | The old town of Malabo has colonial architecture worth exploring. |
π Religious Sites | Malabo Cathedral is a stunning architectural gem. |
π Annual Events | The Independence Day celebrations on October 12 are significant. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | Visiting neighborhoods around the cathedral provides a local atmosphere. |
π Theater Venues | Civic Center Theater often hosts local performances. |
ποΈ Local Markets | Malabo market for local crafts and fresh produces. |
πΌ Music Scene | Live music can be found in various bars, primarily in the evenings. |
π¨ Street Art | Notable urban art found in Malabo's downtown areas. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are not widely available; expatriates often share recipes. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Local art galleries are limited; community exhibitions happen occasionally. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | Numerous colonial buildings in the old town of Malabo. |
π΄ Local Heritage | Malabo's unique blend of African and Spanish cultures is visible throughout. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | Pico BasilΓ© National Park for hiking and nature exploration. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Pico Basile National Park is the main large park nearby. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited paths, but cycling around the coast is popular. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at Monte AlΓ©n offers stunning views of the surroundings. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching is excellent in nearby nature reserves. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated beach areas allow bonfires, especially during festivals. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | DHL provides international and local shipping services. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer repairs; limited dedicated services available. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Community centers may have ping pong facilities. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Limited language schools; some expatriates offer private lessons. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | Public libraries in Malabo offer reading rooms. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Community events are hosted at several local centers. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming options; local cafes may have gaming consoles. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | A single casino operates in Malabo, offering gaming experiences. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = $60,000). |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = $48,000). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,700 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = $102,000). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,400 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = $84,000). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,850 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = $148,000). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = $120,000). |
πΌ Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 30%. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividend distribution taxed at 15%. |
π¦ Tax System | Equatorial Guinea uses a territorial tax system. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 35%. |
π§Ύ VAT | Value-Added Tax (VAT) is at 15%. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No significant CFC rules apply. |
π Property Tax | Property taxation is based on property value. |
π Property Transaction Tax | Tax applied during property purchases is approximately 5%. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Low taxes and incentives for foreign businesses operating in Equatorial Guinea. |