Bissau, Guinea-Bissau 🇬🇼
#982
,
Nomad Score:
42%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Bissau is the capital city of Guinea-Bissau, located along the coastal region, known for its vibrant culture and history. |
| 👥 Population | About 400,000 inhabitants. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Approximately 5-10 Mbps, limited availability and speed due to infrastructure challenges. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is West African CFA Franc (XOF). 1 USD = 620 XOF. Many banks offer basic services but may have limited hours. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity operates at 220V, 50Hz. Sockets are Type C and F. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available from providers like Unitel and Movitel; prepaid packages are common. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard accepted at some banks and businesses; however, cash is preferred. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include guesthouses, budget hotels, and local apartments through platforms like Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless facilities; cash is widely used, especially in markets. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is available with several options in the city. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Guesthouses like Pensao Lobo offer rooms starting from €20 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The city center offers access to main attractions and amenities. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The city center is recommended for longer stays due to accessibility to services and amenities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Co-Work Bissau offers a communal workspace with basic facilities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Kachupa is popular among locals and offers Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local meetups are infrequent but community gatherings often take place at the cultural center. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups and local expat communities often organize informal gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis are available; ride-share apps are limited, with traditional taxis being more common. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are rare; walking is common in the city center. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Bissau City Beach is approximately 15 minutes from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Bissau operates short regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | TAP Air Portugal offers connections to major cities; limited international options available. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Bissau has basic road access, but many routes may be in poor condition. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Bissau does not have a train station; buses are the primary intercity transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is mostly informal; bus services are cheap but limited. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Local taxis and minivans offer regional transport options to nearby towns. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Nacional Simão Mendes offers basic medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options; some local gyms may offer classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Few local gyms are available; prices around €15/month. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available, prices around €5 per load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Few delivery services exist; direct ordering from local restaurants is common. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Jollof Rice' and seafood dishes popular in coastal regions. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited vegetarian options, but local markets offer fresh produce. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Bakeries in Bissau offer local sweet treats such as 'Bolo de Fubá'. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Markets like Mercado Municipal offer local foods at reasonable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited internet availability makes e-commerce challenging; few online stores operate. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery services are virtually non-existent; markets are the primary shopping source. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The city center features a few bars, but nightlife is quiet. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Beer from the Companhia de Bebidas de Guinea-Bissau is locally produced. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Options are very limited; imported wines may be found at some restaurants. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food is common; popular items include grilled fish and local pastries. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | A few restaurants offer Italian and Chinese cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Bissau Velho (Old Bissau) features colonial architecture and historic sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museu da Arte Moderna de Bissau displays local and regional art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Check out the Fortress of Bissau for a glimpse into the city's colonial past. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Cathedral of Bissau is the main religious site worth visiting. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Party for the Proclamation of Independence is celebrated on September 24. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Visit neighborhoods like Bissau Velho for a culturally rich experience. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Cultural performances can be seen at local venues; check community boards for events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado Municipal is the largest local market with fresh produce and goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can often be found at local bars, featuring traditional music styles. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art is limited; few murals can be found in Bissau Velho. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Occasional cooking classes available focusing on local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Small galleries showcase local artists; options are limited. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Fortaleza de São José da Amura is a notable historic site. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The country has a rich mixed heritage reflecting African and Portuguese influences. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Bijagos Archipelago offers stunning nature and wildlife experiences. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Cacheu River National Park is accessible for wildlife enthusiasts. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited formal paths; exploring neighborhoods on foot is common. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The waterfront areas offer beautiful views of sunsets. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | National parks and wetlands are prime spots for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beaches may allow bonfires but check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Limited local and international shipping services are available through postal services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Few shops offer phone and computer repairs at reasonable prices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Few recreational areas may have tables; local community centers sometimes provide them. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local language schools offer classes in Portuguese. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited public libraries; some cafes may provide a conducive environment for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural centers often host community events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Very few; recreational gaming is mostly done in homes. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling options are limited; no large casinos exist. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approximately €1,200 per m² (e.g. 40 m² = €48,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approximately €800 per m² (e.g. 40 m² = €32,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approximately €1,500 per m² (e.g. 60 m² = €90,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approximately €1,000 per m² (e.g. 60 m² = €60,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approximately €1,800 per m² (e.g. 80 m² = €144,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approximately €1,200 per m² (e.g. 80 m² = €96,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 18%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The rate is 15% on dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on local income; non-residents taxed only on local-source income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Value Added Tax rate is 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, guidelines exist regarding foreign investments. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property taxes are based on property values assessed by local government. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | A tax of approximately 5% is applied during property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Relatively low income tax rates and no punitive regulations for foreign income. |