Bissau, Guinea-Bissau 🇬🇼
Nomad Score:
45%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Bissau is the capital city of Guinea-Bissau, located on the west coast of Africa. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 400,000 people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 10 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF), with 1 EUR ≈ 655 XOF. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, it's advised to use bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 220V, 50Hz, with Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | MTN and Guinéenne de Télécommunications (GGT) offer SIM cards with 4G service. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards are accepted commonly at major banks like EcoBank and Caixa Económica. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb and hotels are available in various price ranges; hostels are limited. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Cash is preferred; few places accept credit/debit cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are popular for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel A Concha is an affordable option, with prices starting at around 10,000 XOF per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Nomadic Community has become a popular spot for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Praça is favored for its Wi-Fi and relaxed atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local meetups are organized occasionally on platforms like Facebook. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Check local Facebook groups for expat community events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Locally, taxis are available; apps like Bolt operate in some areas. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikes can be rented at local shops but are limited. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Praia de Bissau is the closest beach, about 30 minutes from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Transportes Aéreos de Cabo Verde (TACV) operates regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air Portugal, TAP, operates international flights to and from Bissau. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main roads connect Bissau with other cities, although conditions vary. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Bissau has no rail services; local travel is via road. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is mainly shared taxis (aluguer); passes are not commonly used. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses offer regional connectivity to cities like Bolama and Cacheu. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Simão Mendes is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Wellness options are minimal; some private fitness trainers operate. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gyms are limited, with a few local options like Fit & Gym. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats are available, with services costing around 5,000 XOF. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | WhatsApp is often used for food ordering from local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Jambalaika, a traditional dish made with rice, fish, and spices. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Options are limited; fresh fruit and vegetables are available in markets. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pastelaria Tia Ilda is known for its sweet pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado Municipal is the main market for budget shopping. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited e-commerce; local supermarkets have online options. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Few local supermarkets offer delivery; it’s advisable to shop in-person. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Bairro Alto area has some bars and nightlife spots. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Guinness is available, although local brewing is less established. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited wine bars; most establishments serve beer and local spirits. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors sell affordable snacks like pastel and grilled meat. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Some local restaurants serve Portuguese and African cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Fortaleza da Amura, a historic fort. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museu Nacional de Guinea-Bissau showcases local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Ancient ruins and Portuguese colonial architecture can be seen in the city. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Catholic churches like the Cathedral of Bissau are notable. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Carnival celebrations in February are vibrant in Bissau. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the Old Town for local culture and architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Teatro Nacional serves as the main performance space. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Mercado Municipal is essential for local crafts and food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music can be found in bars, featuring traditional and modern acts. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street murals can be seen in various districts. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Limited options; some local chefs offer informal classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Few small galleries showcase local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Visit the colonial-era government palace. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The culture blends African and Portuguese influences significantly. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The nearby Bijagós Archipelago offers beautiful beaches and wildlife. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Wildlife parks like Parque Nacional de Bissau are accessible for nature lovers. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Walking along waterfronts and streets is common, with few designated paths. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Enjoy views from the Praça dos Combatentes. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands near the coast attract various bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Informal bonfire spots are near the beaches and waterfront. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local postal services offer basic delivery; international options are limited. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local electronics shops handle minor repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Limited options; check local community centers. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language classes in Portuguese and local dialects are available in local schools. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public libraries are limited; studying often occurs in cafes. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Associação de Juventude hosts events and community activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming options are informal; locals often play in homes. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Limited casino options; gaming is illegal in many forms. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,500,000 XOF per m² (e.g., 30 m² = 45,000,000 XOF) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,200,000 XOF per m² (e.g., 30 m² = 36,000,000 XOF) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,900,000 XOF per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 114,000,000 XOF) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,500,000 XOF per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 90,000,000 XOF) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,800,000 XOF per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 144,000,000 XOF) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,400,000 XOF per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 112,000,000 XOF) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Tax rate for dividends is 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | It follows a progressive tax system for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 24%. |
| 🧾 VAT | The standard Value Added Tax rate is 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are regulations governing taxation of foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is levied based on assessed property values. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Tax applied during property purchases is 2%. |