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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.

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