Bolama, Guinea-Bissau 🇬🇼
#1913
,
Nomad Score:
40%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Bolama is the capital of Bolama Region in Guinea-Bissau, known for its unique colonial architecture and quiet atmosphere. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 14,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is about 5 Mbps, though connectivity can vary. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF). 1 EUR ≈ 655 XOF. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electrical supply is 220V, 50Hz, with Type C sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Mobile providers include Unitel and MTN Guinea-Bissau, with SIM cards widely available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Limited banking options; cash transactions are common. International cards may work at select ATMs. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include guesthouses like Pensão Bolama and Airbnb listings. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | No; cash is primarily used, and credit cards are rarely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is available, but options are limited. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels and guesthouses offer rates around 10,000 XOF per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Near the waterfront for easy access to attractions and views. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Central town area for proximity to cafes and necessary services. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Currently no dedicated coworking spaces; consider working at local cafes. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Bolama offers a quiet environment, though Wi-Fi may be slow. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Limited; local meetups are informal, often arranged through expat group chats. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Community gatherings are informal; joining local Facebook groups can help connect. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis are available; no ride-sharing apps like Uber or Bolt. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycles can be rented locally; inquire at guesthouses. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Praia de Bolama is accessible for swimming and relaxation. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Bissau-Guinean regional airlines operate flights between towns. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Transportes Aéreos de Guinea-Bissau (TAGB) operates flights to Lisbon. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Limited paved roads; most travel is local or by boat. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train services; local transportation is primarily done by road or boat. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No public transport passes available; buses operate on a pay-per-ride basis. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Travel by local buses or shared vans to neighboring towns, besides boat services. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Regional de Bolama is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited wellness options; consider private sessions with local trainers. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | No established gyms currently; outdoor workouts recommended. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundries offer services for around 2,000 to 5,000 XOF per load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No food delivery apps; local restaurants offer takeout. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Jollof Rice with Fish' - a popular local dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited; local markets offer fresh fruits and veggies. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Café Bolama has basic pastry choices, though selection is limited. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Mercado de Bolama offer budget-friendly produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited; use local retail for most shopping needs. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | No grocery delivery services available. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Limited nightlife; small bars offer local beers. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Limited local brews; check bars for domestic beer options. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | No dedicated wine bars; limited selection at local shops. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors serve snacks like grilled fish and fried plantains. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Limited; some eateries available with basic international menu. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Check out the Bolama Town Hall and the Portuguese Colonial Architecture. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Currently no major museums; local history is found in public spaces. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Explore the remnants of colonial history around town. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Visit local chapels and churches around Bolama. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Cultural festivals are celebrated locally; check for event schedules. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore streets in the city center for a taste of local life. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | No formal theaters; local performances are often done outdoors. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Markets like Mercado de Bolama are great for local crafts and produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music can be enjoyed at events; traditional Gambian sounds are popular. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited; check local areas for any murals or community art. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Currently no formal cooking classes available; local families may offer hands-on experiences. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | No dedicated art galleries exist; local artwork may be found in community spaces. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Explore colonial buildings scattered through Bolama. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Experience local traditions and cultural practices through community interactions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Visit nearby islands for nature walks and birdwatching. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Orango National Park is accessible by boat for unique wildlife experiences. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths around Bolama are suitable for casual cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The waterfront offers scenic views of the sunset. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Local mangroves attract various bird species, ideal for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Check with locals for safe areas to gather outside. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | International shipping is limited; inquire at local post office. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited; check local shops for basic repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | No known spots; local community centers may have recreational options. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Few language schools; immersing through local interaction is effective. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited reading resources; community centers may provide space. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local centers host informal gatherings and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | No dedicated gaming lounges; local gaming may occur informally. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos available in Bolama. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. XOF 200,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = XOF 8,000,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. XOF 150,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = XOF 6,000,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. XOF 175,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = XOF 10,500,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. XOF 125,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = XOF 7,500,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. XOF 160,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = XOF 12,800,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. XOF 115,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = XOF 9,200,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 25%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividend distributions are taxed at 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Tax system operates on a worldwide income basis for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 36%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict regulations governing foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxation is based on standard valuations. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | A 5% tax rate applies during property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Foreign income is generally not taxed for non-residents. |