Bolama, Guinea-Bissau 🇬🇼
#1913
11.578213, -15.478281
Nomad Score:
42%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Bolama is the capital of the Bolama Region and offers a unique blend of history and nature. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 20,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed around 5-10 Mbps, but can be slower due to infrastructure issues. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is West African CFA franc (XOF). Banks are limited; ATMs are available but often out of service. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. Bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, uses Type C/E sockets, but power outages are common. |
| 📶 SIM Card | GSM providers include Unitel and MTN with prepaid options available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Limited banking options. Cash is preferred; cards are rarely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local guesthouses and modest hotels. Airbnb is limited in availability. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | No, cash transactions are preferred due to limited card acceptance. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Very few short-term rental options; local guesthouses may allow short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Guesthouses like Pensão Central offer rates around €15-25 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | No dedicated coworking spaces available; local cafes may have Wi-Fi. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafés in town usually offer a casual working environment, but internet may be limited. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Rarely organized; local expat meetups can be found on social media platforms. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Informal gatherings can be arranged through social media groups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | No popular ride-sharing services available; local taxis are common. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited rentals; it's advisable to use local transport. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Praia de Bolama is a popular beach about a 20-minute walk from the town. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air liners such as Air Senegal operate regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | International options are limited; Air Portugal may connect via Dakar. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Limited, roads are mostly unpaved outside urban areas. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train services; travel is mainly by boat and taxi. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is mostly informal taxis and shared minivans. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Boat services connect Bolama to Bissau and other islands. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital de Bolama provides basic medical services; limited facilities. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Currently, no dedicated wellness centers are established. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Limited; outdoor activities like running and walking are common. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats exist, but service may be inconsistent. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | None; local restaurants typically offer dine-in only. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the local rice and fish dishes, especially 'Jollof Rice'. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited, but local markets offer fresh produce. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Local bakeries offer traditional pastries like 'Boli' (grilled plantain). |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Markets like Mercado Municipal provide affordable fruits and vegetables. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited e-commerce options; local shops are favored. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | No available services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Limited nightlife; local bars may offer social atmosphere. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | No local breweries; beer is imported. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | No dedicated wine bars; local wine options are minimal. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors sell snacks like 'Piri-piri chicken'. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Limited availability; local cuisine dominates. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the historical colonial buildings and Bolama's old prison. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Limited; local establishments may display regional art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Old Portuguese colonial architecture throughout the city. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Check out the local churches for colonial architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Cultural festivals linked to local traditions, though sporadic. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the local market for a cultural experience. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | No large theaters; local gatherings may occur informally. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado Central is a hub for local trade. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local gatherings may feature traditional music, but events are sparse. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited; mainly local expressions and informal displays. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Not available; basic cooking can be learned through local interactions. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | No established galleries; local artists may display work informally. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Visit colonial-era structures for a glimpse of the city’s past. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | 'Bolama Heritage' reflects the city’s colonial legacy. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Explore the nearby Bijagos Archipelago for pristine nature. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | No national parks, but the nearby islands have natural reserves. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited paths; walking through town is common. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Coastal areas provide stunning views of the Atlantic. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Nearby wetlands are good for birdwatching, especially migratory birds. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beaches may have areas suitable for bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Limited international services, local mail is unreliable. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Few options; independent technicians may be available. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Minimal facilities for table tennis; informal play may occur among locals. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Limited availability in formal language classes, but local learning through immersion is possible. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | No dedicated libraries; local cafés may offer a quiet space. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community gatherings are informal; engage with locals for experiences. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | No designated gaming lounges; informal gatherings may occur. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos located in Bolama. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €108,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €90,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €160,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €144,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residence-based taxation for inhabitants. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Basic regulation in place; minimal enforcement. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Applicable based on property type and location. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate of 7%. |