Buchanan, Liberia 🇱🇷
#767
,
Nomad Score:
44%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Buchanan is a coastal city located in Liberia, known for its palm oil industry and picturesque beaches. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 77,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 5-10 Mbps, but can be inconsistent. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | The currency is the Liberian Dollar (LRD), 1 USD ≈ 150 LRD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Lonestar MTN and Orange Liberia. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Access to banks like Ecobank and First National Bank with international services. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local guesthouses, hotels, and apartments; Airbnb also has listings. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless options; cash is preferred. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through Airbnb and local listings. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Guesthouse Bliss and Kendeja Hotel offer affordable rooms. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The waterfront area near the beach offers the best views and access. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Preferably near the main street for better internet connectivity and amenities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Currently, no dedicated coworking spaces; cafes are the best bet for working remotely. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Bantu offers a relaxed environment with decent Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Limited; however, local community groups on Facebook may host casual meetups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Occasional events at local NGOs and international schools. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxi services are available, but no established apps; local taxis are common. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; bikes can be rented through local shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Buchanan Beach is within walking distance. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Fokker 100 operates flights from Roberts International Airport to Buchanan. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Delta Airlines and United Airlines offer flights to Liberia. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main access through the Buchanan Road, connecting to Monrovia. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Public transport is mainly by private vehicle or taxi. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local transport is pay-per-ride; no monthly passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Minibuses and shared taxis connect Buchanan with nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | The Buchanan Hospital offers basic medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options; some hotels offer basic wellness facilities. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Few local gyms available; best to inquire at large hotels. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats are available; some hotels provide laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No established food delivery apps; rely on local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Cassava Fufu and Palm Oil Stew. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited; local markets have fresh produce. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Local bakeries offer sweet breads and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Buchanan Market offers local food and goods at reasonable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon and other platforms accessible for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited options; local grocery stores provide basics. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The vibrant area around the beach has local bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Limited; primarily local beers found in bars. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Rare; local supermarkets carry some imported wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer local snacks like roasted plantains. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza and grilled chicken are commonly found in local eateries. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Buchanan Lighthouse is a notable landmark. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Limited; local culture is mostly experienced through community events. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit local monuments commemorating Liberia's history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Various churches, including the Episcopal Church of Buchanan. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Access to local festivals is also limited; check local announcements. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The beach area hosts cultural events and local gatherings. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited in terms of formal venues; small community shows occur occasionally. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Buchanan Market is a lively place to experience local culture. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars host live performances by Liberian artists. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore local murals and community artworks in public areas. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer informal cooking lessons on traditional dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Few local artists showcase their work in community spaces. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Colonial-era buildings can be found in and around the town center. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Rich in culture; local festivals often highlight Liberian traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The scenic beaches and nearby forest areas are great for nature lovers. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Sapo National Park is accessible for planned outings. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Scenic walks along the beachfront provide beautiful views. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The cliffs near the lighthouse offer stunning vistas. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Wetlands around Buchanan are ideal for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beaches near the city are suitable for bonfires with local permits. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local services available; check with postal services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited; small local shops may assist with phone repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers occasionally have recreational facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Limited offerings; check local schools for English classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Few local libraries available; study spots are often cafes. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local NGOs may host events and gatherings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Few gaming venues exist; most gaming is done through homes. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos available; local entertainment varies. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $20,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $300 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $12,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $450 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $27,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $280 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $16,800). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $32,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $250 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $20,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 25%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Applicable tax rate on dividend distributions is 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Liberia taxes residents on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 10%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Limited regulation on foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on statutory rates. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 5% standard rate on property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Libya does not apply worldwide income tax for short-term residents. |