Buchanan, Liberia 🇱🇷
#767
5.88129, -10.0494
Nomad Score:
42%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Buchanan is a coastal city in Liberia, known for its port and vibrant fishing industry. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 70,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 5-10 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Liberian Dollar (LRD); 1 USD ≈ 160 LRD |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 120V, 60Hz; power outages are common |
| 📶 SIM Card | MTN Liberia and Orange Liberia are the main mobile providers |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Most banks accept USD and Liberian Dollar; options include Ecobank and Liberia Bank for Development and Investment |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Various options include hotels, guesthouses, and airbnb-like services |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is king in most transactions |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is available but limited; negotiate with local guesthouses for short stays |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Guesthouse accommodations can range from $20 to $50 per night |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Currently, there are no formal coworking spaces; cafes with Wi-Fi are recommended |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Green Leaf Cafe offers decent Wi-Fi and a quiet environment |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local business meetups occur sporadically; check local expat groups on Facebook |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expat gatherings are organized via Facebook groups and local forums |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxis are available, but Bolt has started to offer services in larger cities in Liberia |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | No widespread bike or scooter rental services are available |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Buchanan Beach is a popular spot accessible within the city |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Liberia provides local flights within the region |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Royal Air Maroc connects through major hubs |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the Robert International Airport via the main road is available, about 90 minutes away |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Limited train services; public transport involves shared taxis or motorbikes |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal public transport passes; pay-per-ride is common |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Shared taxis and mini-buses are available for regional travel |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Buchanan Central Hospital provides basic healthcare services |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options; yoga classes are available at community centers |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Very few options, but some hotels have small fitness areas |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats offer wash and fold services, often at $5 per load |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No dedicated food delivery apps; most food is picked up directly from restaurants |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Jollof rice with grilled fish is a local favorite |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited; local markets provide fresh vegetables for self-cooking |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Buchanan Bakery offers pastries and local sweets |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets are great for affordable fresh produce and goods |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited online shopping; international shipping options are minimal |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | No grocery delivery services available; shopping done in-person |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Few bars exist; the Sea View Garden is popular for nightlife |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brewery options are limited; local beers available in stores |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Not available; few places serve imported wines |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Active street food scene; grilled meats and local dishes are common |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizzerias and Chinese restaurants are few but available |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Buchanan Lighthouse and local markets are highlights |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Limited; local history can be explored in community centers |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Local historical sites relevant to Liberia’s history are scattered around |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Several churches are in the vicinity, including St. John’s Church |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Local festivals celebrating culture occur primarily around independence |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The downtown area showcases local artisans and culture |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Community centers sometimes host local theatrical performances |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Buchanan Market is vibrant and showcases local goods |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music in bars and at events, featuring local artists |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited; community murals depict local history |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Occasionally offered by local chefs; inquire in community centers |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Few galleries exist; local artists exhibit during festivals |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Colonial architecture is visible in some city areas |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Rich cultural customs and stories passed down through generations |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Coastal walks along Buchanan Beach offer relaxing views |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Sapo National Park is the nearest, accessible by road |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited; roads are used for walking and cycling in the area |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Buchanan Beach offers beautiful sunset views |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Nature reserves near Buchanan attract various bird species |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Buchanan Beach offers bonfire-friendly areas |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL offers limited services; local shipping options exist |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Few local shops can assist with basic tech repairs |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers sometimes host tables for recreation |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Available in local community centers; focused on English and local languages |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited resources; some locals may offer private study spaces |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers serve as hubs for social activities |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | None specifically; gaming occurs mainly at home or in private groups |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling options are limited, with few informal venues available |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., small studios typically around $40,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., small studios typically around $30,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., typical 1-bedroom around $50,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., typical 1-bedroom around $35,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., typical 2-bedroom around $72,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $650 per m² (e.g., typical 2-bedroom around $52,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | No specific dividend tax applied |
| 🏦 Tax System | Covers only income earned locally |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% |
| 🧾 VAT | 7% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, but enforcement is limited |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on declared values |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typically around 2% of the sale price |