Gbarnga, Liberia 🇱🇷
#766
,
Nomad Score:
44%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Gbarnga is the capital of Bong County in Liberia, known for its vibrant culture and history. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 50,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 5 Mbps, with some areas reaching up to 10 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 490 LRD. Major banks include First International Bank and Ecobank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is available, but outages are common. Voltage is 220V, 50Hz, and uses Type C and D sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | MTN and Orange are the primary mobile providers with good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard are commonly accepted; cash transactions are prevalent. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Available options include local guesthouses and Airbnb listings. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | No; cash is predominantly used, but some places may accept cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is available with prices ranging from $15 to $50 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hotel D'Afrik and Gbarnga City Hotel are budget-friendly options. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Downtown Gbarnga, close to main attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | City Center offers the best amenities and local cafes. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Safi Coworking Space is the preferred location for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Manna provides a good atmosphere for work and free Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups are organized through local Facebook groups and community boards. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Gbarnga Expat Facebook Group organizes monthly social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis are available, but ride-hailing apps like Uber are not operational. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available at local shops; costs around $5 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The neighboring town of Robertsport has beautiful beaches, approximately 2 hours away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | ACE Air operates flights to Monrovia and other regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | United Airlines and Delta offer flights connecting through Monrovia. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the highway to Monrovia allows for quick commuting. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No rail service; public transport is mainly via shared taxis and moto-taxis. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Transport operates on a pay-per-ride basis without passes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis are available for travel to nearby towns. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Gbarnga Baptist Medical Center serves as the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options; community classes may be offered occasionally. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gbarnga Fitness Club is available for workouts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are provided by local laundromats for an average of $10 per load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Local options for food delivery include Meraki Food Services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Jollof rice with fried plantains is a must-try local dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Most local restaurants offer limited vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sweet Tooth Bakery serves baked goods and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Marketa Market offers fresh produce and local goods at low prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited options; check local platforms for regional items. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited delivery services; shopping in-person is common. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Silk Road Bar is a popular nightlife spot. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Gbarnga does not have local breweries; imported beers are served. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | No dedicated wine bars; typical bars offer limited wine selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors sell pepper soup and fresh fruit throughout the city. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurant La Belle offers a mix of local and international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Gbarnga Peace Monument is a significant landmark. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Limited cultural venues; local art can be found in community centers. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The old Gbarnga City Hall is a notable historical site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The St. John's Episcopal Church is a beautiful local church worth visiting. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Gbarnga celebrates the Gbarnga Cultural Festival annually. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The downtown area is vibrant with local crafts and culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local performances are held at community theaters occasionally. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Marketa Market serves as the central hub for local products. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars often feature live traditional music on weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Gbarnga has limited street art, but local murals can be found around town. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local community centers occasionally offer cooking classes for traditional dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited; local crafts can be purchased directly from artisans. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old city hall and historic churches reflect the architectural history of Gbarnga. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Gbarnga has rich traditions, including the famous Kpelle dance. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Sapo National Park is about a 2-hour drive from Gbarnga. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Sapo National Park is the nearest and home to diverse wildlife. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Informal trails exist for walking and cycling around the area. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Visit the hills surrounding Gbarnga for stunning views of the countryside. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Sapo National Park provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Local parks can accommodate small bonfires with permission. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL offers services in Gbarnga, though options may be limited. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops provide basic repairs for mobile devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Limited; some community centers may have tables available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local schools occasionally offer English language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Gbarnga City Library serves as the main reading and study spot. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Gbarnga Community Center hosts various events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Minimal; most gaming is done on personal devices in local cafes. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gbarnga has no casinos; entertainment is mostly local and community-driven. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² for studios in central Gbarnga. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² for studios outside central areas. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² for 1-bedroom apartments in central Gbarnga. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² for 1-bedroom apartments outside the city. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² for 2-bedroom units in the city center. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² for 2-bedroom homes outside the city. |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is approximately 25%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividend distributions are generally taxed at around 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Liberia operates a territorial tax system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Top personal income tax rate is around 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 7%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Liberia has rules governing taxation of foreign companies. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on the assessed value of the property. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | A property transaction tax of 5% applies to sales. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | There are no specific tax incentives for digital nomads currently. |