Gbarnga, Liberia 🇱🇷
#766 6.996269, -9.470905

Nomad Score: 42%
Overview Guide Scores Costs

Essentials

🏙️ City Gbarnga is the capital city of Bong County in Liberia, known for its vibrant local culture and rich history.
👥 Population Approximately 50,000 residents.
💻 Internet Speed Average internet speed is around 5-10 Mbps, with limited higher-speed options available in some areas.
💸 Currency & Banking 1 USD ≈ 165 LRD; local banks include Ecobank and Liberian Bank for Development and Investment.
🚰 Tap Water Not drinkable; it is recommended to buy bottled water.
🔌 Power Electricity supply is inconsistent; 220V, 50Hz, using Type G sockets.
📶 SIM Card Providers include Lonestar Cell MTN and Orange Liberia, offering various prepaid plans.
💳 Banking for Expats Credit and debit cards are accepted at major banks, but cash remains the preferred method for most transactions.
🛌 Accommodation Options include guesthouses, small hotels, and local rentals; Airbnb is limited.
💳 Cashless Friendly Limited; cash is widely preferred for everyday transactions.
🏠 Short Term Rentals Available but not widely advertised; local guesthouses are the most practical option.
🛏️ Budget Accommodation Guesthouses such as Aunty Lidias Guest House offer affordable rates starting from $25 per night.

Working and Networking

🏢 Best Coworking Space Limited options; local cafes with Wi-Fi are the best alternative.
☕ Best Cafe for Work Tama Restaurant has reliable Wi-Fi and is conducive to working.
💼 Networking Events Limited, but local NGOs and expat communities occasionally host events.
🥂 Social Events for Expats Expat meetups can be organized via local Facebook groups.

Transportation

🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App Private taxis and motorbikes are commonly used; no recognized ride apps.
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental Limited options; renting bicycles from locals is possible.
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby Sandy Beach near Robertsport is the closest and about 2 hours away.
✈️ Top Regional Airline Air Liberia operates regional flights.
✈️ Top International Airline Fly from Roberts International Airport (monrovia) for international travel.
🛣️ Highway Access Access to major roads leading to Monrovia and other parts of the country.
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub Gbarnga does not have a train service; road travel is the norm.
🚍 Public Transport Passes Local transport is primarily by shared taxis and okadas (motorbike taxis).
✈️ Regional Travel Buses and shared taxis connect Gbarnga with other cities like Monrovia.

Health and Wellness

🏥 Best Hospital Gbarnga Mission Hospital provides basic healthcare services.
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers Limited; some private wellness practitioners available.
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers Few facilities exist; home workouts and outdoor sports are common.
🧺 Laundry Services Local laundromats offer basic services at affordable rates.

Food and Drink

📱 Best Food Delivery App Food delivery options are minimal; local cafes offer take-out.
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try Jollof Rice and Grilled Fish are local favorites.
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options Limited; restaurants primarily serve meat-based dishes.
🍫 Best Dessert Spots Tama Restaurant offers traditional Liberian sweets occasionally.
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots Local markets like Gbarnga Market provide affordable shopping options.
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store Limited; local vendors rely on in-person sales.
🛒 Grocery Delivery Minimal services available; local shops are the best option.
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area Local bars such as Lappa's Pub provide nightlife options.
🍻 Local Brewery Liberia's local beers like Club Beer are popular.
🍷 Wine Bars Few-existing; local markets sell wine.
🍲 Street Food Stalls Street vendors offer snacks like fried plantains.
🍕 Popular International Cuisine Limited; primarily local dishes available in eateries.

Culture and Attractions

🎟️ Must-See Landmarks The Gbarnga City Hall and historical sites reflecting Liberia's history.
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues Currently limited; local cultural centers occasionally host art events.
🏰 Historical Sites The site of the Gbarnga Government Palace is historic.
🕍 Religious Sites Churches and mosques are common around the city.
🎉 Annual Events Local festivals celebrating Liberian heritage occur throughout the year.
🎨 Cultural Districts Gbarnga is primarily residential with small cultural pockets.
🎭 Theater Venues Limited; community activities may be held in local halls.
🛍️ Local Markets Gbarnga Market is a hub for cultural and daily life.
🎼 Music Scene Local music is vibrant, especially during community events.
🎨 Street Art Local artists occasionally showcase work in public spaces.
🧑‍🍳 Cooking Classes Cooking classes are rare but might be organized by locals.
👩‍🎨 Art Galleries Limited; local craftspeople sell their work in markets.
🕰️ Historic Buildings Local architecture reflects colonial history.
🏴 Local Heritage Cultural heritage is strong, with roots that run deep within the community.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes The nearby Sapo National Park offers wildlife viewing opportunities.
🏞️ National Parks Nearby Sapo National Park is the largest, about 1.5 hours from Gbarnga.
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths Roads can be used for biking; careful around traffic.
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints Hills around Gbarnga provide scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
🦉 Birdwatching Locations Sapo National Park is a prime spot for birdwatching.
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots Local parks can be used for bonfire activities where permitted.

Other Services and Amenities

📦 Parcel Delivery Service Local postal services are basic; international deliveries can take time.
🛠️ Tech Repair Services Local technicians can repair basic electronics; specialized services are rare.
🏓 Table Tennis Spots Limited recreational options for table tennis.
🧑‍🏫 Language Classes Occasional community classes for learning English and local dialects.
📚 Libraries & Study Spots Community centers may serve as informal study spots.
🏘️ Community Centers Local community centers support various activities and gatherings.
🕹️ Gaming Lounges Limited; most gaming occurs in private homes.
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls Gbarnga does not have any casinos.

Business

🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $40,000)
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000)
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $72,000)
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $54,000)
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. $1,100 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $88,000)
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $850 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $68,000)
💼 Corporate Tax 28% standard corporate tax rate.
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax Tax rate applied to dividend distributions is 10%.
🏦 Tax System Liberian tax system is territorial; only income derived from within Liberia is taxed.
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket Maximum personal income tax rate is 25%.
🧾 VAT Standard Value Added Tax rate is 7%.
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules Yes, there are regulations but mainly in relation to tax exemptions.
🏠 Property Tax Based on assessed value; varies by property type.
🏠 Property Transaction Tax Standard rate of 3% on property purchases.