Monrovia, Liberia 🇱🇷
#765
6.328034, -10.797788
Nomad Score:
46%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Monrovia is the capital city of Liberia, known for its coastal views and vibrant culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 6 Mbps, quite variable depending on the area. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 1 USD (Liberia uses the US dollar as its official currency). ATMs are available, but cash is more widely accepted. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 110V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | MTN, Orange, and Lonestar Cell offer mobile services, with prepaid options available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards like Visa are accepted in major banks, but some places may only accept cash. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels to Airbnb rentals. Monthly rents for a one-bedroom apartment can range from $300 to $600. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is preferred in many places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental websites have various options, starting around $25 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels and guesthouses like the Heritage Hotel offer budget-friendly rates starting at $20. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Innovation Lab - a space promoting collaboration, technology, and remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Hush - known for its good coffee and wi-fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups happen at the Liberia Business Association and various expat groups on Facebook. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Expats in Liberia' often post about community gatherings and events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | SafeBoda offers reliable rides in and out of the city. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are limited; consider using SafeBoda for transport. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Silver Beach is a popular spot, located approximately 30 minutes from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Cote d'Ivoire connects Monrovia to regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | United Airlines and Brussels Airlines operate regular flights to Monrovia. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major roads connect Monrovia to northern regions and nearby cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There are no train services; road transport is the primary means of travel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal public transport passes; local 'taxis' (shared minibuses) are common. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses frequently travel to neighboring countries like Sierra Leone and Guinea. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | John F. Kennedy Memorial Medical Center is the largest healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Wellness Yoga Studio offers classes for yoga enthusiasts. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | The Gym Club provides basic fitness equipment and group classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Power Laundry services are available for laundry needs. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food offers restaurant delivery services in Monrovia. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Jollof rice - a popular West African rice dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like the Bamboo Restaurant offer vegan-friendly options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sweets and Treats Bakery is popular for pastries and cakes. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Waterside Market offer fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia.com is the main online shopping platform in Liberia. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Jumia Food also has grocery delivery options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Rooftop bars like the Sky Lounge offer great evening views and nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Club Beer is the most popular local beer, widely enjoyed. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Sky Bar has a selection of local and imported wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors sell grilled meats and fried plantains near major markets. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Mamma Mia serves various Italian dishes that attract locals and expats. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The National Museum of Liberia features exhibits on the country's history. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Lyric Theatre hosts local performances and cultural events. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Providence Island is a significant historical landmark. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Sacred Heart Cathedral is a beautiful site to visit. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Liberia National Cultural Festival occurs annually showcasing local heritage. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Bushrod Island is known for its rich local culture and history. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Monrovia City Hall often hosts performances and public meetings. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Waterside Market is vibrant and an essential part of local life. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music venues like the Bani Club showcase local talents. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Artistic murals can be seen throughout downtown Monrovia. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are available at the Liberia Culinary Institute. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The National Museum includes various art displays and exhibits. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Executive Mansion is a notable historical building. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Various festivals celebrate Liberian heritage and traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Sapo National Park is around a 3-hour drive away for hiking and wildlife. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Lake Piso Multiple Use Reserve offers scenic views and boating opportunities. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastline along the beach provides scenic views for walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from the Monrovia skyline is breathtaking, especially at sunset. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands near the lakes are popular spots for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain parts of Silver Beach allow bonfires, check local regulations first. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services are reliable for shipping. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Find repair shops in downtown Monrovia for gadgets and devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | The Monrovia Sports Center has tables available for play. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The American Corner offers English language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Liberia National Library is the main resource library. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | All Nations Communities provides social resources and spaces. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming spots can be found, mostly as informal gatherings in community centers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no major casinos; informal games are common. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $24,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $42,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $30,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $650 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $52,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $450 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $36,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 8% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive income tax system based on global income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% on income above a specified threshold. |
| 🧾 VAT | 10% standard VAT rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applied to foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | About 3% on property transactions. |