Monrovia, Liberia 🇱🇷
#765
,
Nomad Score:
39%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Monrovia is the capital and largest city of Liberia, located on the Atlantic Ocean. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1 million people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 5-10 Mbps, with some areas offering 20 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD is approximately 1 USD. Banks like Ecobank and UBA operate within the city. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; it is advisable to drink bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity supply is inconsistent. Standard voltage is 120V, and type A/B sockets are used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Orange Liberia and Lonestar Cell MTN, with prepaid options widely available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards like Visa and Mastercard are accepted in most urban areas. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local guesthouses, hotels, and Airbnb. Monthly rentals range from $300 to $1,000. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited acceptance of cards; cash is preferred in most transactions. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb offer various short-term rental options, with prices starting at $30 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Eco Lodge Monrovia offers budget-friendly options starting around $15 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Waterside area is a popular choice, with proximity to markets and attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Sinkor area is favored by expats and digital nomads due to its cafes and coworking spots. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Liberty Workspaces offers a conducive environment for remote work and networking events. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Elsie's Restaurant and Café is known for a relaxed atmosphere with good Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Various meetups occur monthly, organized by groups on Facebook and at local community centers. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Monrovia Expat Group hosts weekly gatherings and social events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is operational in Monrovia, along with local taxi services. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options available; bicycle rentals can be found through local shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The Cape Mesurado Beaches are about 30 minutes away, offering a nice getaway. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Fly540 Liberia connects Monrovia with neighboring countries. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France and Delta Air Lines offer flights to Monrovia. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The Roberts International Airport highway connects with the city center. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Public transportation is primarily by shared taxis along major routes. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific public transport passes; fares are paid in cash on shared taxis. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses operate to nearby cities such as Gbarnga and Buchanan. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | John F. Kennedy Medical Center is the largest and offers a range of services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options; the Monrovia Women's Yoga Center offers weekly classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Sparrow Fitness Gym provides equipment and workout classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Several laundromats are available around the city, with prices starting at $5. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food operates in Monrovia for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Jollof rice and Fried plantains are local favorites. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Salad Bar offers a variety of vegetarian meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Sweet Tooth offers a range of local and international desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Red Light Market offers a variety of local produce and goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia is the main online shopping platform available. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Jumia Food also provides grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Tubman Boulevard includes a variety of bars and entertainment options. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Club Beer is a popular local brew that should not be missed. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine and Culture Lib is a unique bar that offers various wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food is abundant around the Waterside, offering cheap local dishes. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Italian and Chinese restaurants are available in the Sinkor area. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Centennial Pavilion and the Liberia National Museum are essential visits. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The National Museum of Liberia exhibits historical artifacts. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Providence Island is known for its historical significance in Liberia. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Saint Patrick's Cathedral is a significant religious structure. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Liberian Carnival is held annually and attracts many visitors. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Mamba Point showcases local culture through arts and dining. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Monrovia Cultural Center hosts various performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Waterside Market is known for fresh produce and local products. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars often feature live music, especially in the evening. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Graffiti around the city showcases local talent and messages. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer cooking classes featuring Liberian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Visual Arts Center features local artists' work. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Executive Mansion is an important historical building. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Liberian flag and various cultural festivals represent local heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Kpatawee Waterfall offers beautiful hiking and a scenic environment. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Sapo National Park is the main national park, about 5 hours from Monrovia. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The beaches along the coast are great for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from the Ducor Palace Hotel provides stunning views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Wetlands surrounding Monrovia attract various birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain beaches allow bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and TNT provide shipping and parcel delivery services in Monrovia. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Several local shops offer phone and computer repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Available at various community centers across the city. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer English and local dialect courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The University of Liberia has a public library accessible to all. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The YMCA provides various community services and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Located in the city center; details on specific venues may vary. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | While gambling is limited, a few venues offer recreational gaming. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $84,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $104,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $950 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $76,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is approximately 25%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% applies to dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | The maximum personal income tax rate is about 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Value Added Tax (VAT) is 10% for most goods and services. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Few regulations are in place regarding foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | An annual property tax is applied based on property valuation. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typically around 3% of the property purchase price. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Digital nomads can benefit from simplified compliance, though a tax of up to 10% might still apply. |