Calabar, Nigeria 🇳🇬
#259
,
Nomad Score:
56%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Calabar is the capital of Cross River State in Nigeria, known for its rich culture, hospitality, and tourism. |
| 👥 Population | approximately 500,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | average speed of 10-20 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 750 NGN; US Dollars and Nigerian Naira are commonly used. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type D sockets are standard. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Airtel, MTN, and Glo provide good coverage and affordable data plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like Access Bank and First Bank accept international cards; mobile banking is also common. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Popular platforms for accommodation include Airbnb and local options like hotel bookings via Booking.com. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Some establishments accept cards, but cash is still widely used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are available for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Affordable options like local guesthouses and hostels, with rates starting from NGN 5,000 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Millennium Park and the Marina waterfront are recommended due to accessibility to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Areas close to Calabar International Convention Centre and major hotels like Transcorp Hotel offer good facilities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Calabar Business Incubator offers coworking spaces and meeting rooms. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Coffee Republic is a popular work-friendly cafe, providing Wi-Fi and comfortable seating. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Tech and business meetups are organized regularly at local universities and coworking spaces. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Calabar Expats Community on Facebook hosts regular meetups and events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt and Uber are available in Calabar for reliable rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available at select hotels; scooters are less common. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Kalabar Beach is popular and offers a short drive from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Peace and Arik Air are the main carriers serving the region. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | International flights are mainly from Port Harcourt or Lagos; no direct international flights to Calabar. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Calabar is connected by the Calabar-Itu highway, leading towards the major cities in Nigeria. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There is currently no active railway service to and from Calabar. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local buses are commonly used and provide low-cost travel throughout the city. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses are available for intercity travel, connecting to cities like Uyo and Port Harcourt. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | University of Calabar Teaching Hospital is the leading healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Wellness Center at the Calabar International Convention Centre offers yoga sessions. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness options like Anytime Fitness and local gyms are available. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats provide laundry services at affordable rates. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food is the most popular food delivery service in Calabar. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Fried rice and plantain, and the famous Calabar pepper soup. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegetarian plates available at local eateries, with fresh vegetable options in markets. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sweet Tooth Bakery offers a variety of desserts and is popular among locals. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Marian Market is a popular spot for cheap food and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia and Konga are the leading e-commerce platforms in Nigeria. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Online grocery shopping can be done through Jumia and local market vendors. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Duke Town and the Marina area have lively nightlife with bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Calabar is known for its local palm wine and breweries like Legend Extra Stout. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Lounge at Transcorp Hotel offers a selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food is prevalent; visit the local stalls for snacks like suya and akara. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants offering Chinese, Indian, and Continental dishes can be found throughout. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Calabar Carnival, Slave History Museum, and the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Calabar Museum provides insights into the region's history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Danish Fort and the Old Calabar River are key sites to visit. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Calabar Cathedral and several mosques represent local heritage. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Calabar Carnival is one of the biggest cultural festivals in Nigeria. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Efik cultural area showcases the local traditions greatly. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Calabar Arts Theatre hosts various cultural performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Marian Market is renowned for local crafts and food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local venues host live music events featuring Afrobeat and Highlife genres. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Calabar has vibrant murals and art installations in public spaces. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local culinary schools offer cooking classes focusing on Nigerian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Calabar Art Gallery features works from local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Calabar Railway Station is a significant architectural landmark. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Efik language and traditions are integral parts of Calabar's heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Tinapa Resort and Cross River National Park are fantastic getaways. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Cross River National Park is a major attraction for wildlife enthusiasts. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Calabar Marina has picturesque walking paths along the waterfront. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Visit Obudu Mountain Resort for breathtaking views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands near Calabar are ideal for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beaches around Calabar offer designated areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services offer parcel delivery options. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local repair shops can handle mobile and computer repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers have public tables for table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Institutes offer English language classes for non-natives. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Calabar Public Library provides a quiet space for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural centers host events and activities for expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local internet cafes provide access to gaming. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | While not common, some local venues offer gaming services. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. NGN 25,000,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = NGN 1,000,000,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. NGN 15,000,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = NGN 600,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. NGN 30,000,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = NGN 1,800,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. NGN 20,000,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = NGN 1,200,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. NGN 35,000,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = NGN 2,800,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. NGN 25,000,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = NGN 2,000,000,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% is the corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% is applied to dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Resident tax system applies, with taxes on global income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 24% is the maximum personal income tax rate. |
| 🧾 VAT | 7.5% is the standard Value Added Tax rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, regulations govern taxation of foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, property taxes are applied based on valuation. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 7% is applied on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Digital nomads enjoy simplified regulations, often resulting in lower effective tax rates if compliant. |