Calabar, Nigeria 🇳🇬
#259
4.979599, 8.337359
Nomad Score:
53%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Calabar is the capital city of Cross River State in Nigeria, known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant history. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population of over 500,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is about 10-20 Mbps, with access to 4G networks. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 460 NGN. Major banks include First Bank, Access Bank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity supply is inconsistent; common voltage is 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type D sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available from networks like MTN, Glo, and Airtel. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Foreign cards accepted at some ATMs, local banks also provide services for expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and short-term rentals via Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Increasingly cashless with mobile payments via apps such as Paga. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available on platforms like Airbnb and local property sites. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels such as the Calabar Dream Hotel offer budget-friendly rates starting at ₦5,000 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Calabar Innovation Hub offers flexible workspaces and event hosting. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Calabar provides a cozy atmosphere with reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular tech meetups and business networking events organized by local groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expat community organizes monthly gatherings through Facebook groups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt and Uber are operational and widely used in Calabar. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Few rental options; recommended to use ride services for convenience. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Calabar Beach is accessible within 30 minutes. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Peace connects Calabar to major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Ethiopian Airlines and Arik Air operate international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major access via the Calabar-Ogoja Highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Calabar Railway Station connects to local rail services, though infrequent. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal transit passes; local transportation primarily via taxis and buses. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses available for travel to nearby cities like Ugep and Ikom. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | University of Calabar Teaching Hospital is the leading healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga classes available at clubs like Calabar Fitness Center. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic fitness centers are available; check out Dreamland Fitness. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services available at various local laundromats around the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food operates in the area for convenient meal delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the local delicacy 'Edikang Ikong,' a vegetable soup popular in the region. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like The Green Kitchen offer plant-based options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Check out Cakes and Cream for a variety of desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Visit the Calabar Market for local produce and affordable goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia and Konga are popular for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Some local markets offer delivery services for groceries. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Calabar is known for its nightlife in the Calabar South area. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Calabar International Brewery produces local beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Few options; local bars offer a selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local street food vendors offer barbecue and puff-puff in different areas. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Spice Route serve a variety of international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Calabar Slave History Museum and Calabar River Waterfront. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Calabar Museum showcases local artifacts and history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the Old Residency Museum for insights on colonial history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Patrick's Cathedral is an iconic religious site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Calabar Carnival is a festive highlight in December, attracting many visitors. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Marina Resort is known for its cultural events and exhibitions. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Cultural Centre, Calabar hosts various performances and shows. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Calabar Market is bustling with local goods and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music venues feature traditional and contemporary Nigerian music. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Graffiti in various locations portrays local themes and culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Available through local culinary schools and offered by private chefs. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local galleries exhibit works by Nigerian artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Residency is a notable historic structure in the city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Calabar is known for its Efik culture, celebrated through festivals and food. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Cross River National Park offers rich biodiversity and hiking opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Cross River National Park is a prime destination for nature lovers. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along the Calabar River provide scenic views and walking opportunities. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Calabar Marina offers beautiful views of the river and city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Various spots in the national park are ideal for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Public beaches allow bonfires with prior permission. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local services provide parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local phone repair shops available in commercial areas. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Available in some local community centers. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer English and local dialect courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Calabar Public Library offers reading and study areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers host cultural events and programs. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited; some internet cafes offer gaming facilities. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Few casinos exist; local gaming is primarily in clubs. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₦450,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ₦18,000,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₦350,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ₦14,000,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₦400,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₦24,000,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₦300,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₦18,000,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₦380,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₦30,400,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₦280,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₦22,400,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% withholding tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents taxed on worldwide income basis. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 24%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 7.5%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Nigeria adheres to CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax applies based on local assessments. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% tax is applied during property purchases. |