Freetown, Sierra Leone 🇸🇱
#865
,
Nomad Score:
47%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Freetown is the capital city of Sierra Leone, located on the Atlantic coast. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1.2 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed around 10-15 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 15,000 SLL; Limited availability of international banking services. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 230V, 50Hz; frequent outages. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Orange, Africell, and Sierratel, with prepaid options available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and MasterCard accepted at some locations; cash preferred. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and hostels like the Sierra Lighthouse Hotel. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; majority of transactions done in cash. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses available. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Backpackers Freetown offers affordable dorms and private rooms. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Cape Sierra Leone area is popular for its beaches and views. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Aberdeen area offers a mix of amenities and a quieter atmosphere. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Freetown Coworking Space located in the CBD. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Mamba Point Café known for good coffee and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups facilitated by expats on social media platforms. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Sierra Leone Expats Facebook group hosts regular social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Use 'Streat' app for reliable transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; mainly informal rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lumley Beach is the most popular and accessible beach. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Peace provides regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Kenyan Airways and Air France operate international routes. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Well connected to the main highway to the interior. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Freetown's transport mainly consists of mini-buses known as 'poda-podas'. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal passes available; pay per ride on public transport. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and taxis provide access to nearby cities like Bo and Kenema. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Connaught Hospital is the main government hospital in Freetown. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Few wellness centers; Windward Sports offers fitness classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | The Gym at the Sierra Lighthouse is one of the better-known options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Several local laundries offer services; laundry typically costs around 10,000 SLL per kg. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Freetown Eats is the primary delivery service. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Jollof rice with grilled chicken is a must-try local favorite. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Try the vegetarian dishes at Veggie House. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Indulgence Bakery offers delicious pastries and cakes. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Food markets like the Big Market offer local produce at low prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Kisima offers local products and essentials online. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Online grocery service more limited; local markets preferred. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Lumley Beach area has several bars and nightlife spots. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Sierra Leone Brewery produces local beers like Star Beer. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options; check The Coffee Shop for limited wine selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near the beach serve affordable local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Bistro 0 offers a mix of cuisines including Italian and Asian. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Cotton Tree is a historical and iconic symbol of Freetown. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Sierra Leone National Museum showcases the country's history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Old Wharf and the Slave Museum are significant historical sites. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. George's Cathedral represents historical architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Freetown hosts the Sierra Leone Festival of Comedy each November. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Center for the Arts and cultural events are often found in the CBD. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The National Theatre hosts various local performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Around the Big Market you can find a vibrant mix of goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music is prevalent at venues like The Miatta Conference Center. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street murals can be found around Freetown; a local art tour is recommended. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer cooking classes focused on traditional Sierra Leonean cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallery 45 showcases local artists and provides a glimpse into Sierra Leonean art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Freetown Post Office is a remarkable building showcasing colonial architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Freetong Players is one of the oldest theatrical groups in Africa. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Sierra Leone National Park offers scenic hiking and wildlife experiences. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Gola Rainforest National Park is a short trip away for nature lovers. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Walking paths along Lumley Beach offer scenic ocean views. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Pagoda Hill provides stunning views of the city and the coastline. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Gola Forest is known for birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas of Lumley Beach permit bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL offers reliable parcel delivery services in the city. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local computer and phone repair shops are available downtown. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local sports clubs occasionally offer table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local institutions and private tutors offer basic English and Krio classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The British Council Library provides a quiet study area. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various community centers host events for expats and locals alike. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Few options; most gaming is done on personal devices. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Limited gaming opportunities; focus on social gaming in local bars. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $42,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $48,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax for residents, varying by income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% of purchase price. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No tax on foreign income for residents up to a specific limit. |