Freetown, Sierra Leone 🇸🇱
#865
8.479004, -13.26795
Nomad Score:
45%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Freetown is the capital city of Sierra Leone, situated on the Atlantic coast. It is known for its vibrant culture, scenic hills, and historical significance as a center for freed slaves. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1.2 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 10-15 Mbps with options for fiber in certain areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 15,000 SLL. Banks like Ecobank and Access Bank provide services in the city. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Voltage of 230V, 50Hz. Power outages are common; it's advisable to have backup generators or UPS. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Orange and Africell are the main providers, offering prepaid SIM cards with 4G options. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Bank cards are accepted at major stores but cash is preferred. PayPal is available for online transactions. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from guesthouses to Airbnb rentals, with typical prices around $30-$100 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Partially cashless; major businesses accept cards but it's best to carry cash. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local vacation rentals are available; costs for a 1-bedroom start around $500/month. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Mama Africa's Lodge offer dormitory style stays for around $15 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Rooftop Co-Work Space at the National Museum offers great views and adequate facilities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café d’Afrique is popular among freelancers for its atmosphere and good Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check out events on Meetup.com or local Facebook groups for digital nomads. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Freetown Sports Club often hosts events where expats can network and mingle. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Sierra Leone's Uber-like service is called 'Freetown Taxi'; traditional taxi services are also available. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooter rental services are available at local shops, typically starting at $10 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lumley Beach is the most popular, only 15 minutes from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Peace operates regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France and Brussels Airlines are major carriers servicing Freetown. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The main access road is the Wellington-Masiaka Highway connecting to major destinations. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There are limited train services in Sierra Leone, buses are more common for transit. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No organized public transport passes; minibuses operate on a pay-per-ride basis. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses frequently run to nearby cities like Bo and Kenema, averaging around $5. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Princess Christian Maternity Hospital is renowned for maternal and pediatric care. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Freetown Wellness Center offers various classes and wellness services. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Factory Freetown provides access to various gym facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services like Freetown Laundromat offer convenient wash-and-fold services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Food Express offers efficient local food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Jollof rice with fried plantains is a must-try local dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like Caffe Gino provide several vegetarian options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sweet Treats Bakery is well-known for local pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Big Market provides a range of local produce at great prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia and Konga are popular for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery is limited; local markets are preferred for fresh produce. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Socially vibrant areas like Aberdeen have bars and nightlife options. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Sierra Leone Breweries produces various local beers, available at most bars. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Eiffel's Wine & Bar offers a selection of international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near the beaches offer affordable and tasty local food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Mama Tivoli provide a range of international cuisines. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The historic Cotton Tree and the Sierra Leone National Museum are essential visits. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The National Museum offers a glimpse into Sierra Leone’s history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Sierra Leone Lighthouse is a significant historical site worth visiting. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. George's Cathedral is a stunning example of colonial architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Freetown Music Festival happens every December, showcasing local talent. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The business district around Charles Street features local market scenes and crafts. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The National Theater often hosts local performances and cultural events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Victoria Park Market is great for local shopping experiences. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Freetown has a lively music scene with venues like Tranquil and Salone Jamboree. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Art murals can be found in around the downtown area, reflecting social themes. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking classes can be found through various community workshops. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Sierra Leone Art Gallery showcases local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Fire Station is a notable architectural landmark. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The creole culture is prominent in the heritage of Freetown, showcasing diverse influences. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary is a great escape for nature lovers. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Gola Rainforest National Park is accessible for adventurous hikes. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal promenade in Lumley is ideal for walking and biking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The hills around Freetown provide amazing viewpoints, particularly at the Signal Hill. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Gola Rainforest is noted for its rich birdlife. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Lumley Beach allows bonfires in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Courier services are available through DHL and FedEx. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in Central Freetown provide general tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Several community centers have table tennis tables available for use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools in Freetown offer English and Krio classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The National Library provides reading and study resources for public access. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Freetown Community Center hosts various activities for locals and expats alike. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | There are a few gaming lounges in Freetown, primarily centered around popular gaming consoles. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Freetown Casino is one of the few gaming establishments in the city. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $136,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on Sierra Leone-sourced income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are regulations in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxation varies based on property value and location. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate of 5% applies during property purchases. |