Revolut Logo
Revolut Ultra offers premium banking with global perks like lounge access, data, subscriptions, and insurance, ideal for frequent travelers.

Unlock £5k+ benefits.

Affiliate disclosure

Kenema, Sierra Leone 🇸🇱
#1669 ,

Nomad Score: 45%

Essentials

🏙️ City Kenema is one of the largest cities in Sierra Leone and serves as the capital of the Eastern Province.
👥 Population Approximately 160,000 residents.
💻 Internet Speed Average internet speed is around 4-10 Mbps, depending on the service provider.
💸 Currency & Banking Currency is Sierra Leonean Leone (SLL). Current exchange is approximately 1 USD = 15,300 SLL.
🚰 Tap Water Tap water is not drinkable; bottled water is recommended.
🔌 Power Electricity supply can be intermittent; standard voltage is 230V, 50Hz, and plugs are type G.
📶 SIM Card Major providers include Africell, Airtel, and Lontoh, with prepaid SIM cards widely available.
💳 Banking for Expats Most banks accept international cards, but cash is preferred for transactions.
🛌 Accommodation Airbnb options can be found starting from $15 per night, and local guesthouses offer more budget-friendly options.
💳 Cashless Friendly Cash is the primary method of payment; mobile money is gaining popularity.
🏠 Short Term Rentals Local guesthouses and Airbnb rentals available; prices vary from $15 to $50 per night.
🛏️ Budget Accommodation Hostels and guesthouses like 2M guesthouse provide beds starting at $10.
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists The city center is recommended for tourist activities and accessibility.
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads Nearby suburbs like Dama and Tefay offer quieter residences with local amenities.

Working and Networking

🏢 Best Coworking Space Co-Work Sierra Leone is among the few dedicated coworking spaces available, located in Freetown but offers online memberships.
Best Cafe for Work Café Momo is a popular local cafe with good Wi-Fi and a relaxed atmosphere.
💼 Networking Events Local community gatherings occur at venues like Kenema Youth Center; online platforms can connect you to expat groups.
🥂 Social Events for Expats Social Meetups are organized via Facebook groups such as 'Expats in Sierra Leone'.

Transportation

🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App Taxi services are available, but apps like 'Freetown Taxi' for nearby cities could be helpful.
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental No established rental services; local bikes can be rented in Freetown area.
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby Tokeh Beach is approximately a 3-hour drive from Kenema.
✈️ Top Regional Airline Airline services connect to Freetown; local carriers like Air Sierra Leone operate regionally.
✈️ Top International Airline Major airlines servicing Sierra Leone include Air France and British Airways, with flights connecting to Freetown.
🛣️ Highway Access Kenema is accessible via the main road to Freetown and Makeni, improving connections to other regions.
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub There is no formal train service; road transport is primarily used.
🚍 Public Transport Passes Buses and taxis are prevalent; fares are usually negotiated at the start of the ride.
✈️ Regional Travel Shared taxis and buses provide service to surrounding towns; Elles Taxi Service is recommended.

Health and Wellness

🏥 Best Hospital Kenema Government Hospital is the primary medical facility, equipped for emergency services.
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers There are limited wellness centers; fitness classes are sometimes held in local parks.
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers There are small community gyms available; local sports facilities also host activities.
🧺 Laundry Services Laundry services can be found at local guesthouses and laundromats.

Food and Drink

📱 Best Food Delivery App No major food delivery apps are available; local restaurants provide takeout services directly.
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try Jollof rice and groundnut stew are popular traditional dishes.
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options Local markets offer fresh fruits and vegetables; limited dedicated vegetarian restaurants.
🍫 Best Dessert Spots Kenema Sugar Shop offers local sweet treats.
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots Kenema Market for extensive local produce and snacks.
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store Limited but platforms such as Jumia provide some online shopping options within Sierra Leone.
🛒 Grocery Delivery No specific grocery delivery services available; local markets are favored.
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area Nightlife is quieter, with local bars like Sports Café popular among locals.
🍻 Local Brewery Star Beer is a well-known local brand; brewery tours are limited.
🍷 Wine Bars Limited wine bars; local drinks are more common.
🍲 Street Food Stalls Local street vendors offer rice dishes, grilled meat, and pastries.
🍕 Popular International Cuisine Few international restaurants; La Perla offers pizzas and pasta.

Culture and Attractions

🎟️ Must-See Landmarks Kenema's local landmarks include the Kenema City Park and the Sierra Leone National Railway.
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues Limited cultural sites; check for local exhibitions or art shows.
🏰 Historical Sites Explore colonial architecture in the town center.
🕍 Religious Sites St. John’s Church and other religious sites can be found across the city.
🎉 Annual Events Kenema holds a local festival in August celebrating culture and heritage.
🎨 Cultural Districts The city center is a hub for cultural activities.
🎭 Theater Venues Local drama groups sometimes perform in community halls.
🛍️ Local Markets Kenema Market offers a mix of crafts, food, and textiles.
🎼 Music Scene Local music can be enjoyed at bars and community events.
🎨 Street Art Local murals can be found in various parts of the city.
🧑‍🍳 Cooking Classes Traditional cooking classes are occasionally offered by local chefs.
👩‍🎨 Art Galleries Limited formal galleries exist; art can be found during community events.
🕰️ Historic Buildings Kenema has a range of colonial-era buildings worth exploring.
🏴 Local Heritage The rich cultural diversity of the Temne and Mende people is celebrated locally.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes Gola Rainforest National Park offers beautiful landscapes and wildlife.
🏞️ National Parks Nearby Gola Rainforest National Park is the nearest major park, approximately 1-hour drive.
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths Various trails around the city and nearby countryside.
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints Hill overlooks near Kenema provide great views of the surrounding areas.
🦉 Birdwatching Locations Gola Rainforest is known for its biodiversity, including many bird species.
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots Consider local community areas for designated bonfire gatherings.

Other Services and Amenities

📦 Parcel Delivery Service DHL and local courier services operate in the area.
🛠️ Tech Repair Services Few local shops can repair basic electronic devices.
🏓 Table Tennis Spots Available at community centers and some schools.
🧑‍🏫 Language Classes English language tutoring is available; local schools and community teachers.
📚 Libraries & Study Spots Limited public libraries; some schools offer access to study spaces.
🏘️ Community Centers Various community centers are available for events and gatherings.
🕹️ Gaming Lounges Not commonly found; local youth engage more in outdoor activities.
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls No casinos are available; local entertainment revolves around community gatherings.

Business

🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $30,000).
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $400 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $20,000).
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $48,000).
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $36,000).
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. $850 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $68,000).
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $56,000).
💼 Corporate Tax 30% corporate tax rate applies.
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax 15% on dividends is the current rate.
🏦 Tax System Sierra Leone operates on a territorial tax system for residents.
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket 30% for individuals earning above a certain threshold.
🧾 VAT VAT is set at 15%.
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules Not explicitly defined in local tax law.
🏠 Property Tax Yes, property tax is based on annual rental value.
🏠 Property Transaction Tax The standard rate is 5% on property transfers.
💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads Sierra Leone offers competitive rates, particularly for businesses focused on non-resident income.

Feedback Thank You!

Thank you!

Your feedback has been submitted successfully.