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Makeni, Sierra Leone 🇸🇱
#1670 ,

Nomad Score: 46%

Essentials

🏙️ City Makeni is the capital city of the Bombali District in Sierra Leone, known for its vibrant local culture and agricultural significance.
👥 Population Approximate population is around 200,000.
💻 Internet Speed Average internet speed is approximately 6-12 Mbps, with variable availability.
💸 Currency & Banking Currency is Sierra Leonean Leone (SLL), with 1 USD ≈ 13,000 SLL.
🚰 Tap Water Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended.
🔌 Power Electricity is available, with frequent outages; generators are common. Voltage is 230V, 50Hz, with Type G sockets.
📶 SIM Card Major providers include Orange and Africell, with prepaid options available.
💳 Banking for Expats Banks like Rokel Commercial Bank and Sierra Leone Commercial Bank are available, though cash is preferred.
🛌 Accommodation Options include hotels, guesthouses, and apartments for rental through platforms like Airbnb and local listings.
💳 Cashless Friendly Limited cashless options; cash is widely used.
🏠 Short Term Rentals Airbnb options are available, primarily in the city center.
🛏️ Budget Accommodation Affordable lodging can be found at places like The Great Hotel and local guesthouses.
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists Central Makeni offers access to shops, markets, and attractions.
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads Stay in areas like Bumbuna Road for a mix of quiet and accessibility to coworking spaces.

Working and Networking

🏢 Best Coworking Space Makeni Coworking Space is available, albeit basic, offering internet and comfortable seating.
Best Cafe for Work Café En-Joy is a popular spot with Wi-Fi and a relaxed atmosphere.
💼 Networking Events Networking happens informally at local cafes and during community events; social media groups on Facebook are useful.
🥂 Social Events for Expats Makeni Meetup Group organizes various gatherings; check local Facebook groups for updates.

Transportation

🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App Traditional taxi services are available, with Banjul Car Rentals for booking. Apps like Safe Boda are expanding.
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental Local shops offer bicycles for rent, typically costing $5 per day.
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby Lakka Beach is approximately a 2-hour drive from Makeni.
✈️ Top Regional Airline Air Peace services domestic flights.
✈️ Top International Airline Arik Air and Air France offer regional connections.
🛣️ Highway Access Makeni is accessible via the Freetown-Makeni Highway, though road conditions vary.
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub Public transport includes minibuses and taxis; no central hub exists.
🚍 Public Transport Passes Not commonly used; pay per ride for minibuses.
✈️ Regional Travel Bus services connect Makeni with other cities; check local agencies for schedules.

Health and Wellness

🏥 Best Hospital The Holy Spirit Hospital is one of the main medical facilities in Makeni.
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers Yoga classes are limited; check local community boards for informal sessions.
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers Gym facilities are limited, with local options like Bombali Fitness Centre.
🧺 Laundry Services Local laundries are available, typically with a washing service for $2 per load.

Food and Drink

📱 Best Food Delivery App Delivery services are minimal; local restaurants may offer delivery options.
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try Jollof rice and grilled chicken are local favorites.
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options Food is mostly meat-based, but vegetarian options are available at restaurants like Tea Garden.
🍫 Best Dessert Spots Local bakeries like Makeni Cakes serve various treats.
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots The Central Market provides a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables.
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store Local businesses may have Facebook pages for direct orders.
🛒 Grocery Delivery Limited delivery; local markets are best for fresh groceries.
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area La Vida Loca and other local bars offer nightlife options.
🍻 Local Brewery Sierra Leone Brewery produces local beers like Star Beer.
🍷 Wine Bars Limited availability of wine bars; check local restaurants for selections.
🍲 Street Food Stalls Street vendors serve popular snacks like grilled fish and fried plantains.
🍕 Popular International Cuisine Pizzerias and Chinese restaurants are available.

Culture and Attractions

🎟️ Must-See Landmarks The Makeni Clock Tower is a central landmark worth visiting.
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues Limited museums; small cultural centers may host exhibits.
🏰 Historical Sites Visit the remains of the old cathedral, a notable historical site.
🕍 Religious Sites St. Francis and other local churches provide architectural beauty.
🎉 Annual Events The Makeni Cultural Festival is a key annual event.
🎨 Cultural Districts Explore local neighborhoods for authentic experiences.
🎭 Theater Venues Local community centers sometimes host performances.
🛍️ Local Markets Central Market is vibrant, bustling with local crafts and produce.
🎼 Music Scene Live music can be found at local bars during the weekends.
🎨 Street Art Murals and street art can be spotted around town, showcasing local artists.
🧑‍🍳 Cooking Classes Few options; check community groups for home cooking classes.
👩‍🎨 Art Galleries Limited; check local cafes for occasional exhibitions.
🕰️ Historic Buildings Various colonial-style buildings can be found in the city center.
🏴 Local Heritage Makeni is rich in cultural traditions, particularly in storytelling and local crafts.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes Bumbuna Waterfalls is a popular nearby nature site.
🏞️ National Parks Nearby Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary offers eco-tours and natural beauty.
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths Paths around town are suitable for walking and exploring.
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints Hilltops provide nice views of the cityscape.
🦉 Birdwatching Locations Nearby wetlands attract various bird species.
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots Open spaces near the outskirts of the city allow for bonfires in designated areas.

Other Services and Amenities

📦 Parcel Delivery Service Local post offices handle parcel delivery, with Africa Express available for private services.
🛠️ Tech Repair Services Local shops offer basic repair services for mobile devices.
🏓 Table Tennis Spots Community centers occasionally provide table tennis facilities.
🧑‍🏫 Language Classes Informal language classes can be found through community groups.
📚 Libraries & Study Spots Limited public libraries are available for quiet study.
🏘️ Community Centers Local youth and community centers offer various activities.
🕹️ Gaming Lounges Internet cafés may provide gaming options.
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls Very few; gaming options are limited.

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. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000)
💼 Corporate Tax Standard corporate tax rate is 30%.
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax Tax on dividends is around 20%.
🏦 Tax System Resident tax system applies.
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket Maximum personal income tax rate is 24%.
🧾 VAT Standard VAT rate is 15%.
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules No strict CFC rules currently in place.
🏠 Property Tax Property tax based on property valuation occurs yearly.
🏠 Property Transaction Tax Approximately 5% on property purchases.
💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads No global income tax for non-residents encouraging investments.

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