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Guide
Essentials
🏙️ City | Lomé is the capital and largest city of Togo, situated along the Gulf of Guinea. |
👥 Population | Approx. 1,500,000 |
💻 Internet Speed | Average speeds of around 20 Mbps available via various local ISPs. |
💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 655.96 XOF, 1 USD ≈ 600 XOF. Banks like Ecobank and Orabank offer services to expats. |
🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
🔌 Power | Voltage is 220V, 50Hz, using Type C and Type E plugs. |
📶 SIM Card | Providers include Togocom and Moov with prepaid plans available at local shops. |
💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted; local banking options include Bouclier and BIA Togo. |
🛌 Accommodation | Available through AirBnB, local real estate agents, and expat forums. |
💳 Cashless Friendly | Some shops accept cards, but cash (XOF) is preferred. |
🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and local listings offer various options. |
🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like 'Les Jardins de la Mer' offer beds from 10,000 XOF. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The beachfront areas like Avenue de la République and nearby markets like Grand Marché. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Centre-ville offers numerous cafes, coworking spaces, and general accessibility. |
Working and Networking
🏢 Best Coworking Space | Lomé Coworking Space, offering high-speed internet, meeting rooms starting at 5,000 XOF per day. |
☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Le Volcan, known for its fast Wi-Fi and quiet atmosphere. |
💼 Networking Events | Meet-ups organized by Togo Digital Community on various platforms. |
🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expat gatherings via social media platforms, particularly Facebook. |
Transportation
🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Poa, a local ride-hailing service operates in Lomé. |
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Urban Bike rentals are available in the city center. |
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Plage de Lomé, easily accessible within the city. |
✈️ Top Regional Airline | ASKY Airlines offers domestic and regional flights. |
✈️ Top International Airline | Air France and Brussels Airlines provide international connections. |
🛣️ Highway Access | Main access via the N1 highway linking Lomé with other regions. |
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Lomé Train Station, although limited services are available. |
🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal pass system; buses and shared taxis are common. |
✈️ Regional Travel | Buses operate services between Lomé and major cities like Kara and Sokodé. |
Health and Wellness
🏥 Best Hospital | CHU Sylvanus Olympio, the main public hospital with a range of services. |
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Togo offers classes in various styles around the city. |
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First is a popular gym with various amenities. |
🧺 Laundry Services | Laverie Togo services around the city provide laundry solutions. |
Food and Drink
📱 Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food is the most popular option for delivery. |
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | 'Fufu and Gari', a staple made from cassava. |
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurant ‘Le Temps de Poser’ offers diverse vegetarian dishes. |
🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pâtisserie Marie offers a variety of local pastries and desserts. |
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Grand Marché for fresh produce and local goods. |
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia, a popular e-commerce platform for various products. |
🛒 Grocery Delivery | Jumia Food also delivers groceries in certain areas. |
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Lomé has vibrant nightlife at venues like Le Lounge. |
🍻 Local Brewery | Brasserie de Lomé produces local beers. |
🍷 Wine Bars | Wine bar options are limited; ‘La Table de l'Hôtel de l'Indépendance’ holds some selections. |
🍲 Street Food Stalls | Stalls at the Grand Marché offer local snacks and meals. |
🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizzas and Italian cuisines available at ‘La Pergola’. |
Culture and Attractions
🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Independence Monument and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier are must-visit sites. |
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Togo National Museum showcases local history and culture. |
🏰 Historical Sites | The old city center with colonial architecture presents historical context. |
🕍 Religious Sites | Grand Sanctuaire du Togo features impressive architecture. |
🎉 Annual Events | The Lomé Festival of Cultures celebrates local heritage. |
🎨 Cultural Districts | Plateau neighborhood is vibrantly representative of Lomé’s culture. |
🎭 Theater Venues | Theatre de la Ville hosts various performances. |
🛍️ Local Markets | Grand Marché is famous for crafts, food, and many other local products. |
🎼 Music Scene | Bars and clubs feature local Togolese music, particularly in the nightlife districts. |
🎨 Street Art | Various murals can be found throughout the city, showcasing local talent. |
🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes available through local culinary schools for authentic recipes. |
👩🎨 Art Galleries | École des Savanes showcases local artists' work. |
🕰️ Historic Buildings | Former European colonial buildings are significant historical sites. |
🏴 Local Heritage | Traditional crafts such as Batik offer insight into the culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Kpalimé and its surrounding hills are perfect for day hikes. |
🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Fazao-Malfakassa National Park offers rich biodiversity and outdoor adventures. |
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Scenic routes along the coast and through city parks for leisure and fitness. |
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoints at the cliffs near Togoville give stunning views of the coast. |
🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birding can be enjoyed at various wetland sites near Lomé. |
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beachfront areas offer opportunities for bonfires at night. |
Other Services and Amenities
📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local services such as TogoPost or DHL Germany for international shipping. |
🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Repair shops for electronics are common, such as Lomé Computer Repair. |
🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Public parks often have tables available for play. |
🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local NGOs and private tutors offer French and Ewe classes. |
📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Libraries at universities and public libraries provide study areas. |
🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural centers offer classes and events for expats and locals alike. |
🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited options available; some cafes have gaming facilities. |
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino du Togo provides entertainment options for visitors. |
Business
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,000,000 XOF per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 40,000,000 XOF) |
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 800,000 XOF per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 32,000,000 XOF) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 900,000 XOF per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 54,000,000 XOF) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 700,000 XOF per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 42,000,000 XOF) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 800,000 XOF per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 64,000,000 XOF) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 600,000 XOF per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 48,000,000 XOF) |
💼 Corporate Tax | 30% corporate tax rate applicable. |
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% applied to dividend distributions. |
🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax system applied on income. |
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Tax rate can go up to 40% for high earners. |
🧾 VAT | Standard VAT is 18%. |
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Togo adheres to international standards. |
🏠 Property Tax | Yes, property tax system is applicable based on property value. |
🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 7% for property transactions. |
💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Togo offers a relatively low tax burden compared to many countries. |