Baucau, East Timor 🇹🇱
#2092 -8.508299, 126.438719

Nomad Score: 51%
Overview Guide Scores Costs

Essentials

🏙️ City Baucau is the second-largest city in East Timor, situated on the northern coast of the island.
👥 Population Approx. 25,000
💻 Internet Speed Average speed of about 5-10 Mbps, with options for higher speeds available depending on the service provider.
💸 Currency & Banking United States Dollar (USD) is the main currency. ATMs are available, and international bank cards are accepted at many places.
🚰 Tap Water Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended.
🔌 Power 220V, 50Hz, with Type C and Type F sockets.
📶 SIM Card Providers such as Timor Telecom and Telemor are available for mobile connectivity.
💳 Banking for Expats Bancoc de Timor and local branches of international banks like ANZ offer services for expats.
🛌 Accommodation Various options including guesthouses, local hotels, and Airbnb listings.
💳 Cashless Friendly Limited; cash is preferred in many local businesses.
🏠 Short Term Rentals Airbnb and local guesthouses provide short-term housing options.
🛏️ Budget Accommodation Guesthouse Baucau is a popular option for budget travelers.

Working and Networking

🏢 Best Coworking Space Currently, there are no dedicated coworking spaces; locals often work from cafes.
☕ Best Cafe for Work Cafe Baucau offers Wi-Fi and a relaxed atmosphere for remote working.
💼 Networking Events Networking options are limited but can include community events at local cultural centers.
🥂 Social Events for Expats Facebook groups and local meetups are helpful for connecting with fellow expats.

Transportation

🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App Local taxis are available; rides can often be negotiated in person.
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental Bike rentals are available from local shops.
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby Praia de Baucau, a popular beach, is only 10 minutes away.
✈️ Top Regional Airline National carrier is known to be Wings Air and other regional flights can be booked.
✈️ Top International Airline Air Timor provides service for international flights.
🛣️ Highway Access Accessible via the main road connecting Dili and Baucau.
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub Baucau has no train services; buses and taxis are the main forms of transit.
🚍 Public Transport Passes Public transport mainly consists of shared taxis; passes not generally available.
✈️ Regional Travel Buses connect Baucau with Dili and other towns.

Health and Wellness

🏥 Best Hospital Hospital Baucau provides basic healthcare services.
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers Limited wellness centers; local gyms may offer yoga classes.
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers Local gyms like 'Gym Baucau' provide basic fitness facilities.
🧺 Laundry Services Laundry services are available mainly in guesthouses and local laundry shops.

Food and Drink

📱 Best Food Delivery App Limited to local delivery services, which can be arranged via phone.
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try Ikan Pelagic (grilled fish) is a must-try local dish.
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options Cafes and restaurants typically offer vegetarian options, but vegan is less common.
🍫 Best Dessert Spots Café Baucau is known for its delicious pastries.
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots Local markets in Baucau offer fresh produce and local goods.
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store Limited availability; Amazon and similar services may not ship directly.
🛒 Grocery Delivery Limited; grocery shopping is mostly done in person in local markets or small stores.
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area Local bars offer a casual nightlife, mostly centered around the town square.
🍻 Local Brewery Local options may include homebrewed beers at informal gatherings.
🍷 Wine Bars Limited options; local wines are sold in markets.
🍲 Street Food Stalls Various food stalls in markets offer affordable local cuisine.
🍕 Popular International Cuisine Few international options; local Timorese food dominates the dining scene.

Culture and Attractions

🎟️ Must-See Landmarks The Baucau Cathedral and the waterfront are iconic sights.
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues Limited cultural venues; local galleries may host art exhibitions.
🏰 Historical Sites The old colonial buildings in Baucau reflect its history.
🕍 Religious Sites The Baucau Cathedral is a prominent religious site.
🎉 Annual Events Cultural festivals occur around August, showcasing local traditions.
🎨 Cultural Districts Local artisan areas promote Timorese crafts and culture.
🎭 Theater Venues Limited; cultural performances may occur in community centers.
🛍️ Local Markets Baucau Municipal Market is the main hub for local vendors.
🎼 Music Scene Local live music can be found in bars and during festivals.
🎨 Street Art Murals and street art can be seen in the town center.
🧑‍🍳 Cooking Classes Local workshops may offer classes in traditional Timorese cuisine.
👩‍🎨 Art Galleries Few local galleries showcase the art of East Timor.
🕰️ Historic Buildings Various colonial buildings can be explored in Baucau.
🏴 Local Heritage Cultural heritage includes significant influence from Portuguese colonization.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes The beautiful beaches and surrounding hills offer great nature escapes.
🏞️ National Parks Nearby Mount Ramelau becomes accessible and is great for hikers.
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths Coastal paths along the waterfront provide scenic views.
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints Baucau Cliffs offer panoramic views of the landscape.
🦉 Birdwatching Locations The nearby lagoons are great spots for birdwatching enthusiasts.
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots Certain beach areas allow bonfires; check local regulations.

Other Services and Amenities

📦 Parcel Delivery Service Local post office offers basic parcel delivery services.
🛠️ Tech Repair Services Limited options; local shops can assist with basic repairs.
🏓 Table Tennis Spots Community centers may have recreational facilities including table tennis.
🧑‍🏫 Language Classes Local schools may offer classes for learning Tetum and Portuguese.
📚 Libraries & Study Spots Community centers often have reading materials for study.
🏘️ Community Centers Local community centers host various cultural and social events.
🕹️ Gaming Lounges Limited; may include settings in community spaces.
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls No casinos; gambling is not prevalent.

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. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $120,000)
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $96,000)
💼 Corporate Tax 10% for business income up to certain limits.
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax 10% on dividends distributed.
🏦 Tax System Timorese taxation system provides various exemptions for new businesses.
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket 10% - 30% depending on income levels.
🧾 VAT Standard VAT is 10%.
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules Yes, CFC rules exist to regulate foreign subsidiaries.
🏠 Property Tax Annual property taxes are applicable based on value assessments.
🏠 Property Transaction Tax Transaction tax rates vary based on agreements; generally around 5%.