What are the Top Shopping Malls in Equatorial Guinea in 2023? Are you searching for where to shop in Equatorial Guinea? Do you want to know what you can buy in Equatorial Guinea? You might be searching for Local and international brands in Equatorial Guinea malls. If so, then this article is for you.
Equatorial Guinea is a small country in Central Africa, known for its rich oil reserves and diverse wildlife. But it also has some interesting shopping destinations that offer a variety of products and experiences. Whether you are looking for local crafts, fashion, or entertainment, you can find something to suit your taste and budget in Equatorial Guinea’s shopping malls.
In this article, we will explore the top shopping malls in Equatorial Guinea in 2023. You will also get to know the Local and international brands in Equatorial Guinea malls, the currency used in Equatorial Guinea, what to buy, and a lot more.
Top Shopping Malls in Equatorial Guinea 2023
There are not many shopping centers or malls in Equatorial Guinea, but there are some places where you can shop for local products, enjoy cultural events, and taste local cuisine. Here are some of the best places to visit:
1. Finca Sampaka:
This is a farmers market where you can buy organic chocolate, coffee, and other products from the local farmers. You can also learn about the history and culture of cocoa production in Equatorial Guinea
2. Equatorial Guinea Bodypainting Festival:
This is a unique festival that showcases the art of body painting and celebrates the diversity and beauty of the human body. You can see amazing creations by artists from around the world, as well as participate in workshops, concerts, and parties.
This is a tour company that offers various experiences such as beer tastings, coffee tours, cooking classes, and cultural visits. You can discover the flavors and traditions of Equatorial Guinea with friendly and knowledgeable guides
4. Hotel Ureka mall:
A shopping mall that is part of the Hotel Ureka complex, which also has a casino, a spa, and a restaurant.
What to buy in Equatorial Guinea?
There are many things you can buy in Equatorial Guinea, depending on your preferences and budget. Some of the popular items are:
- Cocoa products: Equatorial Guinea is one of the world’s top producers of cocoa, and you can find a variety of cocoa products, such as chocolate, cocoa butter, and cocoa powder, at the Finca Sampaka farmers market.
- Bodypainting art: Equatorial Guinea hosts an annual bodypainting festival that showcases the art of bodypainting and features artists from around the world. You can buy some of the amazing bodypainting artworks or even get yourself painted by a professional artist.
- Beer and coffee: Equatorial Guinea has a rich culture of beer and coffee production and consumption. You can taste some of the local beers and coffees at the Opatrip Equatorial Guinea tours, or buy some of the products to take home with you.
- Clothing and accessories: Equatorial Guinea has a diverse and colorful fashion scene, influenced by its various ethnic groups and Western trends. You can find clothing and accessories made from local fabrics, such as batik, wax prints, and raffia, or buy some of the modern designs from local brands and designers.
Where to shop in Equatorial Guinea
Despite not having a reputation as a shopping destination, Equatorial Guinea is a small nation in Central Africa with a range of stores where you can buy necessities, trinkets, and local handicrafts. Some choices are as follows:
1. Malabo:
- Malabo Market: This bustling market in the capital city, Malabo, is an excellent place to shop for fresh produce, local crafts, and traditional fabrics.
- Calle de la Reina Silvia (Queen Silvia Street): Located in the city center, this street has various shops and boutiques where you can find clothing, jewelry, and souvenirs.
2. Bata:
- Bata Market: Bata, the largest city in Equatorial Guinea, also has a vibrant market. Here, you can buy a wide range of goods, including fruits, vegetables, clothing, and household items.
- El Corte Inglés Shopping Mall: This modern shopping mall in Bata offers a more upscale shopping experience, with international and local brands.
3. Local Crafts and Souvenirs:
- Look for local crafts and souvenirs like wooden masks, traditional fabrics, and artwork. These can often be found in markets and shops around major cities, as well as at local craft markets and street vendors.
4. Supermarkets and Grocery Stores:
- Major cities like Malabo and Bata have supermarkets and grocery stores where you can buy everyday essentials, snacks, and beverages.
5. Duty-Free Shops:
- If you’re departing from the international airports in Equatorial Guinea, there are duty-free shops where you can purchase tax-free items such as liquor, perfumes, and chocolates.
6. Local Cuisine and Products:
- Don’t forget to explore local markets for unique food products and spices used in Equatoguinean cuisine. You can find items like yam, cassava, and locally produced palm oil.
You should be aware that the retail scene in Equatorial Guinea might not be as developed as in some other nations, so you should temper your expectations and be ready for a smaller range of items, especially in remote regions. When shopping at marketplaces, be mindful of regional customs and bartering techniques.
What does Equatorial Guinea use as currency?
The official currency of Equatorial Guinea is the Central African CFA franc, with the symbol FCFA and currency code XAF. It is the currency of six independent states in Central Africa, such as Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon. It is pegged to the euro at a fixed exchange rate of 1 euro = 655.957 CFA francs. The currency consists of coins and banknotes, with denominations ranging from 1 to 10,000 CFA francs. The banknotes feature images of famous historical figures, such as King Béhanzin and King Njoya
Local and international brands in Equatorial Guinea malls 2023
In Equatorial Guinea malls in 2023, you can find a mix of local and international brands.
1. Local Brands:
- Local markets offer traditional clothing, crafts, and artisanal products.
2. International Brands:
- Supermarkets like Supermercados La Casera and Supermercados El Hiper.
- Fashion brands like Zara, H&M, and Mango.
- Electronics and technology brands like Samsung and Apple.
- Fast food chains such as McDonald’s, KFC, and Pizza Hut.
- Cosmetics and beauty brands like L’Oréal and MAC.
- Footwear brands like Nike, Adidas, and Reebok.
- Jewelry and accessories from Pandora and Swarovski.
- Home appliances from brands like Whirlpool and Bosch.
- Coffee shops like Starbucks may also be present.
Shopping and entertainment in Equatorial Guinea 2023
Shopping and entertainment are some of the aspects of life that you might want to explore in Equatorial Guinea. Here are some of the options that you can consider:
- If you are interested in local products, such as cocoa, coffee, or handicrafts, you can visit some of the farmers markets in the country, such as Finca Sampaka
- If you are looking for a unique cultural experience, you can attend the Equatorial Guinea Bodypainting Festival, which is a festival full of color, joy, many warm and friendly people, and great artists from around the world
- If you are a sports fan, you can watch a football match at the Nuevo Estadio de Malabo, which is a modern stadium that hosts national and international games.
- If you are looking for some nightlife, you can check out Hookah Paradise, which is a bar and club that offers shisha, drinks, and music.
- If you want to enjoy the natural beauty of the country, you can visit some of the beaches, islands, and mountains that offer scenic views and opportunities for hiking, swimming, and relaxing. Some of the popular places are Arena Blanca, Elobey Grande, and Pico Basilé.
Is it expensive to live in Equatorial Guinea?
Equatorial Guinea is one of the most expensive countries in the world to live in. The average cost of living in Equatorial Guinea is $1183, which is 1.16 times more expensive than the world average. The main factors that contribute to the high cost of living are the lack of infrastructure, the dependence on imports, the political instability, and the oil-based economy
Some examples of the prices of common goods and services in Equatorial Guinea are:
- A basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district costs 15,000 Francs.
- A monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in an expensive area costs 708,036 Franc.
- A one-way ticket for local transport costs 1,000 Francs.
- A liter of gasoline costs 2,271.25 Francs.
- A pair of jeans (Levis 501 or similar) costs 60,000 Franc.
- A bottle of wine (mid-range) costs 3,250 Franc.
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