Asmara, Eritrea 🇪🇷
#753
,
Nomad Score:
42%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Asmara, the capital city of Eritrea, is known for its well-preserved Italian colonial architecture and a vibrant cultural scene. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 800,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 10 Mbps, but it can vary significantly. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 15 Eritrean Nakfa (ERN); Limited banking options are available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, with Type C and L sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Eritel and Nakfa Telecom are the main providers; prepaid SIM cards are available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Locally issued cards are preferred; international cards may not be widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and short-term rentals; Airbnb is available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited acceptance; cash is preferred for most transactions. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Sites like Airbnb and local guesthouses offer short-term stay options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Budget options include Eritrea Hotel and Sembel Hotel. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The city center, near Independence Avenue and Maekel Square, is recommended. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The neighborhoods around Asmara University and the city center provide good access to cafes and coworking spots. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Asmara Co-Working Space located near the city center. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Roma offers a friendly work environment with Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Occasional events at the National Museum of Eritrea provide networking opportunities. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Asmara Expats' host regular meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis; no major apps available. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options for bike rentals; availability varies. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Hafi Beach is about 30 km from Asmara, popular for day trips. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Eritrean Airlines operates several regional routes. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Eritrean Airlines connects to a few major international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main road connections include the Asmara-Massawa highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Asmara has limited train services; public transport mainly consists of local buses. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public minibuses run frequently but do not have formal pass programs. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Minibuses and shared taxis offer regional travel options within Eritrea. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Referral Hospital of Asmara for major health services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options; local gyms may offer fitness classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Asmara Fitness Center is one of the few available. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Most hotels offer laundry services; local laundromats are limited. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No major food delivery apps; local dining is common. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Zigni (spicy meat stew) and Injera (flatbread) are must-tries. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Dishes such as Shiro (ground chickpeas) are widely available. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Gash-Barka Bakery is popular for traditional sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets such as the Eritrean Market offer fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited e-commerce options due to infrastructural restrictions. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery services are not commonly available. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Several local bars in the city center; nightlife is quiet. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Asmara Brewery is well-known for beer production. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Eritrean wine is produced mainly by local vineyards but limited bars are available. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Popular among locals; local sandwiches known as 'sharmuta' are widely sold. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Limited international options, but Italian cuisine is on offer at various restaurants. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | St. Joseph's Cathedral and the Asmara Opera House are notable. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | National Museum of Eritrea showcases history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The city is filled with beautiful colonial architecture reflecting its past. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Local Orthodox and Catholic churches are significant for visitors. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Eritrea's Independence Day in May is celebrated with parades and festivities. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The area around the market center is vibrant with local culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | National Theatre of Eritrea hosts performances regularly. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The main market offers a variety of local crafts and foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music events occur at various venues, showcasing Eritrean artists. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Art in the form of murals can be seen throughout the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Some local chefs offer cooking classes focused on traditional Eritrean cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited galleries exist; often local artists display work in markets. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Asmara's architecture includes Italian-era buildings that reflect its colonial past. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Eritrean culture is rich, with influences from Italian colonialism and indigenous music. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The scenic mountains surrounding Asmara offer hiking opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Dahlak Marine National Park is accessible by boat from Massawa. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Local parks have paths, but cycling infrastructure is minimal. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The surrounding highlands provide stunning views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Highland areas are great for birdwatching, with many local species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in parks are available for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Limited services; local post office provides basic options. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Few shops available for electronic repairs; check local listings. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local gyms may have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Some language centers offer Tigrinya and English classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Asmara Public Library is a quiet study location. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural centers often organize community events and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited options for gaming; small venues may host console gaming. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is not popular or widely available in Asmara. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $36,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $28,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $54,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $80,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $64,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Corporate tax rate is currently at 25%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividend taxation is around 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Eritrean tax system is based on income; expats might face unique challenges. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is approximately 30%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Value Added Tax is 2%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Eritrea has CFC rules for foreign entities. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is assessed based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Transaction tax typically around 5% at purchase. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Limited benefits for digital nomads; advisable to consult local legal experts. |