Asmara, Eritrea 🇪🇷
#753
15.338966, 38.932676
Nomad Score:
42%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Asmara is the capital city of Eritrea, known for its well-preserved Italian colonial architecture. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 800,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed around 10 Mbps, but often slower and intermittent. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 16.50 ERN; ATMs are scarce, mainly in banks. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. Recommend buying bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 240V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Eritrea Mobile, predominantly available. Limited data plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Cash is used predominantly; banking services can be limited. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and local rentals, mainly in the city center. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | No, cash is widely preferred for transactions. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Limited options available, recommend checking local listings. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hotel Asmara - around 30-40 ERN per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | No established coworking spaces; cafes are primary work locations. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Eri - A favorite spot for locals and expats. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Networking is informal; look for local events announced in cafes or community boards. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Small expat meetups mainly arranged through word of mouth. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | No ride-sharing apps; use local taxis or request hotel transport. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; renting bikes from local shops is possible. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Haramat Beach is about a 30-minute drive from Asmara. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Eritrean Airlines. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Ethiopian Airlines and EgyptAir. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Direct access to major roads connecting to neighboring cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Asmara has limited train services; buses are the primary public transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formalized public transport passes; pay per journey. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Local buses and minibuses connect Asmara to nearby towns. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | St. Mary's Hospital - offers basic medical care. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options available; a few local fitness studios exist. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gym facilities are very limited; recommend local hotel gyms. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundries available; drop-off services are common. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No major food delivery apps; local restaurants offer take-out. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Zigni - a traditional spicy meat stew served with injera. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited options, but vegetarian meals are available at most local restaurants. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Cafe Eri serves traditional Eritrean desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Medhani Alem Market offer fresh produce and snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited internet access; local marketplaces preferred. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Few establishments; recommend purchasing in person. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Mainly around city center cafes; nightlife is limited. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Red Sea Brewery - local beer producer. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited wine bars; local restaurants serve basic wine options. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Widely available; try kebab stands for local favorites. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Few international options; local cuisine dominates. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Fiat Tagliero Building, St. Joseph Cathedral. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | National Museum of Eritrea - showcases Eritrean history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The old railway station and Italian colonial buildings. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Independence Day celebrated on May 24. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Downtown Asmara is the cultural heart, featuring art and markets. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Asmara Cinema - hosts local film screenings. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Medhani Alem Market for local crafts and produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars often feature live Eritrean music. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Artistic murals can be found around the city center. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Limited availability; suggest finding local chefs willing to teach. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Few galleries exist; check out exhibitions in local cafes. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Asmara's unique architecture is a crucial attraction. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city is a UNESCO World Heritage site. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Dahlak Archipelago for marine activities; approximately 40 km away. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Semien Mountains National Park is accessible for day trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | City is walkable, but roads can be steep. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Multiple hills around Asmara provide stunning views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Highlands around Asmara are excellent for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Restricted; consult locals for safe outdoor gathering areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local postal service exists but is unreliable; consider alternative options. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Some local repair shops are available, but services are limited. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers occasionally set up ping pong tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offering Tigrinya and English are limited. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited access; mostly available in universities. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local cultural centers host various community activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited options; video gaming is not widely popular. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is not permitted in Eritrea. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $24,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $400 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $16,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $36,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $56,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $40,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Yes, approximately 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Source-based taxation. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Tax rates up to 30%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 10% standard rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on rental value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 10% standard rate on property purchases. |