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Asmera, Eritrea 🇪🇷
#1613
,
Nomad Score:
45%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Asmera, also known as Asmara, is the capital city of Eritrea, located in the central part of the country at an elevation of about 2,325 meters. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 800,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of about 5 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 18.50 ERN (Eritrean Nakfa), cash is predominant, few credit cards accepted. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not generally drinkable, bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Eritrea Telecom is the main provider, SIM cards available at the airport. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major banks include Commercial Bank of Eritrea and Eritrean Development Bank. Limited banking services for non-residents. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and apartments for rent; Airbnb is limited. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | No, cash transactions are preferred. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Limited options; best to use local guesthouses or hotels. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Guesthouse Erat, priced around $20 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Hamenet, known for its proximity to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | City center, close to cafes and coworking options. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Café Asmara offers a conducive environment for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café D’oro, known for good coffee and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Limited; expatriate gatherings are occasionally organized through local embassies. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Occasional meetups at cafés and cultural events, check Facebook groups for announcements. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis are available; Uber and similar apps are not operational. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; walking is common due to the city's scale. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is approximately a 30-minute drive to the coast at Massawa. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Eritrean Airlines operates flights within the region. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Eritrean Airlines offers international flights, though limited. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main routes connect Asmera to Massawa and other cities; primarily paved roads. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Asmera train station is not active; buses are the primary form of inter-city transit. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is limited; season tickets for local buses are available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Bus services available to major towns like Massawa and Keren. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Asmara Hospital is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options; some hotels offer fitness centers. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic fitness facilities at major hotels. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Available at local laundromats and some hotels. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No major food delivery apps; most dining is on-site. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Zigni (spicy lamb stew) is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited but available at local restaurants. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Café Deco is popular for traditional sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets such as the Asmera Market for fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited access, mostly through local vendors. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Minimal services; local shops typically serve walking customers. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Cafes in downtown Asmera offer nightlife options. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Eritrea has a few local breweries; Ménélik is popular. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Basic offerings at some restaurants; limited variety. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Common around the markets; try local pastries. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Italian restaurants are common due to historical ties. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | St. Joseph's Cathedral and the National Museum of Eritrea. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The National Museum offers insights into Eritrean history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the iconic Bahta Hagos Arch. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church offers a glimpse of local culture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Independence Day celebrations in May are significant. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Downtown Asmera is rich in architecture and culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local theaters host occasional performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Asmera Market for local crafts and produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | National festivals showcase traditional music and dance. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Some murals can be found downtown, reflecting local culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Occasional cooking classes offered by local chefs. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited options; some cafes display local artwork. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Art Deco architecture is prominent in Asmera. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | A blend of Italian and local influences in buildings and culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Lalibela Mountains are a short drive away for hiking. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Dahlak Archipelago National Park is accessible by boat. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Several paths in and around the city for leisurely walks. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Views from Mai Mesa are stunning. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Various spots around the mountains attract birdwatchers. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain parks allow bonfires with permits. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Limited international shipping options through national postal services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops available; limited availability of parts. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Available at some community centers. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Some private tutors offer lessons in Tigrinya. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The National Library of Eritrea for reading and study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local cultural centers host various events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Very limited; mostly informal gatherings. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | None exist in Asmera. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $112,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $80,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Approx. 30% on profits. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% applies. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive personal income tax system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum rate is 30%. |
| 🧾 VAT | General VAT rate is 2%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No CFC rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, property is subject to local taxation. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 5% on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific tax advantages for digital nomads. |