Asmera, Eritrea 🇪🇷
#1613
15.338966, 38.932676
Nomad Score:
35%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Asmera, the capital city of Eritrea, is known for its unique Italian colonial architecture and vibrant atmosphere. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 600,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average 5-25 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 15.47 ERN (Eritrean Nakfa); Limited international banking options available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Local providers include Eritrea Telecommunication Corporation (EriTel); prepaid SIMs available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major credit cards not widely accepted; cash transactions preferred. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and local rentals via local networks. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; primarily cash-based economy. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb availability is low; local guest houses recommended. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels and budget hotels like Asmera Hotel offer affordable rates, typically around $30/night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking spaces are limited; cafes or hotels often serve as informal workspaces. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe D'Italia; good Wi-Fi and coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Occasional expatriate meetups; check local expatriate community boards. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join Facebook groups for information on expat gatherings and events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | No major app; local taxis are available but negotiate rates. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; prefer walking or local transport. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Reviewed beaches include the Red Sea beaches, around 30km away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Eritrean Airlines offers regional services. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Eritrean Airlines & Ethiopian Airlines for international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main roads connect Asmera to other cities, but conditions vary. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No active train services; buses are the primary means of intercity transit. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Generally pay per ride on local buses. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses to cities like Massawa and Keren; schedules may vary. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Halibet Hospital; offers various medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited; check local gyms for classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic fitness centers like Asmera Gym. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromats available; hotel laundry services recommended. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No major food delivery apps; local restaurants offer takeout. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Hankwa (grilled meat), often found in street food stalls. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited but vegetarian options available in local restaurants. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Cafe Mela; known for traditional sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Visit local markets for fresh produce (e.g., Asmera Market). |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited access; local purchases preferred. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Few bars; explore local cafes for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Limited local breweries; most options are imported. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Occasional wine service in higher-end restaurants. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Widely available; try local dishes for authentic experiences. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Available in select restaurants; often limited options. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Christ the King Cathedral, National Museum of Eritrea. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | National Museum of Eritrea showcases local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the Old City with its preserved Italian architecture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Mary’s Cathedral is notable. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Independence Day celebrations in May; cultural festivals throughout the year. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The city center features various galleries and craft shops. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The National Theater hosts local performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Asmera Market; vibrant place for local crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Traditional music celebrated at local gatherings and events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals can be seen around the city; local artists display their work. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking schools offer classes on traditional Eritrean dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited galleries; local art can sometimes be found in cafes. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Asmera is recognized for its historic architecture, often seen in walking tours. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | A rich blend of Italian colonial and indigenous cultures is present throughout the city. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Green spaces like Mai Habar and surrounding hills for hiking. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Foral National Park, known for its diverse flora and fauna. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Walking trails available within the city's parks. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Numerous viewpoints in the surrounding mountains. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Areas around Mai Nefhi have birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in parks; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Limited services; DHL and local options available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited hardware repair shops in the city. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local parks occasionally set up ping pong tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Some local schools offer Tigrinya classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The National Library provides reading materials. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community initiatives often organize activities in local centers. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming venues; mostly home gaming. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos; local entertainment primarily consists of social gatherings. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000) |
| 🏠 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. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $96,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Currently 20% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Currently 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is approximately 30%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT is around 5%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are provisions against tax base erosion. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Varies; local governments assess based on property evaluations. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typically 2% on property purchases. |