Revolut Logo
Revolut Ultra offers premium banking with global perks like lounge access, data, subscriptions, and insurance, ideal for frequent travelers.

Revolut Ultra: Travel perks.

Affiliate disclosure

Asmera, Eritrea 🇪🇷
#1613 ,

Nomad Score: 42%

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.

Feedback Thank You!

Thank you!

Your feedback has been submitted successfully.