Massawa, Eritrea 🇪🇷
#1614
15.603182, 39.463697
Nomad Score:
44%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Massawa is a coastal city located in the Red Sea region of Eritrea, known for its beautiful architecture and rich history. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 60,000 inhabitants. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 10 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | The currency is the Nakfa (ERN), with 1 USD ≈ 15 ERN. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Power supply is unstable; 230V, 50Hz, with Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Eritrea's main mobile provider is Eritrea Telecommunication Services Corporation (EriTel) with limited coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Access to international bank accounts is limited, cash is preferred. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include guesthouses, hotels, and short-term rentals through local contacts. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless transactions; cash is primarily used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available via local agents and guesthouses. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Guesthouse prices range from $20 to $30 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Currently, there are no dedicated coworking spaces in Massawa. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Massawa offers a relaxed atmosphere, although Wi-Fi is limited. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Networking opportunities are minimal; expat meetups can sometimes be found in local cafes. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Informal gatherings happen at local restaurants or beaches. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxis are available but there are no ride-hailing apps like Uber. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local rentals are not widely available. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Massawa has several beaches, with the best being Nacfa Beach. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Eritrean Airlines services regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Ethiopian Airlines provides flights from Massawa to international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The main road connects Massawa to Asmara, approximately 100 km away. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There are no train services; bus services operate to surrounding areas. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport options are limited; local minibus services are available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and taxis serve nearby cities like Asmara. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Massawa Hospital is the main healthcare facility, but services can be limited. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options available; some hotels may have small fitness areas. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | No dedicated gyms exist; some hotels may have basic fitness facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundry services are available at reasonable prices. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No food delivery services available; eating out is common. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Zigni, a traditional Eritrean spicy stew. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited veggie options available in local restaurants. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Local bakeries like 'Masawa Pastry' offer various traditional sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Visit local markets for affordable food, especially the Massawa Market. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Online shopping is limited in Eritrea. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery is not available; shopping is done at local markets. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Nightlife is limited; some bars are found near the beach. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Massawa does not have significant breweries. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options available for wine tasting. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food is available, particularly at markets. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Some restaurants offer Italian and local Eritrean food. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Check out the historical buildings near the waterfront and Old Port area. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The National Museum of Eritrea in Asmara is a highlight, but nothing significant in Massawa. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the ruins of the old city and UNESCO-listed sites. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Historical Churches and Mosques can be found throughout the city. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Eritrea's Independence Day celebrations in May are extensive. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Old Town area reflects rich architectural heritage. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited local theater performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Massawa Market offers local crafts and produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Traditional music can often be heard during local festivals. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art is limited in Massawa. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are not commonly available. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Very few art galleries exist; local art can be found in markets. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Architectural remnants from the Italian colonial period are present. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Massawa's history as a trade port is significant. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Dahlak Archipelago offers stunning nature experiences. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | There are limited national parks accessible from Massawa. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited well-defined paths exist; exploring on foot is common. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Cliffside spots around Massawa provide scenic views of the Red Sea. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Great for birdwatching on the islands off the coast. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beaches are typically accessible for bonfires, ensuring local regulations are followed. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local postal services exist, but international delivery can be inconsistent. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited tech repair services; options are mainly for mobile phones. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Few recreational facilities, with limited table tennis spots. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Limited, typically offered by local expatriate communities. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public libraries are minimal; some hotels may have reading areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Limited community centers exist; informal gatherings are common. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | No dedicated gaming lounges. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no casinos in Massawa. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $600 per m². |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $450 per m². |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $900 per m². |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per m². |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m². |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $850 per m². |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 20%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 25% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Based on residency; taxes apply to worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 30%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 10%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | CFC rules are minimal. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property taxation exists based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Tax applied during property purchases, typically around 5%. |