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Guide
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia πͺπΉ
#229
,
Nomad Score:
57%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Addis Ababa is the capital city of Ethiopia and one of the highest capitals in the world, situated at an elevation of 2,355 meters. |
π₯ Population | Approximate population is about 4 million. |
π» Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 10-15 Mbps, with some cafes and coworking spaces offering up to 50 Mbps. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | Currency is the Ethiopian Birr (ETB). 1 USD β 55 ETB. |
π° Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
π Power | Electricity is 220V, 50Hz, π Type C sockets. |
πΆ SIM Card | Communications outlets include Ethio Telecom; prepaid SIMs are easy to purchase. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Cards accepted at many locations; services include Dashen Bank, Awash Bank, and others. |
π Accommodation | Options available on Airbnb, local guesthouses, and hotels. Monthly rentals average around 10,000 ETB for a studio. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Not widely cashless; cash is preferred, but mobile payments like M-Birr are gaining traction. |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local listings provide various options, from budget to luxury stays. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostels such as 'The Backpackers' and 'Addis Amba Hotel' offer affordable lodging. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Bole and Piassa are popular areas for tourists. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Kazanchis and Bole neighborhoods are preferred for their amenities and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | Kebele 12 is among the best coworking spaces in Addis Ababa. |
β Best Cafe for Work | Tomoca Coffee offers a good atmosphere for working. |
πΌ Networking Events | Tech events and expat meetups are organized regularly, often listed on Meetup.com. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Addis Ababa Expats' provide community engagement and events. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Ride-hailing apps like Bolt and Ride are widely used. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available through local services like RIDE Ethiopia. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Addis Ababa is landlocked; no beaches nearby. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Ethiopian Airlines serves many regional destinations. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | Major international carriers include Ethiopian Airlines and Emirates. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Major roads such as the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Highway provide good connectivity. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Addis Ababa Light Rail provides good transit services. |
π Public Transport Passes | A prepaid card for the light rail can be purchased for frequent travel. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis are common for regional travel; Bole International Airport connects to major destinations. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital is the main healthcare facility. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Yoga Studio and Roots Health Spa are popular spots. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fit Addis and VIVA Gym are among the leading fitness centers. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Laundry services like '1 Hour Laundry' are available in various neighborhoods. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Deliver Addis is the leading food delivery service in the city. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Doro Wat (spicy chicken stew) is a must-try traditional dish. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Beyt'achin and Kategna serve a variety of plant-based options. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | Moka Coffee and Cake adds a modern twist to coffee and pastries. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercato, the largest open market, is great for budget-friendly shopping. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia is a well-known e-commerce marketplace in the country. |
π Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery services are expanding; check services like 'Jumbo' for options. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Bole is the primary area for nightlife and bars. |
π» Local Brewery | The Ethiopia Brewery Company offers tours and tastings. |
π· Wine Bars | Noble Wine House is a popular wine bar in the city. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Try local street food at the various stalls around Mercato. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like 'KFC' and 'Pizza House' cater to international tastes. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | The Holy Trinity Cathedral and the National Museum of Ethiopia are must-see attractions. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | The Ethnological Museum and Red Terror Martyrs Memorial Museum offer cultural insights. |
π° Historical Sites | Entoto Hill provides panoramas of the city and historical relevance. |
π Religious Sites | St. George's Cathedral is a prominent place of worship. |
π Annual Events | Timkat (Epiphany) is a major festival celebrated in January. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | Piassa is known for its traditional architecture and vibrant culture. |
π Theater Venues | Ethiopian National Theater is a hub for arts and performances. |
ποΈ Local Markets | Merkato is one of the largest markets in Africa. |
πΌ Music Scene | Venues like 'Jazzamba' host live music events showcasing local talent. |
π¨ Street Art | Street art can be found in various parts of the city, particularly in trendy neighborhoods. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Classes can be found through local culinary schools and hotels. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | The Addis Fine Art Gallery showcases contemporary Ethiopian art. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The Imperial Palace is a key architectural highlight. |
π΄ Local Heritage | Addis Ababa reflects a rich blend of cultures and traditions, from various ethnic groups. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | The Entoto Mountains provide hiking opportunities and beautiful vistas. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Bale Mountains National Park is about a 9-hour drive away. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Several parks and bike-friendly paths exist within the city. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | Mount Entoto offers panoramic views of Addis Ababa. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching is popular around the Addis Ababa National Park. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain parks and picnic areas allow bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx are available for parcel delivery. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Several tech shops offer repair services on Bole Road. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers often have table tennis facilities. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Courses in Amharic can be found at various language schools throughout the city. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | The National Library of Ethiopia provides reading and study spaces. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Cultural centers like the Ethio-Japan Cultural Center host a variety of events. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | While not common, some cafes cater to gamers and offer gaming equipment. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Casinos are not a common feature in Addis Ababa. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,700 USD per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = 68,000 USD). |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,500 USD per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = 60,000 USD). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 2,000 USD per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = 120,000 USD). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,800 USD per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = 108,000 USD). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 2,500 USD per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = 200,000 USD). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 2,200 USD per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = 176,000 USD). |
πΌ Corporate Tax | The standard corporate tax rate is 30%. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividend withholding tax is generally 10%. |
π¦ Tax System | Ethiopia implements a progressive tax system for residents. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | The maximum personal income tax rate is 35%. |
π§Ύ VAT | Standard VAT rate is 15%. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | CFC rules are in place but can be complex. |
π Property Tax | An annual property tax is levied based on property value. |
π Property Transaction Tax | A transaction tax of 2% is applied during property purchases. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Ethiopia offers several tax advantages for expats; consult with local tax advisors for specifics. |