Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 🇪🇹
#229
,
Nomad Score:
52%
Essentials
| 🏙️ 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. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is about 4 million. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 10-15 Mbps, with some cafes and coworking spaces offering up to 50 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is the Ethiopian Birr (ETB). 1 USD ≈ 55 ETB. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Communications outlets include Ethio Telecom; prepaid SIMs are easy to purchase. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Cards accepted at many locations; services include Dashen Bank, Awash Bank, and others. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options available on Airbnb, local guesthouses, and hotels. Monthly rentals average around 10,000 ETB for a studio. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Not widely cashless; cash is preferred, but mobile payments like M-Birr are gaining traction. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local listings provide various options, from budget to luxury stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels such as 'The Backpackers' and 'Addis Amba Hotel' offer affordable lodging. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Bole and Piassa are popular areas for tourists. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Kazanchis and Bole neighborhoods are preferred for their amenities and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Kebele 12 is among the best coworking spaces in Addis Ababa. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Tomoca Coffee offers a good atmosphere for working. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Tech events and expat meetups are organized regularly, often listed on Meetup.com. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Addis Ababa Expats' provide community engagement and events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Ride-hailing apps like Bolt and Ride are widely used. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available through local services like RIDE Ethiopia. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Addis Ababa is landlocked; no beaches nearby. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Ethiopian Airlines serves many regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Major international carriers include Ethiopian Airlines and Emirates. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major roads such as the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Highway provide good connectivity. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Addis Ababa Light Rail provides good transit services. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | A prepaid card for the light rail can be purchased for frequent travel. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis are common for regional travel; Bole International Airport connects to major destinations. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Yoga Studio and Roots Health Spa are popular spots. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fit Addis and VIVA Gym are among the leading fitness centers. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services like '1 Hour Laundry' are available in various neighborhoods. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Deliver Addis is the leading food delivery service in the city. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Doro Wat (spicy chicken stew) is a must-try traditional dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Beyt'achin and Kategna serve a variety of plant-based options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Moka Coffee and Cake adds a modern twist to coffee and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercato, the largest open market, is great for budget-friendly shopping. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia is a well-known e-commerce marketplace in the country. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery services are expanding; check services like 'Jumbo' for options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Bole is the primary area for nightlife and bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | The Ethiopia Brewery Company offers tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Noble Wine House is a popular wine bar in the city. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Try local street food at the various stalls around Mercato. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like 'KFC' and 'Pizza House' cater to international tastes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Holy Trinity Cathedral and the National Museum of Ethiopia are must-see attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Ethnological Museum and Red Terror Martyrs Memorial Museum offer cultural insights. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Entoto Hill provides panoramas of the city and historical relevance. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. George's Cathedral is a prominent place of worship. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Timkat (Epiphany) is a major festival celebrated in January. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Piassa is known for its traditional architecture and vibrant culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Ethiopian National Theater is a hub for arts and performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Merkato is one of the largest markets in Africa. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Venues like 'Jazzamba' host live music events showcasing local talent. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art can be found in various parts of the city, particularly in trendy neighborhoods. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes can be found through local culinary schools and hotels. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Addis Fine Art Gallery showcases contemporary Ethiopian art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Imperial Palace is a key architectural highlight. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Addis Ababa reflects a rich blend of cultures and traditions, from various ethnic groups. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Entoto Mountains provide hiking opportunities and beautiful vistas. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Bale Mountains National Park is about a 9-hour drive away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Several parks and bike-friendly paths exist within the city. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mount Entoto offers panoramic views of Addis Ababa. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching is popular around the Addis Ababa National Park. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain parks and picnic areas allow bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx are available for parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Several tech shops offer repair services on Bole Road. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers often have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Courses in Amharic can be found at various language schools throughout the city. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The National Library of Ethiopia provides reading and study spaces. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural centers like the Ethio-Japan Cultural Center host a variety of events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | While not common, some cafes cater to gamers and offer gaming equipment. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casinos are not a common feature in Addis Ababa. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,700 USD per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 68,000 USD). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,500 USD per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 60,000 USD). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 2,000 USD per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 120,000 USD). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,800 USD per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 108,000 USD). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 2,500 USD per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 200,000 USD). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 2,200 USD per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 176,000 USD). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | The standard corporate tax rate is 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividend withholding tax is generally 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Ethiopia implements a progressive tax system for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | The maximum personal income tax rate is 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | CFC rules are in place but can be complex. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | An annual property tax is levied based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | A transaction tax of 2% is applied during property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Ethiopia offers several tax advantages for expats; consult with local tax advisors for specifics. |