Harar, Ethiopia 🇪🇹
#233
,
Nomad Score:
48%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Harar is a historic city in eastern Ethiopia, known for its unique cultural heritage and beautiful architecture. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 200,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average of 10-15 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Ethiopian Birr (ETB); 1 USD ≈ 55 ETB as of April 2025 |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water recommended |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Ethio Telecom is the primary provider with 4G coverage available in the city. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Access to banks like Awash Bank and Commercial Bank of Ethiopia; international cards may have limited acceptance. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include guesthouses, hotels, and rentals through platforms like Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash preferred but some establishments accept mobile payments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses available, prices range from $20 to $50 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like Harar Hostel starting at $10 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Old Walled City offers a cultural experience with historic sites and local markets. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Near the market area for access to cafes and amenities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Currently no dedicated coworking spaces; cafes serve as informal workspaces. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Harar for a quiet atmosphere and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Occasional events at local cultural sites and through community groups on Facebook. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Informal gatherings often organized through social media channels. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Ride options available through local taxis; no apps like Uber. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options for bike rentals; exploring on foot is common. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No beaches; Harar is inland, with scenic hills around. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Ethiopian Airlines offers flights to major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Ethiopian Airlines; connects to many international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via the main highway connecting to Dire Dawa and beyond. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train service; public transport mainly via minibuses and taxis. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal public transport passes; pay per ride. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Minibuses are available for travel to surrounding areas. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Harar General Hospital offers basic medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options; some local gyms offer fitness classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Local facilities available; check at hotels for access. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Available at most hotels and some local services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No major food delivery services; local restaurants provide takeout. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Taste the local injera with various stews, particularly doro wat (chicken stew). |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Options available; local dishes are often vegetarian-friendly. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Local bakeries offer traditional sweets and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Harar's main market for fruits, vegetables, and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited; rely on local markets. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Not available; shopping at local stores necessary. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Local bars and cafes near the market area. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Ethiopian beer brands available at local shops and restaurants. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Few options; local wines can be found at restaurants. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer snacks like sambusas (fried pastries). |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Some international options are available in restaurants downtown. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Harar Jugol, the old walled city, and its many mosques. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Harari Cultural Museum showcasing local culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Medhane Alem Cathedral and various ancient mosques. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Numerous mosques, including the Grand Mosque of Harar. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Enkutatash (New Year) celebrations in September; other local festivities. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Old Town is rich in culture and history. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local community theaters host performances occasionally. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Harar Market is vibrant, with local crafts and produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Traditional Ethiopian music played in local cafes. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited; however, local artists may work in public spaces. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer classes for traditional Ethiopian cooking. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Few independent galleries, with local crafts available in markets. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Beautifully preserved houses in the older parts of the city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural blending of various ethnic traditions evident throughout the city. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Diro Kebir Cave and the surrounding hills for hiking. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Awash National Park is around 200 km away, a bit far for day trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Scenic paths around the old city and countryside. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The road to Daga Harios offers stunning views of the landscape. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Various species by the outskirts of the city, especially during migration seasons. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated camping areas on the outskirts; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Limited options; local post offices provide basic shipping services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops may offer smartphone and small electronics repair. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers may have table tennis available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language learning available through local schools and private tutors. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Local universities may have libraries open to the public. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers host gatherings and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Very limited; some cafes may offer gaming options. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Not available in Harar, focused on traditional forms of entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $28,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $20,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $650 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $39,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $450 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $27,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $32,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax system based on income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35% |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 1% on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No special benefits, but single taxation regime. |