Harar, Ethiopia 🇪🇹
#233
9.311839, 42.128444
Nomad Score:
51%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Harar is an ancient city in eastern Ethiopia, known for its rich cultural heritage and unique architectural style. |
| 👥 Population | approximately 200,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | average speed of 5-15 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 55 Ethiopian Birr (ETB); ATMs are available but may not accept foreign cards |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water recommended |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Ethio Telecom is the main provider; prepaid SIM cards available for purchase at kiosks |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Access to international banks is limited; use local banks for basic services. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include guesthouses, hotels, and Airbnbs, with prices ranging from $15 to $50 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is preferred, though some places may accept mobile payments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through platforms like Airbnb, with prices starting around $25 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options start at around $10 per night, such as the Harar Ras Hotel. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Harar Heritage Plaza offers a comfortable space for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Buna Café provides a relaxed atmosphere with Wi-Fi and coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Community meetups often organized via Facebook groups, occasionally at local cafes. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Check out the Harar Expat Facebook group for social events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Traditional taxis are the main option; negotiate rates beforehand. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited; some guesthouses may offer bicycles for rent. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Closest major water body is Lake Haro; beach-like areas are limited. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Ethiopian Airlines provides domestic flight options. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Ethiopian Airlines operates international routes from Addis Ababa. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major roadways connect Harar to cities like Dire Dawa and Addis Ababa. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Harar does not have a train station; bus services are available. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal passes; local minibuses and taxis operate as needed. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses frequent the route to Dire Dawa and other nearby towns. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Medicins Sans Frontieres (MSF) clinic provides healthcare to locals and expats. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Few options available; consider practicing yoga at local studios. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Limited, but local hotels may offer gym access. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Available through guesthouses, typically included in accommodation packages. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Limited options; local restaurants may offer delivery on request. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Doro Wat', a traditional spicy chicken stew. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Many local dishes are vegan-friendly, such as 'Shiro' (chickpea stew). |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Harar Coffee offers traditional sweets and coffee. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets offer fresh produce at affordable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited; local stores are preferred for groceries and supplies. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Few services available; shopping in person is more common. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Local bars exist but are limited; socializing often occurs in private homes. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Notable local brews are few; try local bars for Ethiopian beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options; local wines are available in restaurants. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Try local snacks from street vendors near the markets. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Some restaurants offer pizza or Chinese food but are limited in choice. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Old Walled City of Harar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Harar Museum showcases the city's history and cultural artifacts. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the many gate entrances and traditional buildings within the old city. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Al-Nejashi Mosque is a famous landmark and place of worship. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Harar International Food Festival celebrates local cuisine every October. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the narrow streets of the old city for traditional markets and art. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local performances often held in community halls. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Harar Great Market is essential for local crafts and produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music played during festivals; traditional styles dominate. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Colorful murals can be found throughout the old city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking workshops may be available upon request. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Traditional art can be found within local markets. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Feres Magala and numerous old houses reflect Harar’s heritage. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Harar is renowned for its unique blend of cultures, notably Islamic and Ethiopian. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The nearby hills provide excellent hiking opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Simien Mountains National Park is a few hours away for more serious hikes. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Local paths within the city are suitable for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Vulcan Mountains offer great views of Harar. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The nearby Harar Plateau attracts a variety of bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Local parks may have designated areas for gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Limited international services available; use local post for domestic shipments. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Ask local shops for help; options are limited. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some recreational centers may have ping pong tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local NGOs offer courses in Amharic. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited library resources; local cafes are common study spots. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Engage with local community initiatives and cultural programs. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited; most gaming is done at home or in private. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Not available in Harar; gambling is not part of the culture. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $400 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $20,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $300 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $15,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $30,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $350 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $21,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $450 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $36,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $350 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $28,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax system based on residency. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35% |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict rules exist; international business operations limited. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual tax applied based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2% on property sales. |