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Hawassa, Ethiopia 🇪🇹
#1450
,
Nomad Score:
51%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Hawassa is a city in southern Ethiopia, situated on the shores of Lake Hawassa, known for its beautiful lakeside views and vibrant culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 300,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 10-20 Mbps, with some cafes and coworking spaces offering better connectivity. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Ethiopian Birr (ETB); 1 USD ≈ 55 ETB. ATMs available but may have limited cash. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, **Type C/E** sockets; outages can occur but are usually brief. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Ethio Telecom; prepaid SIMs can be purchased at kiosks and shops. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Limited banking options; consider using international cards like Visa and MasterCard. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Various options including hotels, guesthouses, and rented apartments; average cost for Airbnb is $20-$50 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Some places accept cards, but cash is preferred; mobile payment systems like M-Birr are growing. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and local guesthouses are available for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels and budget hotels start around $10 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The waterfront area is recommended for its views and proximity to dining options. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Staying near the lakefront provides a relaxing atmosphere with several cafes and coworking spaces nearby. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Hawassa Hub, offers reliable internet and a collaborative work environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Dawit Coffee offers good coffee and a conducive working environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | There are occasional meetups and networking events; check local expat groups on social media. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups such as 'Hawassa Expat Community' often organize social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Ride services like ZayRide are available, but regular taxis are also widely used. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; personal bikes are commonly used or available for rent through local shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lake Hawassa has several beaches accessible within the city. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Ethiopian Airlines offers domestic flights to and from Hawassa. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Ethiopian Airlines is the primary international carrier servicing Ethiopia. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The city is accessible via the Addis Ababa-Hawassa Highway, which connects to other major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Hawassa has a local bus station with connections to major cities; train services are very limited. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal passes; minibuses and buses are the main public transport options. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Local buses and shared taxis connect Hawassa to regions like Addis Ababa and Arbaminch. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hawassa University Medical College Hospital, providing various medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Fitness centers and yoga studios like 'Hawassa Gym' are available. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Local gyms are available, with membership typically costing around $10-$20 per month. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | There are several laundromats and laundry services offering wash and fold. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food operates in the area, offering deliveries from various local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Don't miss trying 'Doro Wat', a traditional Ethiopian spicy chicken stew served with injera. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | 'Roya's Ethiopian Cuisine' offers a variety of tasty vegan options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | 'Dawit Coffee' serves great pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like the Hawassa City Market offer fresh produce and goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Shopping online options are limited; local vendors are preferred. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited grocery delivery options; consider local markets for fresh produce. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The waterfront area has various bars and cafes that are popular for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Hawassa Brewery, known for its local beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Visit local eateries for traditional Ethiopian honey wine (Tej). |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various stalls around the lake offer street food, including sambusas and grilled meats. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Local pizzerias and Chinese restaurants like 'Spicy Chinese' are available. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The shores of Lake Hawassa and the fish market are must-visit spots in the city. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Ethiopian Orthodox museums and cultural centers showcase local heritage. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the nearby ancient rock-hewn churches in Lalibela, accessible via a short flight. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Hawassa Cathedral is a notable place of worship in the area. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Hawassa hosts various cultural festivals throughout the year, including the Lake Hawassa Fish Festival. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The old town area around the lake has a variety of shops and cultural experiences. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local theaters occasionally host performances and cultural showcases. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Hawassa City Market, a bustling hub for local goods, crafts, and foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars and cafes often feature traditional Ethiopian music performances. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals and local art can be found throughout the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local restaurants offer cooking classes for traditional Ethiopian dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Check out local artist exhibits in community centers and galleries. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | There are several historic churches and colonial buildings scattered throughout the city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The vibrant cultural heritage of the Sidama people is evident throughout the city. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The city is adjacent to Lake Hawassa, an excellent spot for fishing, boating, and relaxing. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Simiens Mountains National Park is a few hours away, perfect for trekking and wildlife observation. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Lake Hawassa has scenic walking and cycling paths along the shore. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The lakeside offers beautiful sunset views and scenic photography spots. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Lake Hawassa is a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to many species of birds. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some lakeside areas permit bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services are available for parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops provide basic tech repair services for phones and computers. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers and some cafes have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer Afaan Oromoo and Amharic classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Local libraries provide quiet study spaces, though limited resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community hubs often host events and activities for locals and expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Casual gaming spots exist but are not very widespread. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No major casinos available in Hawassa; gaming may be found in Addis Ababa. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $24,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $750 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $45,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $550 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $33,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $56,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $40,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residence-based taxation applies. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35% |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No specific CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is assessed based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2% on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Digital nomads can benefit from tax incentives; consult local regulations. |