Hawassa, Ethiopia 🇪🇹
#1450
7.048102, 38.47861
Nomad Score:
52%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Hawassa is the capital of the Sidama Region in Ethiopia, located near Lake Hawassa. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 300,000 inhabitants. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 15 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 54.4 ETB, 1 USD ≈ 53.0 ETB. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Ethio Telecom is the main provider with affordable prepaid plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards like Visa and MasterCard accepted at some banks and ATMs. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options from hotels to guesthouses; Airbnb options are also available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is preferred in most places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses available for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hawassa Youth Hostel offers beds starting at 200 ETB per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Located in the Hawassa Cultural Center, 'Hawassa Hub' offers a good environment for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Moka is a popular spot with free WiFi and good coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Hawassa hosts monthly business meetups and cultural events; check local Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Look for gatherings through 'Hawassa Expats Meet' Facebook group. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Ride-hailing app 'ZayRide' is available for convenient transport. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Check local shops for bike rentals, around 50 ETB per hour. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Awassa Lake beach area, about 10 mins from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Ethiopian Airlines has flights connecting to major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Ethiopian Airlines offers international flights from Addis Ababa. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major road access to Addis Ababa via the A1 highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Hawassa train station serves as a terminal for regional trains. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local buses cost around 10-20 ETB for short distances. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Bus services connecting to cities like Addis Ababa and Jimma. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hawassa University Medical College Hospital provides quality healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Hawassa Fitness Center offers yoga classes and fitness activities. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gatira Gym is a popular local gym with membership options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services available at multiple hotels. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Betoch and Jumia Food both offer delivery options in Hawassa. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Firfir' (spicy torn injera dish) from local restaurants. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Zinash's Kitchen offers a variety of vegetarian Ethiopian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Dessert and bakery options available at Café Moka. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets in Hawassa offer fresh produce and affordable goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia is accessible for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited options; most grocery shopping is done in-person. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The 'Hawassa Lake View' area has several bars and spots for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Ethiopian breweries offer local beers, like 'St. George' and 'Dashen'. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Some restaurants serve local Ethiopian honey wine, 'Tej'. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Try local snacks like 'dabo kolo' (fried dough) from street vendors. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Tibbs Restaurant serves both local and international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Lake Hawassa is a must-visit, known for its scenic beauty. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Hawassa Cultural Center showcases local art and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the Sidama Cultural Museum for insights on regional history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Church of Saint George is a notable local religious site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Sidama Coffee Ceremony Festival occurs annually, celebrating local traditions. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the local artisan market for crafts and goods. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Hawassa Theater hosts occasional local performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Hawassa Main Market is vibrant and busy with local vendors. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local clubs host traditional music events and shows. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore murals around the city that celebrate local culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes on traditional Ethiopian cuisine are available at local centers. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local galleries exhibit the work of regional artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Old government buildings near Lake Hawassa provide historical context. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Ethiopian cultural heritage is preserved through various local initiatives. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Explore the natural beauty around Lake Hawassa; excellent for birdwatching. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Abijatta-Shalla National Park is a short drive away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Scenic paths around Lake Hawassa are ideal for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The lakeside promenade offers stunning views of the sunset. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Lake Hawassa is a famous spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas along Lake Hawassa allow for bonfires and picnics. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services available for shipping needs. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops provide repair services for various electronic devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Available at local recreational centers and gyms. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local language schools offer Amharic classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Hawassa University Library offers study spaces for students and visitors. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Hawassa Cultural Center provides community events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited, but some cafes provide gaming lounges for local competitions. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Currently, there are no casinos in Hawassa. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $40,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $54,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $42,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $850 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $68,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $48,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax system based on income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35% for high-income earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% standard VAT rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on the rental value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | No property transaction tax. |