Jimma, Ethiopia 🇪🇹
#1821 8.049481, 37.127329

Nomad Score: 48%
Overview Guide Scores Costs

Essentials

🏙️ City Jimma is a city located in the Jimma Zone of the Oromia Region, known for its coffee production and diverse culture.
👥 Population Approximate population is around 200,000.
💻 Internet Speed Average internet speed is around 5-10 Mbps.
💸 Currency & Banking 1 USD ≈ 55 Ethiopian Birr (ETB). Local banks include Commercial Bank of Ethiopia and Dashen Bank.
🚰 Tap Water Tap water is not considered drinkable; bottled water is recommended.
🔌 Power Electricity is 220V, 50Hz, and J Type sockets are used.
📶 SIM Card Safe and accessible SIM cards are available from Ethio Telecom, with a monthly package costing about 200 ETB.
💳 Banking for Expats Several banks accept international cards; Visa is widely accepted.
🛌 Accommodation Accommodation options include hotels, guesthouses, and Airbnb, with average prices around 800-1,500 ETB per night.
💳 Cashless Friendly Cash is preferred, though some stores and hotels accept mobile payments.
🏠 Short Term Rentals Short term rental options are available on platforms like Airbnb.
🛏️ Budget Accommodation Budget accommodation options include guesthouses and hostels, starting from 400 ETB per night.

Working and Networking

🏢 Best Coworking Space Currently, there are no dedicated coworking spaces, but cafes can be used for work.
☕ Best Cafe for Work Coffee shops like Buna Cafe offer a conducive working environment with good coffee.
💼 Networking Events Networking opportunities may be limited; local universities sometimes host events.
🥂 Social Events for Expats Facebook groups for expats in Ethiopia and local community events can be good for networking.

Transportation

🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App Ride apps like Zayride are popular for local transportation.
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental Bike rentals are limited; however, there are informal motos available for hire.
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby Jimma is inland; the closest beach is about a 6-hour drive to the coast.
✈️ Top Regional Airline Ethiopian Airlines is the main carrier offering domestic flights.
✈️ Top International Airline Ethiopian Airlines offers flights to major international destinations.
🛣️ Highway Access Jimma is well connected by the Addis Ababa-Jimma highway.
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub There are no train services; road transport is the primary means of travel.
🚍 Public Transport Passes Public transport is primarily through minibuses and buses; no formal passes are available.
✈️ Regional Travel Travel to nearby cities is mainly by bus or minibus; local companies include Selam Bus and Sky Bus.

Health and Wellness

🏥 Best Hospital Jimma University Medical Center offers the best healthcare services in the area.
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers Wellness centers are limited, but local gyms may offer workout classes.
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers Local gyms include Jimma Fitness Center.
🧺 Laundry Services Laundry services are available at hotels and some local laundromats.

Food and Drink

📱 Best Food Delivery App Delivery services are limited; local restaurants may offer informal delivery.
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try Try 'beyaynetu', a traditional Ethiopian platter with various dishes.
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options Vegetarian options are abundant, with many local restaurants serving traditional vegetarian dishes.
🍫 Best Dessert Spots Bakeries around the city offer local pastries, with Buna Cafe being popular.
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots Local markets such as Jimma Market offer a variety of goods at affordable prices.
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store Online shopping in Ethiopia is limited; Jumia is available in some regions.
🛒 Grocery Delivery Grocery delivery services are not common; shopping is usually done in local markets.
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area Local bars are available but nightlife is relatively quiet.
🍻 Local Brewery Ethio Beer is a popular local brand available in shops and bars.
🍷 Wine Bars Wine bars are limited, but some upscale restaurants have wine selections.
🍲 Street Food Stalls Street food like injera and kebabs can be found around local markets.
🍕 Popular International Cuisine International cuisine options are limited; some restaurants offer pizza and Chinese food.

Culture and Attractions

🎟️ Must-See Landmarks Visit the Jimma Museum and local Orthodox churches for cultural insight.
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues Jimma Museum hosts artifacts and exhibits showcasing local history.
🏰 Historical Sites The Coffee Farm in Jimma is a historical site where coffee was first discovered.
🕍 Religious Sites Historical churches such as Church of Maryam and various mosques are important cultural sites.
🎉 Annual Events Local festivals celebrate coffee culture and other regional traditions.
🎨 Cultural Districts Explore local neighborhoods for traditional crafts and local life.
🎭 Theater Venues The local community may have occasional theater performances or cultural shows.
🛍️ Local Markets The Jimma market is bustling with local crafts, produce, and everyday goods.
🎼 Music Scene Local music is celebrated at events and gatherings; traditional instruments are commonly played.
🎨 Street Art Street art is limited but can be found in urban areas and alleyways.
🧑‍🍳 Cooking Classes Cooking classes may be offered by local restaurants focusing on traditional dishes.
👩‍🎨 Art Galleries Art galleries are limited; local craft works can usually be found in markets.
🕰️ Historic Buildings Several colonial buildings can be found around the city center.
🏴 Local Heritage Jimma is known for its rich history in coffee cultivation, which is celebrated throughout the region.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes The nearby Abay River offers scenic views and recreational opportunities.
🏞️ National Parks Nearby Bonga Forest and other nearby reserves are accessible for nature lovers.
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths Walking around Jimma offers views of both urban and rural landscapes.
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints Hiking around Jimma offers opportunities for stunning views of the surrounding hills.
🦉 Birdwatching Locations Nature reserves nearby provide excellent birdwatching opportunities.
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots Public parks are suitable for gatherings; however, open fires may be regulated.

Other Services and Amenities

📦 Parcel Delivery Service Traditional courier services are available; DHL provides parcel delivery.
🛠️ Tech Repair Services Tech repair shops are present, mostly in central areas.
🏓 Table Tennis Spots Local sports clubs may have facilities for table tennis.
🧑‍🏫 Language Classes Language classes for Amharic and local languages can be found at universities.
📚 Libraries & Study Spots Jimma University has libraries accessible to students and researchers.
🏘️ Community Centers Community gatherings often take place in local halls or educational institutions.
🕹️ Gaming Lounges Limited gaming lounges are available; local communities hold informal events.
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls There are no casinos or traditional gaming halls in Jimma.

Business

🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. 10,000 ETB per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 400,000 ETB)
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. 6,000 ETB per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 240,000 ETB)
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. 8,000 ETB per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 480,000 ETB)
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. 5,000 ETB per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 300,000 ETB)
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. 7,500 ETB per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 600,000 ETB)
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. 4,500 ETB per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 360,000 ETB)
💼 Corporate Tax 25% corporate tax rate.
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax 10% withholding tax on dividends.
🏦 Tax System Residents are taxed on worldwide income.
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket Tax rate caps at 35%. Income levels are progressive.
🧾 VAT 15% Value Added Tax.
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules CFC rules exist with regulations for foreign entities.
🏠 Property Tax Property taxes are assessed annually based on government valuations.
🏠 Property Transaction Tax 2% property transaction tax is applicable on real estate sales.