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Guide
Lalibela, Ethiopia πͺπΉ
#230
,
Nomad Score:
47%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Lalibela is a city in the North Wollo zone of the Amhara Region of Ethiopia, famous for its rock-hewn churches. |
π₯ Population | Approximately 30,000 |
π» Internet Speed | 5-10 Mbps |
πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 USD β 54 Ethiopian Birr (ETB) |
π° Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
π Power | 220V, 50Hz, π Type C/E sockets |
πΆ SIM Card | Ethio Telecom is the main mobile provider offering prepaid SIM cards; 1 GB data for approximately 50 ETB. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Banks like Commercial Bank of Ethiopia accept international cards; ATMs may be limited. |
π Accommodation | Options include hotels like the Roha Hotel and budget stays in Hostels; Airbnb also available. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is primarily used, though some establishments accept cards. |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are available for short stays. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Faith Hotel and Lalibela Guest House offer budget-friendly options starting from 30 ETB per night. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Near the Lalibela churches for easy access to main attractions. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | City Center for better internet connectivity and proximity to cafes. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | There are currently no dedicated coworking spaces, but cafes like Ben Abeba offer a decent working environment. |
β Best Cafe for Work | Ben Abeba is popular for its views and atmosphere conducive to work. |
πΌ Networking Events | Limited; check local community boards or social media for informal meetups. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Social gatherings can often be found in local hotels or during community events. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Traditional taxis operate, but ride apps like Ride in Addis are growing. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycles can be rented locally at various guesthouses. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | No beaches; the landscape is mountainous and rugged. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Ethiopian Airlines provides regional flights from Lalibela. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | Ethiopian Airlines services international routes. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Access via main roads connecting Lalibela with major cities like Gondar. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Lalibela lacks a train station; buses and taxis are the primary transportation. |
π Public Transport Passes | Not available; transport is pay-per-ride. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Buses are the main form of transport to nearby cities like Gondar and Dessie. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Lalibela General Hospital is the primary healthcare facility. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Few options; check local hotels for yoga classes. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Limited; local guesthouses may offer basic exercise facilities. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Most hotels provide laundry services; otherwise local laundromats are available. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | No popular food delivery apps; local restaurants may offer delivery services. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Doro Wat (spicy chicken stew) and injera are must-tries. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Many local dishes are vegan-friendly, focusing on lentils, vegetables, and spices. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | Local bakeries offer traditional Ethiopian sweets; check local markets. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Market places like Lalibela Old Market are ideal for budget shopping. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Limited; local businesses may have online ordering options. |
π Grocery Delivery | Grocery stores do not offer delivery; shopping in person is preferred. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Lalibela has a few local bars but nightlife options are limited. |
π» Local Brewery | Ethiopian beer such as St. George Beer is widely available. |
π· Wine Bars | Local wines can be found in restaurants but no dedicated wine bars. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Available mostly near popular tourist areas. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Some restaurants serve Italian and other international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | The rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, UNESCO World Heritage site, are must-see. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Limited; local galleries may showcase traditional art. |
π° Historical Sites | Including the 11 churches carved from rock, dating back to the 12th century. |
π Religious Sites | Famous for its churches like Bet Giyorgis and Bet Medhane Alem. |
π Annual Events | Timkat (Epiphany) is a major local celebration attracting many tourists. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | Explore local neighborhoods near the churches for authentic culture. |
π Theater Venues | Limited; local performances may be available at cultural events. |
ποΈ Local Markets | Regular markets held weekly featuring local crafts and produce. |
πΌ Music Scene | Traditional Ethiopian music can be experienced at local events. |
π¨ Street Art | Limited, but local art can be found throughout the city. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Some local hotels and guesthouses offer cooking classes for traditional dishes. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Few independent galleries; local shops may sell traditional crafts. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The churches are the main historic structures representing Ethiopian heritage. |
π΄ Local Heritage | Laibela's churches and local traditions symbolize its rich cultural heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | Gondar offers beautiful landscapes and ancient castles within travel distance. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Simien Mountains National Park is about 100 km away, ideal for hiking. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Scenic trails near the churches and through the hills surrounding Lalibela. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | Views of the surrounding mountains can be captured from various points in the city. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Opportunities available in the nearby Simien Mountains National Park. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Open areas outside the city offer spots for bonfires, but check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | Local courier services available; international shipping may take time. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Limited; small local shops offer basic repairs. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Not common; local sports clubs may have recreational activities. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Local guesthouses may offer informal classes or language exchange. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | Limited; most study spaces are in hotels or cafes. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Small community centers host cultural and educational events. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Not available; gaming is limited to personal devices. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos or gaming halls present in Lalibela. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $500 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = $20,000) |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $400 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = $16,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $600 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = $36,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $500 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = $30,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $700 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = $56,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $600 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = $48,000) |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 30% |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
π¦ Tax System | Based on residency; worldwide income is taxed. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35% |
π§Ύ VAT | 15% |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Not applicable in Ethiopia. |
π Property Tax | Annual tax on property ownership based on market value. |
π Property Transaction Tax | 2% on property sales. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific benefits; standard income tax applies. |