Mogadishu, Somalia 🇸🇴
#346
2.034931, 45.341918
Nomad Score:
39%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Mogadishu is the capital and largest city of Somalia, located along the Indian Ocean. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 2 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average of 5-10 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Somali Shilling (SOS); 1 USD ≈ 1,900 SOS |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water recommended |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz; Type C and D sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Hormuud and Somtel, prepaid options available |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Limited options; cash preferred. Banks like Dahabshiil available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include apartments, guesthouses, and hotels like the Safari Hotel. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is king, some shops accept mobile money (Haatuf). |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Services like Airbnb available for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options are limited, but some guesthouses are affordable. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Somali Digital Hub - a growing space for freelancers and startups. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe 70 offers a relaxed atmosphere for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check local Facebook groups for events and meetups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Embassy events and informal gatherings are often posted in expat groups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber service is available; local taxis are more common. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; cycling is not widely practiced. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lido Beach is popular and accessible. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Florence Air offers regional services. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Turkish Airlines and Ethiopian Airlines connect to international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main roads connecting to various districts but security concerns exist. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Limited public transit; taxis are more commonly used. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport options are limited; primarily taxis. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Travel by road is common, though not always safe. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Mogadishu Somali Turkey Training and Research Hospital. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options available; few fitness centers offer classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Planet, located in Hamar Weyne. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Some hotels offer laundry services; independent laundries are available. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Food delivery services like Toogsi are emerging. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Eating Sambuusa, a popular Somali pastry. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited; some local markets may have vegetarian options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Bakeries are limited; try desserts at local cafes. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Bakara Market. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local sellers primarily operate through social media. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Available through local supermarkets; check for delivery options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Limited nightlife options; some hotels have bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Limited production; try local beers from Somalia's few breweries. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options; primarily Muslim country. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Common in markets and busy areas. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Italian cuisine available at several restaurants. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Makkah Al-Mukarama Mosque, National Museum of Somalia. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Somali National Museum offering cultural insights. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Old port area and historical monuments around the city. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Several mosques, including the iconic Masjid Al-Karam. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Somali Independence Day celebrations on July 1. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Hamar Weyne district, rich in history. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited options; local performances sometimes held. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Bakara Market is the largest and most lively. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Emerging scene with traditional Somali music. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Few murals and local artist displays throughout the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Limited; look for local chefs offering home-based cooking classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Few galleries exist, focusing on local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Historic residences in the Old Town area. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural symbols celebrated in traditional events. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The outskirts of Mogadishu offer scenic coastal views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Balcad National Park, about 30 km away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited; mostly urban walking areas. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Lido Beach provides stunning ocean views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Coastal areas and wetlands nearby. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Lido Beach areas that permit bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Limited services; local courier companies like Taqa. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Small shops and tech fairs offering repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Limited public access; some community centers may have tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Some options for learning Somali at local schools. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | MOGADISHU Library for reading and study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local NGOs often run community outreach spaces. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Growing interest; few cafes may offer gaming consoles. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Not widely available due to Islamic regulations. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $24,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $400 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $16,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $750 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $45,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $30,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $650 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $52,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $450 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $36,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residence-based taxation system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 20% |
| 🧾 VAT | No VAT; however, some services may add fees. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Not applicable in most scenarios. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No formal property tax structure in place. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Negotiated between buyer and seller in the absence of formal laws. |