Mogadishu, Somalia 🇸🇴
#346
,
Nomad Score:
35%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Mogadishu is the capital city of Somalia, located on the east coast of Africa. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is 2 million. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 10-20 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is the Somali Shilling (SOS). 1 USD ≈ 5800 SOS. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity supply is unstable; generators are common. Voltage is 220V, 50Hz. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include Hormuud Telecom, Golis Telecom, and Somtel. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Cash is preferred; limited card acceptance. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local hotels and serviced apartments such as Al Hayat Hotel and Jazeera Royal Hotel. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | No, cash transactions dominate. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through Airbnb and local agencies; prices vary widely. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Budget hotels such as Hotel Atlantic and Hotel Shamo. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Lido Beach area is popular among tourists. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | City Center offers better connectivity and amenities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Somali National University has a co-working space dedicated to freelancers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Fafa is a popular choice amongst freelancers with decent Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Look for events hosted by local business associations on social media. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups for expats often host gatherings and meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber services are unreliable; local taxis or 'boda bodas' (motorcycle taxis) are prevalent. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | No formal rental services; however, some locals may offer bicycles for rent. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lido Beach is popular and easily accessible. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Fast airlines operate local flights; check with local travel agents. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines provide international services. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main roads like the Airport Road connect major areas, but conditions can vary. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No active train services; public transport mainly consists of buses and taxis. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal public transport passes are available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Travel between cities is mainly via shared minibuses or taxis. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Turkey-funded Mogadishu Medical Hospital is the most reputable facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options; consider private sessions with local trainers. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gyms like Oasis Gym offer fitness services. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundry services despite limited availability. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Lahlo delivers foods from various local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Bariis Iskukaris (spiced rice) and Zaatar chicken are local specialties. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited, but dishes like lentil soup and vegetable salads are available. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Cafes in the city serve local sweets, notably Somali halwa. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Bakara Market is famous for various foods and groceries. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local online shops like Marka631 provide shopping options. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited options; local stores may offer informal delivery. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Few bars exist; nightlife is concentrated around hotel bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Limited options; beer is imported largely. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Very few available due to local regulations. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Popular street food includes sambusas and grilled meat. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Seaside restaurants offer mixed cuisines, including Italian and Middle Eastern. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The National Museum of Somalia and Liido Beach Hocks. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Somalia National Museum shares cultural heritage. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Old Port is a key historical landmark. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Mosque of Islamic Cultural Center is notable. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | National Independence Day, celebrated every July 1st. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The area around Bakara Market showcases vibrant local life. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Awale Theater hosts local performances occasionally. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Bakara Market is the largest and has a wide assortment of goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The local music scene revolves around traditional Somali music. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Some murals can be found in the city promoting cultural diversity. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs may offer informal cooking classes on request. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Few galleries exist; check the local arts community for events. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Historic buildings include the Italian Architecture in the city center. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Somali flag represents the nation’s heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Coastal areas offer scenic views and nature exploration. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Kismayo National Park is within travel distance for nature enthusiasts. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited cycling paths in urban areas; walking is common along the beachfront. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from the coastline and along the beaches is popular. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Coastal areas are suitable for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Public beaches may allow bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local postal services available, though reliability can vary. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited tech repair is available in major electronic stores. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers may offer recreational sports. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language learning centers for Somali and English are minimal. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public libraries are limited; check local schools and universities. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community engagement is fostered through local NGOs and clubs. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited availability; gaming is generally done privately. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No gambling establishments are permitted by law. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $40,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $72,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $184,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $128,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | The corporate tax rate is currently 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Withholding tax on dividends is 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on a cash basis with limited services. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Value Added Tax is 5%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property taxes apply based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | The transaction tax during property purchases is 5%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific perks for digital nomads; adhere to local laws. |