Living in Ethiopia

"Before retiring in Ethiopia, expats should familiarize themselves with the local language, Amharic, as it is the official language of the country. It is also important to research the cost of living in Ethiopia, as it can vary greatly depending on the city and lifestyle. Additionally, expats should be aware of the local laws and regulations, as well as the visa requirements for long-term stays. It is also important to research the healthcare system in Ethiopia, as it may not be up to the same standards as other countries. Finally, expats should be aware of the cultural norms and customs of Ethiopia, as they may be different from their home country," wrote a member in Ethiopia.

"Expats in Ethiopia often join clubs and activities such as the Addis Ababa Expat Network, which provides a platform for expats to connect and share experiences. Other activities include sports clubs, book clubs, and language classes. Expats can also meet people by attending local events such as festivals, concerts, and art exhibitions. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups to connect with other expats living in Ethiopia," wrote a member in Ethiopia.

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Ethiopia can be both exciting and challenging. The country offers a unique cultural experience, with a rich history and vibrant culture. Expats and digital nomads can find a wide range of activities to explore, from visiting historical sites to exploring the natural beauty of the country. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. However, the infrastructure can be limited in some areas, and the language barrier can be a challenge. Despite these challenges, many expats and digital nomads find Ethiopia to be a rewarding and fulfilling place to live," explained one expat living in Ethiopia.

"Crime is a problem in Ethiopia, with reports of theft, robbery, and other violent crimes occurring in urban areas. In addition, there have been reports of human trafficking, particularly of women and children, as well as drug trafficking. Corruption is also a problem in Ethiopia, with reports of bribery and other forms of corruption in the government and business sectors," remarked one expat living in Ethiopia.

"Ethiopia is a culturally and linguistically diverse country, with over 80 different ethnic groups and over 80 languages spoken. People in Ethiopia are generally accepting of differences, and the country has a long history of peaceful coexistence between different ethnic and religious groups," explained one expat living in Ethiopia.

"The International Community School (ICS) of Addis Ababa is one of the best international schools in Ethiopia. It is a private, non-profit, co-educational day school offering an American-style education to students from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. ICS provides a rigorous academic program, with a strong emphasis on the development of critical thinking skills, and a commitment to the development of the whole child. The school also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and art. The International School of Ethiopia (ISE) is another excellent international school in Ethiopia. It is a private, non-profit, co-educational day school offering an American-style education to students from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. ISE provides a rigorous academic program, with a strong emphasis on the development of critical thinking skills, and a commitment to the development of the whole child. The school also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and art. The Addis Ababa Bilingual School (AABS) is a great bilingual school in Ethiopia. It is a private, non-profit, co-educational day school offering an American-style education to students from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. AABS provides a rigorous academic program, with a strong emphasis on the development of critical thinking skills, and a commitment to the development of the whole child. The school also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and art," commented one expat when asked about in Ethiopia.

"Highly recommend this school for elementary students. I would not recommend this school for grades 9-12," explained one expat in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with kids at International Community School.

"The cost of living in Ethiopia varies depending on the city and lifestyle. Generally, basic necessities such as food, transportation, and housing are relatively inexpensive. Eating out at restaurants is also affordable, with a meal costing around $2-3 USD. Utilities such as electricity and water are also relatively inexpensive. However, the cost of imported goods and luxury items can be quite high," remarked one expat living in Ethiopia.

"The cost of living in Ethiopia is generally low compared to other countries. However, the cost of living in the capital city of Addis Ababa is higher than in other parts of the country. The rental price for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Addis Ababa is around $400 USD per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment is around $600 USD per month. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Ethiopia will cost around $10 USD per person," remarked one expat in Ethiopia.

"In Ethiopia, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as parks, sports fields, and swimming pools. There are also many outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, and bird watching. For those who prefer indoor activities, there are bowling alleys, movie theaters, and arcades. Additionally, there are many cultural attractions, such as museums, art galleries, and historic sites. Ethiopia also has a vibrant nightlife, with a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants," said one expat living in Ethiopia.

"The climate in Ethiopia is generally hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from warm to very hot throughout the year. The rainy season typically runs from June to September, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in the highlands. The dry season runs from October to May, with the hottest months being March and April. Ethiopia also experiences two short rainy seasons, known as the belg and the kiremt, which occur in February and August respectively," said one expat.

"One of Ethiopia's most popular restaurants is the Blue Nile Restaurant in Addis Ababa. Located in the heart of the city, the restaurant serves traditional Ethiopian dishes such as injera, a spongy flatbread, and wat, a spicy stew. The restaurant also offers a variety of vegetarian dishes, as well as a selection of international cuisine. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, and the staff is friendly and attentive. Another popular restaurant in Ethiopia is the Habesha Restaurant in Addis Ababa. This restaurant specializes in traditional Ethiopian cuisine, including dishes such as kitfo, a minced beef dish, and tibs, a spicy beef dish. The restaurant also offers a variety of vegetarian dishes, as well as a selection of international cuisine. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive. The Yod Abyssinia Restaurant in Addis Ababa is also a popular spot for Ethiopian cuisine. This restaurant serves traditional Ethiopian dishes such as doro wat, a spicy chicken stew, and tibs, a spicy beef dish. The restaurant also offers a variety of vegetarian dishes, as well as a selection of international cuisine. The atmosphere is lively and inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive," commented one expat who moved to Ethiopia.

"People living in Ethiopia typically buy groceries and do other shopping at local markets, roadside stalls, and small shops. Supermarkets and large department stores are also becoming increasingly popular in the country. Additionally, many people in Ethiopia shop online for groceries and other items," commented one expat living in Ethiopia.

"In order to visit Ethiopia, travelers must obtain a visa prior to arrival. The process of applying for a visa involves submitting an application form, a valid passport, two passport-sized photographs, and a fee. Depending on the type of visa, additional documents may be required. In order to obtain residency in Ethiopia, applicants must submit an application form, a valid passport, two passport-sized photographs, and a fee. Additionally, applicants must provide proof of employment, proof of financial stability, and a letter of recommendation from a local sponsor. Once the application is approved, the applicant will be issued a residency permit," remarked one expat living in Ethiopia.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Ethiopia can be expensive for many people. The cost of medical care is often beyond the reach of many people, especially those living in rural areas. Additionally, health insurance is not widely available in Ethiopia, and those who do have access to it often find that the premiums are too high. As a result, many people in Ethiopia are unable to access the healthcare they need due to the cost," said an expat in Ethiopia.