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Pros and Cons of Living in Ethiopia | Expat Exchange
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Pros and Cons of Living in Ethiopia

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Oct 18, 2023

Summary: The pros of living in Ethiopia include its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and vibrant cities. Ethiopia is also home to some of the world's oldest archaeological sites, making it a great destination for history buffs. Additionally, Ethiopia has a strong economy and is a major producer of coffee, making it a great place to start a business. On the other hand, the cons of living in Ethiopia include its high poverty rate, lack of access to basic services, and political instability. Additionally, the country is prone to natural disasters such as drought and flooding, which can cause significant damage to infrastructure and disrupt daily life.

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What are the pros and cons of living in Ethiopia?

Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Ethiopia responded:

"Expats and digital nomads living in Ethiopia often appreciate the country's rich culture and history, as well as its friendly people. They also enjoy the low cost of living, which allows them to stretch their money further. On the other hand, they may find the infrastructure and public services lacking, as well as the limited access to reliable internet. Additionally, the language barrier can be a challenge for those who don't speak Amharic," wrote one expat in Ethiopia.

What do expats in Ethiopia appreciate most about the local culture?

"Expats in Ethiopia appreciate the country's rich cultural heritage, which includes a variety of languages, religions, and ethnicities. They also enjoy the warm hospitality of the Ethiopian people, who are known for their generosity and kindness. Additionally, expats appreciate the vibrant music and art scene, as well as the country's stunning natural beauty. Ethiopia is also known for its delicious cuisine, which features a variety of spices and flavors. Finally, expats appreciate the country's strong sense of community, which is evident in the way people come together to celebrate holidays and special occasions," said a person living in Ethiopia.

What do expats find most challenging?

"Expats in Ethiopia often find the local culture to be quite different from their own, which can be challenging to adjust to. Language barriers can be a challenge, as English is not widely spoken in Ethiopia. Additionally, the local customs and etiquette can be difficult to understand, as they are quite different from those of other countries. Furthermore, the local infrastructure can be difficult to navigate, as roads and public transportation are often unreliable. Finally, the climate can be difficult to adjust to, as Ethiopia is a very hot and dry country," said a person living in Ethiopia.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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