Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $6–14 | $20–50 |
| Food | $3–8 | $10–20 |
| Transport | $1–3 | $5–12 |
| Activities | $2–5 | $8–20 |
| Coffee & Drinks | $1–2 | $3–5 |
| Daily Total | $20–35 | $50–100 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Entry & Visas
- Most nationalities require an e-Visa — apply at evisa.gov.et at least 3 days before travel. 30-day single-entry costs $82
- Visa on arrival is available at Bole International Airport but queues can be very long — e-Visa is strongly recommended
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate required if arriving from an endemic country
Health & Safety
- Addis Ababa sits at 2,400m altitude — allow a day to acclimatise. Drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous activity on arrival
- Tap water is not safe to drink — use bottled water (5–15 Birr). Avoid ice and raw salads at street stalls
- Petty crime exists — keep valuables hidden, especially in Merkato. Addis is generally safe but use common sense after dark
Getting Around
- Blue and white minibuses cover the city — destinations are called out by assistants. Fares are 2–10 Birr
- Ride (Ethiopian ride-hailing app) and metered taxis are the safest transport options for tourists
- Addis Ababa has a light rail system (2 lines) — useful for north-south and east-west crossings. Fare is 2–6 Birr
Connectivity
- Ethio Telecom is the only mobile provider — buy a SIM at the airport or their office with your passport. Data is affordable
- WiFi is available at hotels and cafes but speeds can be slow. VPN use is common as some sites are restricted
- Ethiopia uses its own calendar (13 months) and clock (dawn = 1 o'clock). Confirm times in international format to avoid confusion
Money
- Currency: ETB (Ethiopian Birr). ATMs exist at major banks but frequently run out of cash — bring USD as backup
- Foreign currency exchange is available at banks and authorised dealers. Black market rates exist but are illegal
- Credit cards accepted only at top-end hotels and a few restaurants. Cash is essential for daily transactions
Packing Tips
- Addis is cool at 2,400m — average temperatures are 15–25°C. Bring layers and a light jacket for evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes for market exploration and uneven streets. Modest clothing for church visits
- Sunscreen, lip balm, and moisturiser — the altitude means strong UV exposure despite the mild temperatures
Cultural tips
Church Etiquette
Ethiopian Orthodox churches require modest dress and shoe removal. Women should cover their hair. Photography rules vary — always ask the priest before taking photos inside. Churches are active places of worship, not museums.
Coffee Ceremony
The Ethiopian coffee ceremony is a social ritual, not just a drink. Accepting an invitation to a ceremony is a sign of respect and friendship. Three rounds are served — leaving before the third (baraka, meaning blessing) is considered rude.
Dining Etiquette
Eat with your right hand only using injera to scoop food. Gursha — feeding someone a morsel by hand — is a gesture of love and respect. Accept graciously when offered. Never refuse food or drink offered by a host.
Ethiopian Calendar
Ethiopia follows a unique calendar with 13 months (12 months of 30 days plus a 13th month of 5–6 days). The year is roughly 7–8 years behind the Gregorian calendar. Double-check dates when booking to avoid confusion.
Greetings & Respect
Greetings in Ethiopia are warm and extended — multiple inquiries about health, family, and well-being are standard. Handshakes often include a light shoulder bump among friends. Address elders with respect and use titles when possible.
Photography Sensitivity
Ask before photographing people — many Ethiopians are happy to pose but some are not. Never photograph beggars, military installations, or government buildings. In markets, ask vendors before taking close-up photos of their stalls.
