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Ethiopia FAQ

Is tipping customary in Ethiopia?

Tipping isn’t mandatory in Ethiopia but is considered polite in restaurants and bars. It's up to the individual to choose to tip or not but rounding up a bill for good service or leaving 1-2 birr is appropriate.

What is the internet access like in Ethiopia?

Internet cafes can be found in cities and large towns but less so in rural and remote places.

Can I use my mobile/cell phone while in Ethiopia?

Mobile phone coverage is quite good in Ethiopia's urban areas, but less so in rural, remote and mountainous areas. Ensure you have global roaming activated before leaving home if you wish to use your mobile phone.

What are the toilets like in Ethiopia?

Squat/pit toilets are the standard in Ethiopia, except for western-style flushable toilets that are sometimes available in large hotels and other modern buildings. Carry your own supply of soap and toilet paper, as this is rarely provided.

What will it cost for a…?

Cup of coffee = 10-15 ETB
Bottle of beer = 30-40 ETB
Simple lunch = 40-60 ETB
Nice dinner in a restaurant = 150-200 ETB

Can I drink the water in Ethiopia?

Tap water isn't considered safe for tourists to drink. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Ask your leader and accommodation provider for local advice on where drinking water can be accessed. Also, avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit before eating.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Ethiopia?

Credit cards are accepted only by a few large hotels in Addis Ababa as cash is the main mode of payment in Ethiopia. Ensure you have adequate cash to cover purchases not able to be made on credit.

What is ATM access like in Ethiopia?

There are a few ATMs that accept foreign cards in Ethiopia, mainly in Addis Ababa and other large cities. Withdrawing cash from ATMs can't necessarily be relied on, so carrying foreign currency (like US dollars) is recommended.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling in Ethiopia?

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

What public holidays are celebrated in Ethiopia?

Jan 6 Timket (Epiphany)
Jan 7 Ethiopian Christmas
Feb 4 Mawlid al-Nabi (Birth of the Prophet)
Mar 2 Victory of Adowa
Apr 6 Ethiopian Good Friday
Apr 24 Ethiopian Easter
May 1 Labour Day
May 5 Patriots Victory Day
May 28 Downfall of the Dergue
Aug 19 Eid al-Fitr
Sep 11 Ethiopian New Year (Entutatash)
Sep 27 Finding of the True Cross (Meskel)
Oct 26 Eid-al Adha (Arafat)

The Ethiopian calendar is different from the traditional Gregorian calendar, in that it's 8 years behind, with 13 months to a year and key holidays (like Christmas) falling on different days to the rest of the world. Please note that some of the dates above are estimates only, due to some festivals being timed with the lunar calendar.

For a current list of public holidays go to: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/Ethiopia/public-holidays

Do I need a visa to travel to Ethiopia?

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. As a general rule most countries expect that you will have at least 6 months' validity on your passport. On arrival visitors may be asked to present return tickets and evidence of means to cover your intended stay.

We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change - it's important that you check for yourself. Residents from other countries must consult the relevant embassies or your travel agent.

  • ETHIOPIA:
    Most nationalities require a visa for entry to Ethiopia. Please see this website to find your closest embassy or consulate: http://www.embassiesabroad.com/embassies-of/Ethiopia. If you are flying into Addis Ababa you can obtain a visa on arrival. You'll need two passport photos and approximately US$40. You may be asked for proof of a return ticket - please carry your tour notes as proof that you are leaving overland. If you are entering at any border other than Addis Ababa airport you MUST obtain your visa in advance.

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Ethiopia at a glance

  • 16
  • Addis Ababa (population 2.2 million)
  • 82 million
  • Amharic
  • ETB
  • (GMT+03:00) Nairobi
  • Type C (European 2-pin), Type E (French 2-pin, female earth), Type F (German 2-pin, side clip earth), Type L (Italian 3-pin)
  • +251

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