Ethiopia Information that is Important to Know

Ethiopian Facts

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Ethiopia is made up of several different ethnic groups with the official language being Amharic.

The city of Addis Ababa which translates to "new flower" is a relatively new city, having been established in the late 1800's.

Ethiopia is the largest landlocked country in the world and the second largest country in Africa with a population of well over 100 million.

Health in Ethiopia

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There are a lot of pharmacies in Ethiopia and they are well stocked to handle most common medicines but rare medicines might pose a problem.

Although, many locals drink the tap water, it is deemed unsafe and should be boiled thoroughly.

Addis Ababa is one of the highest placed cities in the world, with an altitude of about 2,300 meters or 7,500 feet above sea level.

Due to this high elevation it is above the anti malarial line and anti malarial medicines are not needed.

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Visas in Ethiopia

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Most visitors to Ethiopia are able to receive a visa upon arrival and an online service is also available for tourists: E Visas for Ethiopia.

At the time of this writing the visa is $50 for a one month tourist visa or $70 for three months.

Credit cards are accepted and be advised these are single entry visas.

Travelers with layovers that are less than 24 hours and are customers of Ethiopian Airlines can get transit visas for free.

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Safety in Ethiopia

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Ethiopia is one of the safest countries in Africa but petty theft is common especially those targeting foreign visitors.

Pickpockets are mostly young children found around the city selling confectionaries.

For more on crime, criminals, and safety in Ethiopia: Crime in Ethiopia.

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Local Flights in Ethiopia

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Ethiopian Airlines provides local flights discounts for those that flew their carrier to enter into the country.

There are also private carriers other than Ethiopian Airlines, for more details: Flights in Ethiopia.

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Transportation in Ethiopia

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For moving about in the cities, contract taxies, minibuses, and sometimes bajajes are available.

Contract taxies can be a bit costly, but you are free to negotiate a better price.

The average prices range between 150 to 300 birr. These prices can vary depending on the distance you plan to travel.

The other forms of transport are usually fixed prices which are relatively low.

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Climate in Ethiopia

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The climate in Addis Ababa remains quite constant all year round. The rainy season begins in July all the way through to September.

For more on Ethiopia's climate: Climate in Ethiopia.

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Clothing in Ethiopia

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With such a high altitude, the temperature throughout the day might vary, with the mornings and nights being a bit chilly and mid day being a bit warm.

Ethiopians mostly wear pants and long skirts with no variation depending on the temperature; foreigners can wear shorts but should refrain from clothing that is too revealing.

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Money in Ethiopia

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ATM's in hotel lobbies are a good place to withdraw Ethiopian birr. 4,000 birr or about $175 is the limit for withdrawals per transaction.

Credit cards are only now gaining momentum in Ethiopia as a form of payment. But all in all, it is a cash economy.

One should be wary of black market exchange places, as they are illegal in Ethiopia. For more on this: Ethiopian Birr.

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Telecommunications in Ethiopia

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Local sim cards cost only 15 birr or less than a US dollar and come equipped with 3G and 4G connections.

For more on mobile and internet usage in Ethiopia: ttelecom.html.

Free Wifi can also be found around the city, mostly in hotels and cafes. For a list of the best places with good wifi connections, see: Best Wifi in Ethiopia.

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17 Important Services to Know in Ethiopia

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