Basics
Sockets & plugs
Ethiopia uses 220V, 50Hz with sockets and plugs Type C and Type F.
Read more
Money
Currency
Ethiopia uses the Ethiopian birr (symbol: Br), code ETB.
Banknotes come in denominations of 200, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1 birrs. Birr is subdivided into 100 santims. Coins come in denominations of 1 birr and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 santims.
Tipping
Tipping is expected in Ethiopia since staff depend on tips to supplement their often minimum wages. Receipts usually include a service charge.
ATMs
Automatic teller machines (local name: ኤቲኤም) are rare in Ethiopia. Your best bet is to look for them in large cities and community places.
You do not need a chip & PIN card to use an ATM — your standard magnetic card will work fine.
Communications
Internet
Internet speed in Ethiopia is on average 2.2 Mbps.
WiFi coverage in Ethiopia is very low. It's quite hard to find one.
Mobile phone
You can buy a SIM card for about 388.92 ETB, which includes 1 GB of data plan. You can choose from 1 telecoms: Ethio Telecom.
Ethiopia uses GSM mobile networks GSM 900.
If you don't want to buy SIM card in Ethiopia upon arrival, make sure to check the roaming charges with your telecom provider before your departure so there are no surprises when you return home.
Dial code
To call Ethiopia, dial +, then 251 (the country code for Ethiopia), then the area code (without the initial 0) and the local number.
For local calls within Ethiopia, start with the area code (with the initial 0). In the case above area code is 11 .
Health & safety
LGBTIQ+
Homosexual practices are illegal in Ethiopia. Punishment includes imprisonment and a fine.
Same-sex marriage is illegal.
Vaccinations
The following vaccinations listed for this country are recommended for your protection and to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
These apply only to select travelers or persons on work assignments.
Travel advisories
Alerts are issued for short-term events we think you should know about when planning travel to a country.
