Ethiopia

Travel tips for Ethiopia: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.

Cash and cards

Cash is essential. Cards are rarely accepted outside international hotels and airports, and local ATMs frequently reject foreign cards or run out of money. Travelers strongly recommend bringing USD cash to exchange for daily expenses.

Try the food

Injera (እንጀራ): A sour, spongy flatbread made from fermented teff flour that serves as both the plate and the utensil for most meals.
Doro Wat (ዶሮ ወጥ): A rich, spicy, slow-cooked chicken stew heavily flavored with berbere spice blend and served with a hard-boiled egg.
Shiro (ሽሮ): A thick, savory puree made from powdered chickpeas or broad beans simmered with minced onions, garlic, and spices.
Kitfo (ክትፎ): Minced raw beef marinated in a fiery chili powder blend called mitmita and spiced clarified butter.

Say it in Amharic

Hello: ሰላም (Selam)
Thank you: አመሰግናለሁ (Ameseginalehu)
Please: እባክዎ (Ebakwo)
Excuse me: ይቅርታ (Yiqirta)
How much is this?: ስንት ነው? (Sint new?)
Yes: አዎ (Awo)
No: አይ (Ay)
Goodbye: ቻው (Chaw)

Essentials

Voltage: 220V, 50Hz
Driving: Right side
SIM tip: Purchase an Ethio Telecom or Safaricom SIM card at the official kiosks in Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, requiring your passport for registration.

Etiquette

Always eat with your right hand, as the left hand is traditionally considered unclean for dining.