Travel Tips & Advices
 

GETTING THERE:
By Air: Bole International Air port- It is serviced by a number of International airlines along with Ethiopian Airlines. To name Egypt Air, KLM, Kenya Airways, Emirates, Turkish Airways, British Airways, Luftuhansa, Yemenia and Sudan airways.

By Road: Moy ale (in Kenya),Humera and Metema (in Sudan ) and Dewele ( in Djibouti) .
By Rail: Dewele and Dire Dawa -running from Djibouti.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS: Prior to entry, visitors should be in possession of a valid health certificate for yellow fever. Vaccination against cholera is also required for any person who has visited or transited a cholera infected area within six days prior to arrival in Ethiopia.

CURRNECY AND CURRENCY REGULATIONS: The local currency is the Ethiopian Birr, which is made up of 100 cents. Currency notes are in 1, 5, 10, 50 and 100 denominations. There are five different coins: 1,5,10, 25 and 50. Foreign Currency can be exchanged at the Airport, Banks, hotels and other authorized dealers. Visitors may import an unlimited amount of foreign currency, provided that declaration of such currency is made to customs on arrival. The currency declaration form must be retained as this will be required by customs on departure. Visitors, however, will be able to change back any excess Ethiopian Birr to foreign Currency at the airport before departure. In addition to the currency declaration form one must bring with her/him all receipts for exchange transactions.
 

 

CUSTOMS AND IMMIGRATION: Visas can be obtained from Ethiopian Diplomatic and Consular Missions overseas. Except for nationals of Kenya and Djibouti all visitors to Ethiopia are required to have an entry visa. Nationals of 35 countries are allowed to get their visa on arrival at Bole International Air port (Addis Ababa).The regular charge is US$ 20 Visitors are allowed to bring in the following items duty free:
» 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or ½lb of tobacco,
» 1 litter of alcoholic beverages and
» ½ litter or two bottles of perfume.
Visitors may export souvenirs with a value not exceeding 500 ETB, although some Articles such as Animal skins and Antiques require an export permit.

ENERGY: Electricity supply in Ethiopia is 220 volts 50 cycles AC.

COMMUNICATION: Internet services (Dial Up and Broad Band) are available in Cities. Visitors holding dual band mobile handsets (900/1800 MHZ) can access SIM cards from Ethiopian Telecommunications Corporation with pre charged air time.

ACCOMMODATIONS: There are different classes of modern hotels in Addis and tourist destinations that cater to all budgets, from the luxurious Sheraton and Hilton hotels to the tourist class hotels. There are also so many restaurants in Addis and other regional towns that cater tourists for reasonable prices.

BUSINESS: EtiqHTTte is very important in Ethiopia, both socially and in business. Formal attire is expected of men and women. Greetings are very important and the shaking of hands is the norm for first meetings. Ethiopians like to establish good relations with one another and personal relationships are the cornerstone of business. English is understood by most businessmen in Addis Ababa, as well as some French and Italian. Ethiopians respect their elders and visitors should show the same courtesy. Business hours are generally 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday with an hour taken at lunch, but may vary according to individual businesses.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS: Ethiopia boasts a rich culture that celebrates both Christian and Muslim holidays. Below is a list of major holidays.

» Enkutatash (Ethiopian New Year) – September 11 in western calendar, it is the New Year for Ethiopians. It is also the Feast of St John the Baptist. The day is called Enkutatash meaning the 'gift of jewels', when the famous Queen of Sheba returned from her expensive journey to visit King Solomon in Jerusalem, her chiefs welcomed her back by replenishing her treasury with fuku, or jewels.

» Meskel (Finding of the True cross) – Celebrated on 27 September. The feast commemorates the discovery of the cross, upon which Jesus was crucified, by Empress Helena, the mother of Constantine the Great.

» Ghenna (Ethiopian Christmas) – It is also called Lidet and falls on 7th January. It is celebrated seriously by a church service that goes on throughout the night, with people moving from one church to another. Traditionally, young men played a game that is similar to hockey, called genna, on this day and now Charismas has also come to be known by that name.

» Timket (Epiphany) - It falls on 19 January and the celebration lasts for three days. It begins on the eve of the day with dramatic and colorful processions. The following morning, the great day itself, the Baptism of Christ in the Jordan River by John the Baptist is commemorated. The third day is devoted to the Feast of St Michael, the archangel, one of Ethiopia' most popular saints.

» Victory of Adwa- It is a celebration which held on March 2, which commemorates those Ethiopians who courageously fought and defeated the Italian Invaders at Adwa in 1886.

» Mawlid al-Nabi- In March Muslim Ethiopians celebrates the birth of Prophet Mohammed.

» EID-al Fitir (End of Ramadan) - In October Ethiopian Muslims celebrates this occasion as colorfully as it is by Muslims throughout the world.

» Ethiopian Good Friday-April/May

» Ethiopian Easter-April/may- The celebration includes church sacred music and church dance, latter accompanied by the most solemn and moving rituals during the mid night mass.

» International Labor Day-May 1

» May 5-Patriots Victory day

» May 28-Down Fall of Derg- commemoration of those fighters who courageously fought and defeated the dictator and socialist government which was led by Mengestu Hailemariam for Equal right nation and nationalities, Democracy and good governance.

WHEN TO COME: This can depend on where you are going. In most of the country, the main rainy season runs from June to the end of September, with short rains in March. In the Omo and Mago parks however, in southern Ethiopia, the seasons are different with the main rains from March to June and the shorter rains in November. With the upgrading of the airports along airports along the historic route (Axum, Lalibella, Gondar, bahirdar), it is now possible to visit the north even in the rain season. For travelers who do not mind waiting out a downpour (Usually followed by brilliant sunshine) there are certain rewards-a green countryside full of corps and flowers and the site largely to you.

WHAT TO WEAR: Because of the elevation, temperatures rarely exceed 25 degree Celsius in most of the country, although in some of the lower lying areas (Awash, Omo and Mago parks) I can get considerably hotter. Pack light clothes for the day time and a jacket or sweater for the evenings, and a good pair of walking shoes even if you are not going trekking-path ways around historic sites are usually uneven and stony. Trekkers in the semien and Bale Mountains will need warm clothes, water-proofs and 3-4 season sleeping bags. On a cultural note Ethiopians are generally modest desserts, and visitors should be sensitive about going underdressed (shorts, tank tops and bare backed) into places of worship. Shoes must always be removed before entering churches and mosques-for getting around like lalibella with its many churches. Airline socks are very useful in this regard.

FOOD AND DRINKS: The Ethiopian national dish consists of Injera, a flat, circular pancake of fermented dough made from a grain seed called tef, on top of which are served different kinds of cooked meals, vegetables and pulses. The sauces are generally spiced with berbere, a blend of herbs and spices (including hot peppers) which gives Ethiopian food its characteristic taste.Addis Ababa boasts a wide selection of international restaurants, and hotels at tourist sites European style food such as pasta is always available.

Several kinds of alcoholic and soft beverages are available throughout the country. There are several brands of locally produced beer. Ethiopia produces its own wine and spirits, while imported spirits are also widely available. There are home brewed alcoholic drinks like tela, tej (wine made from honey) and kati kala (distilled liquor from various grains.)

TIPPING: It is not a standard practice at local hotels and restaurants, but it will always be appreciated. It is normal to tip 5-10% at tourist-oriented restaurants. Guides and Drivers should always be tipped.

KEY WORDS IN AMHARIC:
» Tenayestilign………………………..Hello / how are you?
» Ciao!...................................Good Bye
» Sinntino………………………………..How much is it?
» Simeh man no? (Mascu)……….What is your name?
» Simesh man no? (Fem)…………What’s your name?
» Leselassa………………………………..Soft Drink
» Amboha………………………………….Mineral Water
» Buna……………………………………….Coffee
» Shai…………………………………………Tea
» Amesegnalo…………………………….Thank you
» Ishi…………………………………………..Ok
» Konjo……………………………………….Beautiful
» Aydelem…………………………………..No

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