Travel Essentials

Ethiopia: What To Know Before You Go

Q: What is the emergency number in Ethiopia?

One number for everything: 911, Police: 991, Ambulance: 907, Fire: 939

Plugs: Types C, E, F and L, 220 V. Emergency: One number for everything 911, Police 991, Ambulance 907, Fire 939. Tipping: Around 10% in restaurants and small tips for guides, drivers and hotel staff are customary. Tap water: Drink bottled or treated water.

Open The Ethiopia Trip Kit

Plugs And Power

Types C, E, F and L, 220 V

Emergency Numbers

One number for everything	911
Police	991
Ambulance	907
Fire	939

Tipping

Around 10% in restaurants and small tips for guides, drivers and hotel staff are customary.

Water And Health

Tap water: Drink bottled or treated water
Vaccines: Routine vaccines, hepatitis A, typhoid, yellow fever; hepatitis B, rabies and meningitis for some travelers
Malaria: Risk in most areas below 2,000 m; ask about preventive tablets

Apps To Download Before You Go

Telebirr: Ethio Telecom's mobile money is accepted almost everywhere, from taxis to restaurants.
Ride: Ethiopia's leading home-grown ride-hailing app in Addis Ababa.
Feres: Another popular Addis Ababa ride-hailing app.
Yango: A global ride app that has gained ground in the capital.
Telegram: The most-used messaging app in Ethiopia, ahead of WhatsApp.
Ethiopian Airlines: Domestic flights are the practical way to reach Lalibela, Gondar and Axum.
Deliver Addis: A local food delivery app for restaurants in the capital.

Customs And Etiquette

Greetings. A handshake with a slight bow is common; close friends may touch cheeks or shoulders.

Coffee ceremony. The traditional coffee ceremony is an important social ritual; accepting an invitation is a sign of respect.

Dress at religious sites. Cover shoulders and legs and remove shoes before entering churches and mosques.

Eating etiquette. Food (often injera) is eaten with the right hand from a shared plate; the left hand is avoided.

Safety And Scams

The main tourist circuit (Addis Ababa, Lalibela, Gondar, Bahir Dar, Simien Mountains) is generally safe, but check current conditions in Tigray, Amhara and Oromia regions, which have seen periodic conflict and unrest.

Overcharging and fake guides. Agree prices upfront for transport and unofficial 'guides' at popular sites; use licensed guides where possible.

Persistent begging. Common around tourist sites in some cities; a polite decline usually works.

Women travelers. Moderate street attention is possible; dressing modestly and using reputable transport reduces hassle.

LGBTQ+ Travelers

Criminalized

Same-sex acts are criminalized under the 2004 Criminal Code, with 1–15 years imprisonment; a 2023 government crackdown raided hotels and guesthouses linked to LGBTQ+ activity. Public expression of any kind is extremely risky.

What Things Cost

Coffee (café)	80 ETB	$0.50
Local bus or metro ride	10 ETB	$0.06
Mid-range restaurant meal	1,500 ETB	$10
Hostel bed / budget room (night)	3,000 ETB	$20
Mid-range hotel (night)	9,000 ETB	$60
Daily budget, mid-range traveler	10,500 ETB	$70

2026-09

Best Time To Visit

October to May is the dry season and best for travel; the main rains (kiremt) fall June–September, making roads and trekking difficult.

Phrases

Basic Amharic phrases · Basic Oromo phrases · Basic Tigrinya phrases · Basic Somali phrases