£1 ETB 205.87
Today
5:52 am
+3h from you
Travel warning
A lot of the country is off-limits due to armed conflict and kidnappings, which means a normal beach holiday isn't really possible here right now.
Weather in Ethiopia
Ethiopia
21°
Thunderstorm
Fri
15
21
Sat
13
21
Sun
14
19
Mon
13
23
Tue
13
24
SPF level in Ethiopia
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around Ethiopia
Tipping in Ethiopia
Tipping is not as widespread or expected in Ethiopia as it is in some Western countries, but it is becoming more common, especially in tourist areas. Tips are always appreciated for good service.
Restaurant
5-10% of the bill for good service
Bar/Café
Small change or 5-10% for exceptional service
Taxi
Rounding up the fare or a small tip for good service
Hotel Porter
10-20 ETB per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
20-50 ETB per day of stay, left at the end of the stay
Tour Guide
5-10% of the tour cost or 100-300 ETB per day, depending on the tour length and quality
Safety in Ethiopia
Tips for British travellers
Ethiopia is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Keep a copy of your passport and visa with you at all times.
Avoid taking photos of military zones, personnel, or near the Presidential Palace in Addis Ababa.
Be vigilant in crowded places and at Bole International Airport due to pickpockets and bag-snatchers.
In Addis Ababa, use yellow or app-based taxis rather than blue and white ones.
Dress conservatively, especially when visiting religious sites or outside the capital.
Bonus tips:
Possession of illegal drugs can lead to prison sentences of 5 to 10 years.
Same-sex acts are illegal and can result in prison sentences of 1 to 15 years.
Driving in Ethiopia
A UK driving license is valid for short-term visits. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
100 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.0%
Remember: Ethiopia drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
911
Police
991
Ambulance
907
Fire
939
Save 911 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Ethiopia
Voltage
220V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type E, Type F, Type L
UK adapter needed?
Yes
The voltage in Ethiopia is 220V at 50Hz. UK travellers will need a travel adapter for Types C, E, F, and L.
Cards & payments
Card payments are becoming more common in larger establishments, hotels, and tourist-oriented businesses in major cities, but cash is still the preferred payment method in most places.
Visa
Medium
Mastercard
Medium
American Express
Low
Lost card? Call Visa: +1 410-581-9994
ATMs in Ethiopia
ATMs are available in major cities and tourist areas, but less common in rural areas. It is advisable to carry enough cash, especially when traveling outside of Addis Ababa.
Local name
ATM
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs primarily accept Visa and Mastercard. Ensure your card is enabled for international use before traveling.
Mobile & roaming
As the UK is no longer part of the EU, EU roaming agreements no longer apply. Check with your mobile provider about roaming charges in Ethiopia. Roaming can be very expensive, so consider purchasing a local SIM card for more affordable data and calls.
Local SIM data package
5 GB for 300 ETB (~£4)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Local carriers
Ethio Telecom
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants in major cities, but can be unreliable and slow.
Average speed
8 Mbps
While internet cafes are available, mobile data is generally more accessible. Consider purchasing a local SIM with a data package for reliable connectivity.
Health & vaccinations in Ethiopia
Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation. Medical facilities, especially outside Addis Ababa, may be limited. Ensure your policy covers ambulance services and treatment at private facilities, which may require upfront payment. GHIC/EHIC is not applicable in Ethiopia.
Vaccinations required?
Yes
Recommended
Hepatitis A
Consult your doctor well in advance of your trip for advice on necessary vaccinations and malaria prevention. Drink only boiled or bottled water. Avoid raw or undercooked food. Be aware of rabies risks from animals. Medical facilities are limited, particularly outside of Addis Ababa.
Calling Ethiopia
Country code
+251
To call Ethiopia from the UK, dial 00 251 followed by the local number.
To call the British Embassy in Addis Ababa from the UK, you would dial 00 251 11 617 0100.
The country code for Ethiopia is 251. When calling from abroad, dial the exit code of your country (00 in the UK), followed by 251, and then the local number. Mobile phone coverage can be patchy in rural areas.
UK Embassy in Ethiopia
British Embassy Addis Ababa
Bole Road, Addis Ababa
Airports in Ethiopia
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.