Ethiopia Travel Forum

We are going to Ethiopia in December for a month. We were wondering what the best way of taking cash was. We were thinking of taking most in hard cash (probably dollars) and then keeping some in in a debit account. This is to save going to bank a lotand saving money on making multiple withdrawals. Does anyone any advice or tips on this. Thanks

you do not mention where in Ethiopia you are going, but be aware that outside the cities the bank infrastructure leaves much to be desired, same goes for ATMs. Credit cards are not always accepted, especially in budget hotels or restaurants, so taking the hard cash with you is a good idea. I´m not sure about opening a debit account (at least I understand that´s what you hope to do). I don´t know how these things are handled in Ethiopia, but in Kenya you can only open an account with a certain amount of cash plus papers that confirm that you have a long term visum/residentship in the country.

Thanks for your advice we are travelling all over Ethiopia, we usually withdraw our money from cash machines from our bank accounts whilst on holiday, but this is getting more expensive. I think taking the majority in cash is our best option thanks again for your help.

I have not personal been to Ethiopia I am not the right person to answer this question. But my family members have been to Ethiopia what I was told was it;s cash based economy best to bring hard cash – and American dollar is the number 1 Foreign currency that is exchanged.

But Euros and British pounds can be exchanged – but in east African American dollar rules.

I would also buy a money belt that will keep your hard cash safe you don’t want hotel staff to break into your bag and take all cash – trust me in Africa it’s possible.

When I was in Egypt I used my money belt – I got good one that kept all my hard cash.


Just before you go, visit your GP if you need injections – I got mines when I went to Egypt.


You can also get your visa at the airport –I think visa fee 20 – 30 USD


This is FCO Travel advice

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/sub-saharan-africa/ethiopia#entryRequirements


I would also resister with British Embassy in Addis) you can do this by online here is the web site.

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/staying-safe/Locate/


I hope all my information helps you.

Have great trip to mother Africa.

Hi,

I have lived and visited Ethiopia a few times. There are a few (less than 20) ATM's in Addis Ababa. outside of that, no. The safest way is to take American Express Travelers Cheques in US Dollars. Banks charge a small amount, usually about 1.5%. There are banks in Gonder, Axum, and Harer. Lalibala, not when I was there. Crime is not a big issues where tourists are concerned. Many hotels are increasingly taking debit cards. Ethiopian Airlines will (although they were not so keen in cities outside of Addis.

Please feel free to have a look at my Ethiopian city pages for more info.

Have a great time,

DAO

thanks for the advice and links much appreciated