FAQs and General InformationFAQs and General Information

Question

What should I wear?What should I wear?

Answer

Ethiopia is a conserved country, and daytime can get quite warm in April, we recommend lightweight, modest clothing. During the day, protect yourself with sunscreen, and pack a light jacket for cooler evenings when temperatures can drop to the 60s.

Question

Do Places take Credit Cards?Do Places take Credit Cards?

Answer

Outside of hotels and ATMs, not a lot of places take credit cards. We would really recommend bringing cash and exchanging currency in the airport (around where you get your visa) or at your hotel or through a bank to the local currency ,called Ethiopian Birr (or birr for short, ETB).

Question

What if I forget something?What if I forget something?

Answer

If you forget anything, there are supermarkets and pharmacies around but we would suggest you bring any medicines or household items with you as you may not be able to find the items or specific brands you prefer.

Question

Are all foods safe to consume?Are all foods safe to consume?

Answer

No, we wouldn’t recommend you consume any raw fruit, raw vegetable, raw meat or any non-pasteurized products like creamer, milk and/or yogurt while here, It may take some getting used to and Its just better to err on the side of caution. You may bring any dairy product you may need (like coffee creamer *they can be found in powder form for easy safe travel) with you if necessary.

Question

What is the electricity voltage?What is the electricity voltage?

Answer

Ethiopia’s electricity is 220V/50hz with European two prong cylindrical plugs, you might need an adaptor.

Question

What is the phone and Internet situation like?What is the phone and Internet situation like?

Answer

Telecom in Ethiopia is decent but not great. You should be able to use your international phone here, to make and receive phone calls without having to buy a local SIM card. You may want to check your with your network provider about coverage and roaming charges before doing so. If you have an unlocked phone that accepts SIM cards, you should be able to buy or rent a prepaid SIM card at the airport, I recommend buying one before leaving the airport. Most hotels and Guest houses in Addis Ababa have Wi-Fi for room guests and many of the cafes in the areas where you will be staying have Wi-Fi as well. You should be able to access internet via your phone as well. Internet speeds are okay but not consistent. You will be able to make video calls but expect calls to drop from time to time.

Question

What's the Weather Going to be like?What's the Weather Going to be like?

Answer

In Ethiopia, April is the end of summer, at night we can get lows of 57 degree Fahrenheit but with the fall breeze, it can feel colder than actual temperature, and during the day you can expect highs of 79 degree Fahrenheit, with the strong rays of sun, it can get quiet hot so strong sun screen is highly recommended.