Dawit Deggu Mohis 
Black-market in Ethiopia Black-market traders do exist in Ethiopia. Unlike previous years when black-market was the most desirable and fair place to exchange all currencies and had fair deals, everything has drastically changed now. Currently, they are characterized by reduced rates and fake notes. Avoid the black-market as much as you can since it is … Read more
Ethiopian birr is the local currency used in the country. Notes available are of 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1 denominations. At the airport, any foreign currency can be exchanged in authorized hotels and banks. ETB 3,000 is equivalent to $100. Banking hours run from 8am to 5pm on Mondays to Fridays and 8am to … Read more
Ethiopian Notes Ethiopian Birr is the domestic currency used in Ethiopia. They have denominations of 100, 10, 20, 5, and 1 notes. Birr has also been divided into cents with a maximum of 100 cents. Cents have been divided into 25, 10, 50 and 5. ETB is the currency’s letter code Since its inception and … Read more
Ethiopia has a diverse set of seasons experienced throughout the year. Summer season It is referred to as Meher or Kiremt and is experienced in June through August. During this time, Ethiopians enjoy the monsoon summer season characterized by heavy rainfalls. These months are considered the coldest months of the year, and it is advisable … Read more
Wildlife and vegetation Ethiopia is home to the most indigenous plants and the rarest wildlife in the world. Interestingly, the country is endowed with diverse topographical features. These encompasses of flat plateaus, lush rivers, rugged mountains and beautiful plains. Vegetation here has always been described as Afro-montane and Afro-alpine respectively. With Afro-alpine, the southeastern part … Read more
Expect to see many beggars in the streets in major towns and cities such as Addis Ababa. Be vigilant of people begging or strangers asking for assistance as most robbers and criminals adopt this technique of feigning illness to distract your attention. Avoid asking for directions from strangers at any give time. It is advisable … Read more
Gifts are highly appreciated in the Ethiopian culture and are normally given during religious celebrations and events. Most gifts are always sealed and wrapped when submitted to the host. Expensive gifts are not commonly given as most people are not rich. Examples of common gifts to give are flowers, pastries or fruits. It is a … Read more
Delicious Ethiopian food and coffee Eating Ethiopian food is one of the best things to do in Addis Ababa. Ethiopian cuisine has mouth-licking spices filled with curries with vegetables and lots of meat alongside injera, a staple food in the country. Injera is a spongy pancake-like food that has been fermented and is made from … Read more
There are a variety of ethnic and traditional restaurants with delicious Ethiopian cuisine to eat from such as Beer Garden, Kaya Restaurant, Garden Paradise Restaurant and The Canteen Restaurant. Injera is the staple cuisine found in most restaurants and is served with almost every meal. It is made from Teff grain and is usually a … Read more
To obtain a vaccination certificate, ensure that you are vaccinated against Yellow Fever in your country. Get immunized for polio, typhoid and Hepatitis A and B. Inquire on the current health situation in Ethiopia with your country’s health experts. Visit your doctor at least one month before travelling for general check-up and get malaria medications … Read more