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 over the years, birr has been known to be a closed currency meaning that it is quite difficult to buy the Ethiopian Birr before one leaves their own country.

Banks’  exchange and regulations

  • Luckily, there are many Forex Exchange Offices here but ensure that the US dollar notes that you want to change are up to date from 2009 or even more recent since trying to exchange earlier notes to birr might not be preferred or accepted by banks.
  • It is advisable to exchange any foreign currency that you’re in possession of be it the US dollars or Euros in the National Bank of Ethiopia.
  • Beware that if found in possession of more than 1000 Ethiopian Birr at the airport, the Ethiopian Birr will be confiscated and you might be charged or even sentenced to years in prison.

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.
  • Stamping on the passport is always done by banks in Ethiopia to show proof of converting Ethiopian Birr to any foreign currency with the specific amount transacted.

Credit Cards

  • Credit cards such as Master Cards and Visa Cards are quickly taking prevalence in the capital, Addis Ababa.
  • However, using credit cards is rural areas can be unreliable. Beware that most rural areas in Ethiopia are underdeveloped, and credit card facilities can be unavailable.

ATMs

  • Almost all banks in Ethiopia in towns and cities have ATMs that are compatible with both Mastercards and International visa cards.
  • Most tourist hotels such as Ethiopian Skylight Hotel, Mariott Executive Hotel, Golden Tulip, Radisson Blue Hotel and Hilton, have ATMs in the reception area.
  • Beware that Plus cards, Foreign Solo Cards, and Cirrus Cards are not compatible with the ATMs here in Ethiopia.