General Information About Ethiopia
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General Information About Ethiopia |
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General Information
Ethiopia is the only country in
Africa that has never been colonized. The people of this country have a proud
tradition of fighting for their independence. The country is also unusual for
its rich Orthodox Christian heritage, which the Ethiopians maintained even when
all its neighbors embraced Islam in the 7th century. The landscape of Ethiopia
is fabulous, the people will make you welcome, the sense of history is tangible
and you won't have to worry about crowds of snap-happy tourists. And of course,
all of it comes on a less-than-shoestring budget.
I would suggest that you take care while traveling in Ethiopia. (Check the U.S. State Department Current Travel Warnings) Both Ethiopia and Eritrea are claiming victory in a long-standing border dispute, settled in April 2002 by a Hague court ruling. The Hague ruling demarcates once and for all the 620 mile border that had been the source of a two-year war between the nations. The two countries signed a peace agreement in December 2000, but disagreements over the border kept relations tense. Although the situation for travelers to Ethiopia has improved immeasurably, travel after dark is ill-advised and areas near the Eritrean border should still be avoided. Areas near the Somali border should also be avoided, due to banditry. If traveling to Sudan or Kenya, get local advice and travel in convoy. Steer clear of public political gatherings and demonstrations, particularly in Islamic regions.
Passports and Visas
You will need a passport and probably a visa to visit Ethiopia.
Everyone except Kenyan nationals needs a visa. Visas are single entry.
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Best Time to
Visit
Ethiopia is actually quite pleasant all year with
temperatures in Addis Ababa averaging around 68°F. So, no matter what the
season, you can enjoy yourself there. The only times you might not want to visit
would be in the middle of the year when there are some fairly heavy rain falls,
so it's probably best to avoid June and July.
Money Matters
The local currency is the Birr. Ethiopia is a pretty
inexpensive place to visit, especially if you want to live like a local. If
you're staying in small hotels, eating street food (wherever you believe it is
safe to do so) and traveling by bus, you can get by on about US$12 a day.
Doubling that budget will allow you to stay in better hotels and eat in
restaurants, but you'll still be restricted to bus travel. If you're willing to
pay around US$70 a day you can stay in some pretty good, upscale hotels, take a
plane between towns, eat in better restaurants or whatever you want, and even
perhaps hire a guide.
US dollars travelers'' cheques can be used almost anywhere in Ethiopia, although I would recommend that you carry cash to cover you in really out-of-the-way places. There's really no point taking a credit card with you.
If you use a guide while visiting one of Ethiopia's historic sites, they'll expect a tip - about US$1 an hour seems to be the going rate. Tips aren't expected in restaurants, but they will be happily received. Bargaining with taxi drivers and souvenir-sellers for a better price is quite acceptable.
Here are some examples of what you can expect to pay for meals: budget, about US$1-2; mid-range, US$2-5; and on the top-end, US$5 and upwards. For lodging: budget. US$2-5; mid-range, US$5-20 ; top-end, US$20 and upwards. However, for someplace comparable to what you might find in the States, expect to pay over $60.
Currency Exchange - Get your currency needs managed in advance! Many airports, railroad stations, bus depots, and other points of entry have no currency exchange. When currency exchange is available in airports, lines can be long and rates can be "sky high". These long waits and usurious fees can be a nightmare. Order in advance from All Foreign Currency right online. It's fast, easy, and you save time and money! The can also provide you with Travelers' checks, bank drafts, and transfers. U.S. dollars are not accepted everywhere and rates can be atrocious! Current Exchange Rate: Check Today's Exchange Rate
I have found that it helps to know at least a little bit of the language as I travel in other countries. You do not have to be able to be a fluent speaker, but knowing a few key words and phrases will really help. I have found that, although almost everywhere I go I can find someone who speaks English, knowing just a few words of the local language can really be a help. And, it lets others know I am at least interested in their language. Visit the Getting Away Language Learning Center where you can find out how to learn another language, or where to purchase books, dictionaries, electronic translators, software and more
Click here for language helps, dictionaries, electronic translators, language software and other helps for learning a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip more. Jim.
Books, Maps and Other Resources
My favorite guidebooks when I am traveling is
Fodor's. I find them to be quite complete, easy to use, and almost always on the
money with helps and tips for traveling in the country I am visiting. Click on
Fodor's Travel Guides
to find the perfect guidebook for your travels.
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I always research the destinations to which I intend to travel with books and maps. I normally use Fodor's as I find their guidebooks very informative and easy to read and understand. Click on the Amazon logo to search for travel books and maps. If you don't find what you are looking for, click on the Getting Away Travel Bookshelf to find some of my favorites! Still can't find what you need? Contact me. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com |
Health Risks
Bilharzia (schistosomiasis), contaminated drinking water,
AIDS, malaria, parasites, land mines. Yellow fever vaccinations are compulsory.
If you need medical
care while you are away, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not
accept payment through your insurance company and that you will therefore to pay
in full for your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for
reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit
card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local
embassy or representative. For compensation, you must be treated by licensed
medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation
and receipts. It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel
insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country. Visit
the Getting Away
Health
and Safety Tips for Travelers
page for additional information about insurance.
Electricity, Weights and
Measures
Electricity: 220V or 240V, 50 Hz.
Be sure to take your adaptor and converter kit. Find the converter you will need in the
Getting Away
Travel Store. Additionally, you will find just about anything and
everything you will need when you travel. Across the state, country, or
to a destination on the other side of the world, you'll find what you
need in the Getting
Away Travel Store!
Weights & measures: Metric
Travel Warning
Travel Warnings are issued to
describe long-term, protracted conditions that make a country dangerous or
unstable. A Travel Warning is also issued when the U.S. Government's ability to
assist American citizens is constrained due to the closure of an embassy or
consulate or because of a drawdown of its staff. The countries listed below
meet those criteria. Additionally, the State Department issues
Country Specific Information for every
country of the world with information on such matters as the health conditions,
crime, unusual currency or entry requirements, any areas of instability, and the
location of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in the subject country. Check with the U.S. State Department for
Travel Warnings, Consular Information Sheets & Public
Announcements.
If you have information you believe I should add to this section of Getting Away, please send it to me. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
