Social ConventionsCasual wear is suitable for most places, but Ethiopians tend to be fairly formal and conservative in their dress. Private informal entertaining is very common. Most religious houses are not open to women.
Photography: In the smaller towns the locals may expect a small payment in return for being photographed. Video photography in famous tourist attractions occasionally carries a small charge. Photography may be prohibited in airports and near military camps.
International Travel:Getting There by AirThe national airline is
Ethiopian Airlines
(ET) (website:
www.flyethiopian.com), which operates direct flights from London and Washington.
Departure TaxUS$20, exempt are transit passengers not leaving the airport.
Main AirportsAddis Ababa (ADD) (Bole International) is 8km (5 miles) southeast of the city (journey time – 25 minutes).
To/from the aiport: A coach service departs regularly to the city. Taxis are also available.
Facilities: Duty-free, car hire, banks, bureaux de change, left luggage, post office, first aid facilities, gift shops, restaurant and bar.
Dire Dawa (DIR) (Aba Tenna D Yilma International Airport) also deals with a few international flights, mostly from small airlines of Arab countries, including
Air Djibouti.
Getting There by RailA rail service between Djibouti and Addis Ababa is run jointly by the two governments.
Getting There by RoadThe main route is via Kenya. There is an all-weather road from Moyale on the border via Yabelo, Dila and Yirga to Addis Ababa. The following border points are also open: Dewale/Galafi (from Djibouti) and Humera/Metema (from Sudan). The road linking Nairobi and Addis Ababa forms part of the Trans-East African Highway.
OverviewThe following goods may be imported into Ethiopia without incurring customs duty:
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 227g of tobacco;
1l of alcoholic beverages;
two bottles or 500ml of perfume;
gifts up to the value of Br500.
Note: Export certificates are required for skins, hides and antiques.
Internal Travel:Getting Around By AirEthiopian Airlines (website:
www.flyethiopian.com)
runs internal flights to over 40 towns, although services may be infrequent. Airports throughout Ethiopia are currently being upgraded in a step to encourage tourism.
Ethiopian Airlines also operates a
Historic Route Service for tourists taking in the most famous historic sites.
Getting Around by RailThe only working line runs between Addis Ababa and Djibouti, via Dire Dawa and Harar. Travelers should be prepared for occasional delays.
Getting Around by RoadA good network of all-weather roads services most business and tourist centers. Otherwise, 4-wheel drive vehicles are recommended. Frequent fuel shortages can make travel outside Addis Ababa very difficult. Vehicle travel after dark outside the capital is risky. Traffic drives on the right.
Bus: Services throughout the country are run by the government as well as private companies. The bus terminus can provide schedules and tickets, although it is unusual for tourists to attempt to use this service. Bus trips can be slow as there is often a lengthy wait to assemble a convoy (necessary in more dangerous areas).
Car hire: This is available from international firms in Addis Ababa. It can also be arranged through the National Tour Operation (NTO) (website:
www.nto.com.et).
Taxi: Available in Addis Ababa and other major towns. These include blue-and-white mini buses; they sometimes offer service on a shared basis and are inexpensive. Fares are not usually metered and should be negotiated before traveling. Personalised and specific trips should be negotiated with the driver in advance of travel. In Addis Ababa, the National Tour Operation (NTO) operates luxury taxis. They are stationed outside major hotels and at the airport. There are also yellow taxis at the aiport. Neither have meters.
Regulations: The minimum driving age is 18. Drink-driving is illegal. The speed limit is 40kph (25mph) within the city limits and 60kph (37mph) outside.
Documentation: Full valid international or Ethiopian license is required. License from country of origin must be endorsed locally.
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