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Addis Ababa Travel Resources

Addis Ababa Travel Resources

Addis Ababa Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Travel Guide

Digital Resources

Essential Apps

  • Feres (Ferri) Taxi & RIDE Passenger

    Required apps for convenient ride-sharing, offering clear pricing and tracking.

  • Google Maps

    Essential for navigation. Download offline maps for use without internet.

  • Google Translate

    Download the Amharic offline pack for instant translation and language barrier assistance.

  • VPN Service

    Consider NordVPN for secure and reliable internet access.

  • General Utility

    These apps make daily movement and communication smoother.

Useful Websites

  • Ethiopian e-Visa Portal

    Visit Evisa.gov.et for official visa application information.

  • Ethiopian Airlines

    Check Ethiopianairlines.com for flight info and services.

  • Home Country Embassy

    Check your embassy website for travel advisories and consular services.

  • Local News Websites

    Search for English-language Ethiopian news sites like The Reporter or Fortune for insights.

  • Social Media & Podcasts

    Find official tourism accounts, travel content creators, and podcasts on Ethiopian culture.

Print Resources

Guidebooks

General travel books for Ethiopia, like the Bradt Guide, provide comprehensive historical and cultural information.

Physical Maps

Consider a physical map of Addis Ababa for offline navigation and understanding the city's layout.

Books about Ethiopia

Books like "A History of Ethiopia" by Harold G. Marcus or "Cutting for Stone" by Abraham Verghese. "The Chains of Heaven" offers a travel narrative.

Emergency & Medical Information

Emergency Contacts

  • Police: 991
  • Ambulance: 933
  • Fire: 939
  • For tourist-specific issues, approach the nearest the constabulary.

Hospitals & Embassies

  • Nordic Medical Centre: A well-regarded private clinic.
  • St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College: A large public hospital.
  • Have your country's embassy or consulate contact details ready.
  • Report lost report lost documents to the police immediately for a report.

Further Exploration

Films

  • "Teza": A powerful drama exploring modern Ethiopian history.
  • "Dillinger is Dead": A documentary focusing on Mulatu Astatke.
  • These films provide visual context.
  • They add emotional depth.

Music

  • Explore Ethio-jazz by Mulatu Astatke, Mahmoud Ahmed.
  • Listen to traditional Ethiopian music.
  • It helps prepare for live cultural performances.
  • This unique sound enhances your trip.

Online Resources

  • General travel forums offer peer advice.
  • Expat groups for Addis Ababa provide local recommendations.
  • Apps like Babbel (Babbel.com) or Duolingo offer Amharic lessons.
  • Online resources and local tutors are available.

Pre-Trip Checklist

Essential Preparations

-6 Months Before

  • Passport Validity

    Confirm validity for at least six months beyond your stay.

  • Visa Application

    Apply for your Ethiopian e-visa via Evisa.gov.et early.

  • Health Consultation

    Consult a travel health professional for required (Yellow Fever) and recommended vaccinations.

-2 Months Before

  • Accommodation Bookings

    Book hotels, guesthouses, or Airbnb rentals in Addis Ababa.

  • Travel Insurance

    Purchase comprehensive travel insurance. World Nomads is an option.

  • Itinerary Planning

    Plan your detailed itinerary, including any day trips or specific tours.

Departure Preparation

Souvenirs & Shipping

Purchase souvenirs a couple of days before departure. Inquire about shipping costs well in advance for big items.

VAT Refunds

Ethiopia does not typically operate a VAT refund scheme for tourists on purchases.

Airport Timing

Arrive at Bole International Airport (ADD) at least 2-3 hours before international flight departure.

Arrival Checklist

First Steps Upon Arrival

  • Proceed through immigration with your passport and e-visa approval.
  • Undergo Yellow Fever certificate check; have your original ready.
  • Collect checked luggage from the carousel.
  • Exchange currency or withdraw cash from an airport ATM.

Orientation & Purchases

  • Purchase a local SIM card from the Ethio Telecom counter for connectivity.
  • Locate your pre-arranged transfer or designated taxi/ride-sharing pick-up.
  • Purchase bottled water immediately upon leaving the airport.
  • Head directly to your accommodation to settle in.

Home Preparation

Communication & Care

  • Inform family or friends of your itinerary and emergency contacts.
  • Arrange for mail collection.
  • Arrange for pet care if needed.
  • Review home security measures.

Financial & Documents

  • Ensure bills are paid or set up for auto-payment.
  • Notify your bank and credit card companies of travel dates.
  • Organize digital and physical copies of vital documents.
  • Download essential apps like Feres/RIDE and Google Maps.

Pre-Trip Research

Familiarize yourself with Ethiopian culture, learn basic Amharic phrases, and review current travel advisories. This helps set realistic expectations.

Addis Ababa Travel Resources. Apps, Maps, Emergency Contacts