Ethiopia Tourist Trap Tips by DAO Top 5 Page for this destination

DON' GET CAUGHT SHORT

I would suggest that you travel with some of those baby wipes and/or toilet tissue or just plain paper tissue. All too often you will find modern flush toilets, but no paper! You will see all sorts of substitutes that have been used by your fellow humans in the waste basket. Be prepared and you will never be caught out.

I recommend the wipes rather than hand gels. Gels get used quickly and are not versile. Wipes clean the toilet before and yourself after !

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SENDING ITEMS TO ETHIOPIA BY POST

If you are thinking about sending someone in Ethiopia items by the post – watch out! The official duty rates in Ethiopia for the importation of goods is generally 100%! Be careful what you send or the person receiving any goods or gifts may not be able to afford to receive it! Although they have 'reduced' some tax levels officially, they value the items subjectively. I sent a camera that I paid $65 for and my local friend Solomon was asked for $200 tax!

If it is a USED item, declare this clearly on the Customs Declaration. They pay less tax. Many items can become "used" with a little work. Remove all packaging. If its clothes, wash them. Shoes? Yes walk in someone elses shoes! A little used is cheaper than a little new!

It is often better to just send cash and let your friends source the item locally. You can use Western Union for larger money transfers.

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SAVE YOUR CURRENCY RECEIPTS !

If you are flying out of Bole Airport in Addis Ababa, you will need to show your receipt(s) if you want to change Birr back to your chosen currency. Make sure you keep your receipts from anywhere you have bought Birr as they will ask to see them. If you go over the amount of currency they allow to be changed back – do not panic. Just find ANYONE with a passport and they can change the rest for you. I had a fellow traveller ask me for help and the man in the exchange office took note of my passport and then exchanged a further amount for my now grateful fellow traveller.

Some more practical information can be found here:

Currency Guidelines