"AU City" a Addis Ababa Travel Page by sebblit7

For me Addis is the place for covering AU summits. It's currently in the spotlight because of discontent over the results of the recent elections as well as troop border movement on either side during the ongoing conflict with Eritrea.

If you're baffled by the new dialling code system that was recently introduced (and all your old contacts no longer work, or you're trying a number you found on some website which still displays the old number, then here's a brilliant little page that will generate the new number for you for all numbers in Ethiopia: http://www.nazret.com/converter/

Visa? Yes if you come from a country that has an embassy. No if you don't, or are attending a quickly convened AU meeting. In this case the AU will advise the officials at Bole Int.
Health Certificate? Yes Yellowfever. Also if coming from a Cholera infected area.
Disease? Malaria not typical in Addis, but prevalent throughout the rest of the country.
Anything to pay on arrival for visa? Yes US$40
On Departure? US$20
Letter to customs for TV equipment? Yes, definitely! We always have trouble here. Try to prearrange with AU or your local contact.
Press accreditation? Yes it's necessary, takes about 1.5 hrs at the ministry for info office (if they're not busy).
Hotels? Sheraton/Hilton. See hotels.
Internet facilities? Yes, always slow.
Cellphones? Yes Ethionet, roaming with SA MTN is available.
Car Hire? NTO see transportation.
Airport transfers? Yes free with Sheraton
Feed Facility? Yes definitely have fed on a few occasions (even did a live once) see contacts.
Electricity? 240v plug type Italian three pin.
Thuraya footprint. Yes.

Desmond Orjiako (Spokesman) AU Addis: Tel +251 11 551-2005 Cel +251 91 120-1652
George Somerwill, UNMEE Addis: Tel +251 11 372-6895 Cel +251 91 122-3031
Ministry for foreign affairs in Addis: Tel +251 11 551-7345 Fax +251 11 551-4300 Email mfa.addis@telecom.net.et
Saloman NTO Car Hire: Cel +251 91 163 9381 Tel:+251 11 155 1266 Email: nto@telecom.net.et
Sheraton: Tel +251 (11) 517 1717 Fax +251 (11) 517 2727
Hilton: Tel +251 (11) 551 8400 Fax +251 (11) 551 0064
Ato Habta (Chief Technician) Ethiopian TV for feeds Cel: +251 (911) 677 952 Fax: +251 (11) 551 2686
Earth Station Ethiopia: Tel +251 11 155 1266 Fax +251 11 155 3829