Capital city, Ethiopia
Addis Ababa
High-altitude African Union capital with great coffee, Ethiopian food, markets and the Ethiopian Airlines hub. Cheap and fascinating, but blackouts, slow internet, altitude, traffic and conflict elsewhere in the country need planning.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$553–921Comfortable, one person · Br90,000–150,000Details
- Value for money91/100Better value than 90% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goOct–FebWarmest: Mar, 25°CDetails
- Air quality20.5 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2019) · PollutedDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledTap water is unsafe.Details
- LGBTQ+2/5HostileDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$6.1–15.4Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundRideWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashCards work at big hotels and a few restaurants; most daily spending is cash in birr.Details
Where to stay in Addis Ababa
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Bole | Cafés, hotels, nightlife and the airport; most convenient for visitors |
| Kazanchis | Central, hotels, restaurants and bars; busy |
| Piassa–Arat Kilo | Old city, markets and historic sights; lively and chaotic |
| Sarbet–Old Airport | Mid-range apartments and quieter streets for longer stays |
| CMC–Gerji | Residential, cheaper rents and newer buildings |
Apps that work in Addis Ababa
Food delivery apps don't cover this area.
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Ride | Local app; widest coverage |
| Feres | Local app; often cheaper |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: Telegram
- Ride: Local ride-hailing in Addis
- Feres: Local ride-hailing in Addis
- Telebirr: Mobile money used by locals
- Taxis: Blue Lada taxis and minibuses are common; negotiate the price before getting in. Apps may need a local SIM.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Ethiopia.
- Mostly cash Cards work at big hotels and a few restaurants; most daily spending is cash in birr. ATMs often run out.
- Currency: Birr (ETB). US$1 ≈ Br162.84 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Foreign-card ATMs exist in Addis, usually capped around 10,000–15,000 ETB per day; carry cash USD to exchange.
- Tipping: Not expected; 5–10% in restaurants if no service charge, and small tips for guides and drivers.
- Paying by phone: Telebirr and M-Pesa are widely used locally but need an Ethiopian SIM and registration; foreign cards and wallets are rarely accepted.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Most visitors need an e-visa from the official Ethiopian portal before travel; a 30-day single-entry tourist visa is standard.
- Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.
- Some arrivals must complete a health declaration; confirm with your airline before flying.
Emergency numbers
Police 991 · Ambulance 907 · Fire 939
Plugs
Type C, E, F, L · 220 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Buy at Addis Bole airport or carrier shops with your passport; registration is required. Roughly 500–1,500 ETB for a month of data. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Ethiopia
Going to Addis Ababa solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Addis Ababa meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.