Africa
Money, cards and tipping in Ethiopia
ETBBirr
Money in Ethiopia
Mostly cash Cards work at big Addis hotels and a few restaurants; most daily spending is cash in birr. ATMs run out and card terminals fail. US$1 ≈ Br162.84 (03 Oct 2026).
Key facts
- Tipping: Not expected; 5–10% in restaurants if no service charge, and small tips for guides and drivers.
- ATMs: Foreign-card ATMs exist in Addis, usually capped around 10,000–15,000 ETB per day; carry cash USD to exchange.
- 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.
- Price level: about 37% of US prices (World Bank PPP).
Cash or card, by place
| Place | Cards | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Addis Ababa | Mostly cash | Cards work at big hotels and a few restaurants; most daily spending is cash in birr. ATMs often run out. |
| Lalibela | Cash only | Cash birr is needed almost everywhere; cards rarely work, and ATMs are unreliable. Bring cash from Addis; entry fees may be set in USD. |
Quick answers
Do you tip in Ethiopia?
Not expected; 5–10% in restaurants if no service charge, and small tips for guides and drivers.
Is Ethiopia cashless?
Mostly cash. Cards work at big Addis hotels and a few restaurants; most daily spending is cash in birr. ATMs run out and card terminals fail.
What currency does Ethiopia use?
The Birr (ETB). US$1 ≈ Br162.84 (03 Oct 2026).
Sources
- ExchangeRate-API open rates
- US State Department travel advisory
- Ethiopia e-visa portal
- Ethiopian Airlines
- Ethiopian Tourism Organization
- Speedtest Global Index: Ethiopia
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.