Few Information about Ethiopia
CLIMATE
The climate of Ethiopia varies mainly according to elevation. The tropical zone below approximately 1,800 m (approximately 6,000 ft) has an average annual temperature of about 27°C (about 80°F) and receives less than about 500 mm (about 20 in) of rain annually. The subtropical zone, which includes most of the highland plateau and is between about 1,800 and 2,400 m (about 6,000 and 8,000 ft) in elevation, has an average temperature of about 22°C (about 72°F) with an annual rainfall ranging from about 500 to 1,500 mm (about 20 to 60 in). Above approximately 2,400 m (approximately 8,000 ft) is a temperate zone with an average temperature of about 16°C (about 61°F) and an annual rainfall between about 1,300 and 1,800 mm (about 50 and 70 in). The principal rainy season occurs between mid-June and September, followed by a dry season that may be interrupted in February or March by a short rainy season.
TIME AND ELECTRIC SUPPLY
Ethiopia is in the GMT +3 hours time zone.Ethiopia follows the Julian Calander, which consists of Twelve months of 30 days each and a Threeten month of five and Six days. Ethiopia Uses 220volts 50 cycles AC.
CURRENCY
Ethiopia’s unit of currency, the BIRR, is issued by the National Bank of Ethiopia. At Bole Airport, and in all major cites and many towns, there are branches of Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE). There are around six private banks in Addis Ababa with branches in major towns in Ethiopia. Foreign Exchange: Foreign currency may be exchanged at the CBE, Hilton Hotel and Sheraton Hotel. For updated currency Exchange rate check here: http://www.dashenbanksc.com/
CUSTOMS
Personal effects are admitted free. Personal articles and samples including those by businessmen and business travelers,Camera, computers and other high-tech gadgets should be declared on arrival
To get permit to take wild life and wild plants, Please counsel the Ethiopian wildlife conservation organization.
(Tel: 00251-1-517922/514389 Fax: 00251-1-514190. P.O.Box 386, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Duty-free imports are permitted for up to:
A-200 cigarettes
B-1 lit of alcoholic beverages.
C-1/2 lit of perfumes. Visitors may export souvenirs with a value not exceeding E.birr 500.00
ENTRY POINTS
Travelers using rail ways Dewele on the Djibouti border is the only point of entry to Ethiopia and those driving to Ethiopia via surface, Moyale (in Kenya), Humera and Metema (in Sudan), and again Galafi in Djibouti are the available means of entries. All arrivals undergo full customs and immigration checks.
For the major part of travelers accessing via flight, the Bole International Airport is the only terminal available in the Capital Addis Ababa though there are other domestic airports and airstrips serving domestic needs.
AIRPORT
Bole Airport is the main airport with worldwide connections. It is 8km from the center of Addis Ababa. Domestic flights are available to all regions and most tourist sites of the country.
DRIVING
Drivers require a valid International Driving License, which can be obtained by exchanging their local license at the Transport and Road Authority office in Addis Ababa. Visitors can recover their original license a day or so prior to departure. Those with their own Vehicle will require a permit from the ministry of Transport and communication. Driving system is on the right.
TIPPING
Most hotels and restaurants have a service charge, however depending on the size of the bill visitors might want to leave a small tip for the service. It is customary to give tips up to 10% of the value of the bill.
PHOTOS
Visitors should be sensitive about intrusive photography, people should be asked for permission before their photographs are taken. Generally, there will not be any objection but in some areas, particularly among nomads, among Afar and in the Omo Valley, people will often ask for money. Photography in churches is allowed(Without Flash), but in many areas of tourist interest, particularly in the north, there is a charge for video photography. (This also applies to the Blue Nile Falls.) As elsewhere, there are laws and regulations about taking photographs in sensitive areas like airports and around military camps.
ELECTRICITY
Voltage is 220 and plugs are of the two pin variety.
CRIME
Addis Ababa is considered to be one of the safest cities for visitors in Africa but pick pocketing and petty crimes may occur. Please do not leave you valuables unattended. It is advisable to leave your valuables at the hotel’s safe-deposit box in your room or at the reception. Travel documents, Passports, flight tickets etc.. Must be kept in safe place
TRADITIONA courtesies
Recognition of traditional courtesies is important when visiting another country. When greeting a handshake is common, often followed by pleasant discussion on personal matters before getting down to business. The offer of tea or coffee is normal. Smoking is not popular amongst traditional people, or in front of priests. Shoes are often taken off on entering churches, and always on entering mosques.
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