A culturally rich and diverse country, Ethiopia is also an archaeologically important nation with claims of being home to the earliest known humans. Our last blog examined entry requirements and security issues for this African nation. Today we will look at money, photography, health and travel issues.
Money
Travelers can carry $3,000 in foreign currency in and out of Ethiopia with proper evidence of its source. Only 200 Ethiopian Birr can be carried out of the country.
Credit cards are not accepted at most hotels, restaurants or shops, so most likely you will need to exchange your currency and use Ethiopian cash for any transactions. It is best to use newer currency as some banks and exchange centers have refused to take 1996 series U.S. currency.
Be sure to keep your receipt when exchanging money as it will be required to convert unused Ethiopian currency back to the original foreign currency. Also, only use legally authorized outlets to exchange your funds. Penalties for not using legal outlets range from fines to imprisonment.
Photography
Ethiopia strictly prohibits photographing military installations, police/military personnel, industrial facilities, government buildings, airports, bridges, dams and roads.
Health
Health facilities are limited in Addis Ababa and almost non-existent outside of the city. Serious illness or injuries will require medical evacuation (“medevac”) out of the country, so traveler’s insurance that covers such is highly recommended. Medevac from Ethiopia can cost in excess of $40,000.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommends travelers to Ethiopia have yellow fever, hepatitis A, and typhoid vaccinations. A booster dose of polio vaccine for adults who have never had the booster is also recommended. If you are traveling in western Ethiopia between December and June, the CDC also recommends a meningitis vaccination.
Malaria is prevalent in Ethiopia in all areas with an altitude under 8,202 feet except in Addis Ababa. Chloroquine is not an effective antimalarial drug in Ethiopia. Proper precautions to protect against mosquito bites should be taken.
Swimming in any lakes, rivers or still bodies of water should be avoided as most bodies of water have been found to contain parasites. Travelers should also be aware that much of Ethiopia is at higher elevations. Addis Ababa, for example, ranges from 7,000 to 8,500 feet which may pose a problem with people with breathing difficulties.
For additional health information on Ethiopia, visit http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/ethiopia.aspx.
Getting There
Ministry Travel offers special rates on Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, KLM Airlines, and Lufthansa which all serve Addis Ababa. Ask your Ministry Travel agent for details or submit a no-obligation quote request at http://www.ministrytravel.com/contact/quote-request.shtml.