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A reader emailed me because she was wondering how to handle her money when she was in Ethiopia. It’s a good question. Adoption travel to a third world country is a bit different than a trip to Hawaii, and the typical money ‘rules’ are a little different.
You will most likely not be able to change money until you get to Ethiopia, as none of the other airports have birr, as far as I have been able to find out. You will need to bring your US money mostly in cash. $50 bills are best, and they need to be 1997 or newer, with very little wear or wrinkles. Contact your bank at least a week ahead of your trip for help in gathering new money.
If the money is too worn, many money-changing places in Ethiopia will not acccept it to be changed, though (I warn you) they will likely give you some of the rattiest Ethiopian money you could ever imagine in exchange for your nice crisp US $50’s that do pass.
I actually ironed some of my money the second time around because I’d had the experience of a couple of my bills being rejected several places and hoped smoothing it out would help it run through the money-testing machines that they use various places.
You can change money in the airport at a counter across the hall from the place where you buy your visa. The exchange rate at the airport is not quite as good as at some of the hotels, though, so you might want to only change some of your money at the airport. The Ghion, the Hilton, and the Sheration will all change your money for you.
Since you will be carrying a lot of money, you would be wise to have a money belt for each member of your party, and divide the money among all the adults. Each morning in Ethiopia, it is wise to guesstimate the amount of money you’ll need for the day’s activities, and put that amount in a front pants pocket or a fanny pack. That way you can avoid going into your money belt and flashing a bunch of money in a public place. Be careful about putting valuables in bags that can be easily snatched or backpacks that you won’t be able to keep an eye on. Though I personally do not know anyone who experienced theft, I have heard there ARE pickpockets some places.
Credit cards and traveler’s checks are useful only a few places in Addis, mostly at the bigger hotels. It IS possible to get a cash advance on a credit card at the Sheraton in Addis. You’ll pay dearly for that privilege, but I always feel like it is a nice safety net to be able to get more money out IF you do need it.
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Hi, Mary,
I was able to use a debit/credit card to pay for my lodging at the Hilton (in Nov 2006), and the ATM in the lobby there was handy for getting extra cash (I think the limit was something like 4000 birr a day). We also paid for my airline ticket upgrade with a debit/credit card at Ethiopian Air.
There is a bank on Bole road ( I can’t remember the name of it right now, but it’s just across from the Weygoss guest house) It offers cash advance on your credit card for 2.5% where the Hilton charges 5%
Sebrina
My husband just got back from Ethiopia on Friday. He took most of his money in Traveler’s Checks. He had no trouble cashing them at a bank with his passport. It is just nice to know your money is safe in case something did happen. Also, rainy season is underway early this year.
Thanks, everyone, for your fresh info! I really appreciate that! fourgoingon7- Was there much of a fee for that service? And did your husband have to show the reciepts for the traveler’s checks as well? I’ve heard this was something they required in the past.
Mary
Hello:
He said he did not have to show receipts. He has in the past, but not this time. Also he thought it was around 3-4 % of the check. I did not even realize all of that. But, this way he would not lose money or have it stolen. He flew Ethiopian Air this time.