Currency & Payment

Ethiopia uses the Ethiopian birr (ETB), divided into 100 santim. The birr is a closed currency that circulates only inside the country, so you cannot easily obtain it abroad or take it out. Cash is still central to daily life, especially outside Addis Ababa, so plan to carry birr for most everyday purchases.

Because the birr is a closed currency, most travellers bring US dollars and exchange them on arrival. Use authorised outlets such as banks, the airport and hotel exchange desks, and avoid unofficial street changers. Keep your exchange receipts, as they can be needed to convert any leftover birr back before you leave.

Card acceptance in Ethiopia is limited. Major hotels, some airlines and a few upmarket restaurants and shops in Addis Ababa may take Visa or Mastercard, but many places are cash only. Do not rely on cards for everyday spending, and always keep enough birr in cash, especially outside the capital.

ATMs are available in Addis Ababa and larger towns, often at banks and hotels, but acceptance of foreign cards can be inconsistent and machines may run out of cash. Withdrawal limits per transaction can be low. Bring a backup card and enough US dollars to exchange, and do not rely on ATMs as your only source of cash.

Mobile money has grown quickly in Ethiopia, with telebirr widely used by residents for transfers and payments. However, these services generally require a local phone number and account, so they are hard for short-term visitors to use. Plan to rely mainly on cash, and treat mobile payment as something locals use rather than tourists.

Tipping is increasingly common in Ethiopia, especially in tourism. In restaurants a small tip is appreciated, and guides and drivers are often tipped at the end of a tour or trip. Keep small birr notes handy for tips and for services like porters. Amounts are modest and up to you; tipping is a thank-you rather than an obligation.

Everyday costs in Ethiopia are generally low by international standards, with local meals, coffee and public transport being inexpensive. Prices are higher for imported goods, international-standard hotels and organised tours. Costs also vary between Addis Ababa and rural areas. Prices can change with inflation and exchange rates, so treat any figures as a rough guide.

Ethiopia applies value-added tax (VAT) to many goods and services, but there is no widely available tourist VAT-refund scheme like those in some other countries. In practice, visitors should not expect to reclaim VAT on shopping. Keep receipts for your own records, and check official sources if you have a specific query.