Ethiopia flights and travel guide

Language

Amharic is the official language, although over 80 local languages are also spoken. English is understood in most major towns, as well as some French and Italian.

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Communications

The international dialling code for Ethiopia is +251. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). The area code for Addis Ababa is (0)1. Telephone, fax and postal facilities are available in most main towns. IDD is available. There are internet cafes in Addis Ababa and Internet services may be available in upmarket hotels in other areas. A GSM 900 network is provided, but coverage is limited to Addis Ababa and a few other parts of the country.

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Tipping

Tourist hotels and restaurants usually add a ten per cent service charge to the bill. Otherwise tipping is fairly common, but only small amounts are customary.

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Safety

Travel to the Gambella region near the southern Sudanese border, as well as to within 12 miles of the Eritrean border in the Tigray and Afar regions (military zones), should be avoided due to violent unrest. The border between Eritrea and Ethiopia is closed. Travelling to Somalia by road should also be avoided, as well as all travel east of Harar.

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Health

Travellers to Ethiopia are recommended to have vaccines for polio, yellow fever, typhoid, Hepatitis A and cholera. There are frequent outbreaks of meningococcal disease, HIV/Aids is widespread, and malaria is prevalent in the lowlands (below6,562ft/2,000m); a resistance to chloroquine has been reported. Mosquitoes also carry dengue fever. Waterborne diseases are prevalent and travellers are advised to drink bottled or treated water. Medical facilities are poor outside of Addis Ababa, where hospitals are available, and medical supplies are erratic; visitors should bring their own regular medications with them and arrange comprehensive medical insurance before travel.

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Electricity

Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Three-pin plugs are used.

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