Addis Ababa: What to Know Before You Go

Short answer: arrange your Ethiopian e-Visa online before flying, take your first morning gently as you adjust to the 2,355-metre highland altitude, withdraw or exchange Ethiopian birr cash at the airport, and always clarify whether a meeting time is in "Ethiopian time" or international time.

High-altitude pacing from 2,355 to 3,200 metres

Addis Ababa is the highest capital in Africa and the fourth-highest in the world. The southern district around Bole Airport sits at roughly 2,330 metres above sea level, Meskel Square is at 2,355 metres, the university museums around Sidist Kilo sit above 2,450 metres, and the eucalyptus forests of Mount Entoto climb to 3,200 metres. You may feel slightly breathless on stairs during your first 24 hours and the equatorial highland sun is intense even when the air feels cool (22°C to 25°C); drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen and save hikes on Entoto for day two or three.

Ethiopian time and the 13-month calendar

Ethiopia uses its own ancient solar calendar (the Ge'ez calendar, comprising twelve 30-day months plus a short thirteenth month called Pagume, running roughly seven to eight years behind the Gregorian calendar; Ethiopian New Year, Enkutatash, falls on 11 September). Even more important in daily life is Ethiopian timekeeping: because Ethiopia lies close to the Equator where sunrise and sunset are twelve hours apart, the local clock starts counting at dawn rather than midnight. Thus one o'clock Ethiopian time is seven in the morning international time, and six o'clock Ethiopian time is midday. International hotels, airlines and tour guides use standard 24-hour time with visitors, but it never hurts to confirm.

Visas, Ethiopian birr cash and local apps

Apply for your tourist e-Visa only through the official Ethiopian Immigration portal (or check if you qualify for Ethiopian Airlines' complimentary transit hotel and city tour when laying over for 8 to 24 hours at Bole). While large hotels accept Visa and Mastercard, restaurants, museums, coffee houses, markets and taxis run on Ethiopian birr (ETB) cash. Buy an Ethio Telecom or Safaricom SIM card at arrivals and use the Ride or Feres apps. Compare bases in where to stay in Addis Ababa.