Medical care cannot be compared with Europe and is often highly problematic in terms of technology, equipment and hygiene. In many cases there is also a lack of European-trained doctors who speak English or French. Due to the altitude, an acclimatization period must be scheduled, heart patients should seek medical advice. Travel health insurance with repatriation insurance/air rescue is strongly recommended. An individual first-aid kit should be taken with you and protected according to the temperatures on the way. Check directoryaah for more information.
Notes vaccinations
[1] A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travelers over one year old arriving from a yellow fever area. Ethiopia is considered a country with yellow fever infection areas. Therefore, regardless of country regulations, WHO strongly recommends vaccination for all travelers to yellow fever infected areas. [2] A certificate of vaccination against cholera is not an entry requirement, but there may be a risk of infection. To protect oneself, one should practice careful drinking water and food hygiene. Since the effectiveness of the vaccination is disputed, it is advisable to seek medical advice in good time before you travel. [3] Year-round malaria protection required for all regions below 2200 m. There is no risk of malaria in Addis Ababa. High chloroquine resistance of the more dangerous malaria species Plasmodium falciparum (85% occurrence). Recommendation: mosquito repellent and medicinal prophylaxis.
Food and drink
Nationwide there is an increased risk of infection for various infectious diseases (e.g. hepatitis A, typhus, bacterial dysentery, amoebic dysentery, lambliasis, worm diseases), which are transmitted through contaminated food or drinks. Therefore, careful food and drinking water hygiene measures should always be implemented. Water should generally either be boiled or otherwise sterilized or bought packaged before it is used for drinking, brushing teeth and making ice cubes. When buying packaged water, you should make sure that the original packaging has not been opened. Milk is not pasteurized outside of urban areas and should also be boiled. Avoid dairy products made from unboiled milk. Meat and fish dishes should only be well cooked and served hot. Avoid eating pork, raw salads, and mayonnaise. Vegetables should be boiled and fruits should be peeled.
Other risks
The standard vaccinations for children and adults recommended by the Robert Koch Institute (including against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), mumps, measles, rubella, pneumococci and influenza) should be refreshed before the trip if necessary. Schistosomiasis pathogens are found in ponds and rivers across the country (especially the Omo River), so swimming or wading in inland waterways should be avoided. Clean swimming pools with chlorinated water are harmless. Dengue fever is nationwide, more prevalent in the east (Dire Dawa and Afar provinces). An effective insect repellent is recommended. Filariasis (lymphatic disease and onchocerciasis) occurs nationwide. Travelers reduce the risk of transmission, if you use an effective insect repellent. Typhus occurs in the cold climate regions in the highlands. The fever is caused by clothes lice. To protect yourself, you should practice regular body and clothing hygiene. Vaccination should only be considered in rare cases. Hepatitis A and E are common, hepatitis B is endemic. Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended. In the case of long-term stays of more than 4 weeks or special exposure, a hepatitis B vaccination should also be considered. HIV/AIDS is a danger for everyone who takes the risk of infection: sexual contact, unclean syringes or needles and blood transfusions can pose a significant health risk. Leishmaniasis, transmitted by butterfly gnats, occurs sporadically in areas below 2000m (Gambella, Gila areas). Protection is offered by skin-covering clothes and insect repellents. Epidemic outbreaks of meningococcal meningitis occur, increased risk from December to May, especially in the south and west of the country. To protect yourself, you should get vaccinated and avoid large crowds. The sleeping sickness, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, mainly occurs in the west above 2000 m (Gambella, Gila areas). Careful insect protection is recommended. Rabies occurs nationwide. Carriers include dogs, cats, forest animals and bats. Vaccination is recommended for backpackers, children, occupational risk groups and for longer stays. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Tick bite fever occurs nationwide.
Health certificate
There is currently no requirement to present an HIV test when applying for a visa or when entering the country. Persons known to be HIV positive may be denied entry.
Money
Currency
1 Ethiopian Birr = 100 Santim. Currency code: Br, ETB (ISO code). Banknotes come in denominations of 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1 birr; Coins in denominations of 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 (rarely) santim and 1 birr.
Credit cards
Major credit cards such as Diners Club, Visa and Mastercard are accepted in larger hotels and restaurants in the capital. Airlines accept credit cards to pay for airline tickets. Credit card acceptance is low outside of the capital. Details from the issuer of the relevant credit card.
ATMs
Bank cards With the credit card and pin number, money can be withdrawn from ATMs in the large hotels in the capital and in the provincial towns. To be on the safe side, travelers should always have an alternative source of money such as cash. Further information from banks and credit institutes. Attention: Travelers who want to pay with their bank customer card abroad and withdraw money should find out from their bank about the possibility of using their card before starting their journey.
Travelers cheques
Traveller’s checks are not accepted in Ethiopia.
Bank opening hours
Mon-Thu 08.00-11.00 and 13.00-15.00, Sat 08.00-12.00.
Foreign exchange regulations
Import and export of local currency in cash is limited to 200 Br. Unlimited import of foreign currency; Declaration obligation from a value of 3000 US$. Export of foreign currencies only in the amount declared (keep the declaration form).
Currency Exchange
US dollars are the easiest to exchange. The exchange should only take place in banks and authorized exchange offices (keep receipts). Refunds are available up to US$50. Euros are only accepted in the capital and exchanged for local currency. Dollar bills should be recent.
