Ethiopia Travel & Emergency Guide
Essential emergency numbers, speed limits, etiquette & travel tips
Open in WooGu (100% Offline)Emergency Numbers in Ethiopia
991
General Emergency
991
Police
907
Ambulance / Medical
939
Fire Department
Key Travel Facts
Capital
Addis Ababa
Currency
ETB (Br)
Official Language
Amharic (Oromo, Tigrinya; English in cities)
Country Code
+251
Driving Rules & Speed Limits in Ethiopia
Urban / City
30 - 50 km/h
Rural
70 km/h
Highway
100 km/h
Alcohol Limit
0.5 ‰
Toll & Vignette: No vignette required. Toll expressway operates between Addis Ababa and Adama.
Tipping & Etiquette
Recommendation: 10 percent appreciated in dining and hotels. 10% is customary in sit-down dining. Guides, porters, and coffee ceremony hostesses appreciate cash tips in local Birr.
- DO Participate in a traditional Buna coffee ceremony and drink all three rounds of coffee.
- DO Eat shared Injera platters strictly using the fingers of your right hand.
- DO Remove your shoes and dress respectfully (with a white Netela shawl) when entering Ethiopian Orthodox churches.
- DON'T Never use your left hand to eat Injera or hand over items.
- DON'T Do not take photos of government buildings, military sites, or infrastructure.
- DON'T Never hastily decline a coffee invitation, which symbolizes sacred hospitality.
Power Sockets & Tap Water
Plug Type & Electricity: Type C, E, F & L (220V, 50Hz – standard European two-pin plugs fit in most hotels).
Tap Water: Tap water is not safe for drinking. Only consume sealed bottled mineral water.
Insider Tip: Local Ethiopian time starts counting from sunrise (6:00 AM international time is 12:00 local time). Always specify 'European / international time' for bookings.
