Amharic is the official language, although more than 80 local languages are also spoken. English is understood in most major towns, as well as some French and Italian.
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The official currency is the Ethiopian Birr (ETB), which is divided into 100 cents. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks and authorized hotels. Credit cards have limited usage outside of Addis Ababa, and even in the capital they are only accepted by major establishments. Visitors should carry a supply of travelers checks or hard currency with them, preferably in U.S. dollars. ATMs are not available, but banks are usually open every day except Sundays.
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The international dialing code for Ethiopia is +251. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 001 for the U.S.). 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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Tourist hotels and restaurants usually add a 10 percent service charge to the bill. Otherwise tipping is fairly common, but only small amounts are customary.
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There were violent demonstrations in Addis Ababa as well as other towns across the country in early November 2005, and visitors are cautioned to avoid all public demonstrations and large crowds, and to keep a low profile in public places as the situation is still tense and unstable. 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. Traveling to Somalia by road should also be avoided, as well as all travel east of Harar. There have been several recent explosions in Jijiga. Overland travel to Sudan or Kenya is dangerous due to armed bandits, and should only be attempted in a convoy.
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Travelers 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); a resistance to chloroquine has been reported. Mosquitoes also carry dengue fever. Waterborne diseases are prevalent and travelers are advised to drink bottled or treated water. The thousands displaced by the floods in August 2006 are at high risk from waterborne diseases such as cholera and acute diarrhea, which has already killed about 150 people and infected thousands more. The high altitude of the Highlands region may also affect travelers; Addis Ababa sits at 9,186ft, and adjusting may take a few days. Other health risks include rabies and bilharzia. 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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Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Three-pin plugs are used.
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