Ethiopia - Money

Currency & Money

Currency information:

Ethiopian Birr (ETB; symbol Br) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of 1 Birr, as well as 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents.

Credit cards:

Visa and MasterCard are accepted at major hotels.

ATM:

ATMs are widely available in Addis Ababa and other major towns. Always get a receipt for every transaction, and immediately let your bank know if the ATM does not give you the amount you have entered.

Travellers cheques:

Travel cheques are not popular nowadays but if you want to buy some, you’re advised to take traveller’s cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.

Banking hours:

Mon-Fri 0800-1730 and Sat 0800-1600

Currency restriction:

The import of local currency is limited to 3,000 Birr. The export of local currency up to 3,000 Birr is permitted, provided the traveller holds a re-entry permit. The import and export of foreign currency is limited to US$10,000 or subject to declaration on arrival.

Currency exchange:

US Dollar bills are the most convenient currency to exchange.

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