BAGGAGE
Baggage space on safari is restricted to two medium suitcase or holdall per person, plus hand baggage.
Hotels will normally store baggage at no extra cost. Baggage can also be stored at Horizon tours store.

CURRENCY
Hard currencies can be exchanged in cash or travelers cheques at banks all over the country.
Banks are usually open from 2.30 Am to 3.00 pm, Mondays through Fridays and from 9.00 am and 11.00 am on Saturdays, Whereas banks at the Addis Ababa Bole Airport and most tourist hotels in Addis Ababa work around the clock.

CREDIT CARDS
Credit cards are not widely accepted except Touris class hotels in Addis ,Airticket offices so make sure you have cash notes when traveling to Ethiopia .the most accepted cards are VISA, MASTERCARD and AMERICAN EXPRESS

HEALTH
Since rules concerning disease prevention change from time to time, a check should be made with the nearest Ethiopian embassy or High Commission, The cultural and tourism minister of the federal republic of Ethiopia or any airline flying scheduled services into Ethiopia. Malaria is endemic to most parts of Ethiopia and intending visitors should start taking anti-malarial tablets before departure and continue taking them for the prescribed time after their return. Insect repellants should be made use of after dusk and suitable cover up clothes should be worn in the evenings.

DRINKING WATER
Drinking water from the tap must be considered risky. Hotels and lodges usually furnish safe water in a thermos flask in guest rooms. Bottled mineral water is available in every hotel and supermarket.

SECURITY
Normal precautions as in any other destination worldwide should be taken. Visitors are advised not to leave cash and valuables in their hotel rooms but to make use of safe deposit boxes and safes. One should never carry large sums in cash and women should keep a tight grip on handbags in crowds or busy streets. As in all major cities walking alone or in small groups at night should be considered a hazard and avoided. Reliable taxis are available at all the principal hotels. Taking photographs at airports, near military installations, the State House, bridges, soldiers, prisons and prisoners etc., is prohibited. Before photographing local people, permission should be obtained and a fixed price agreed. Seek the assistance of your driver/guide in this matter.

VOLTAGE
Both mains electricity and generated supply in lodges provide 240 volts AC 50 cycles. Sockets are normally two pin and of the ‘round’ variety.
Tipping and Porterage
Hotels and lodges include a service charge, it is customary to tip porters, waiters, taxi drivers and safari drivers/guides.
Language
English is the lingua franca while Amharic is the official language. In addition, most tribes have their own language.

POST AND TELEPHONES
Keeping in touch by mail and telephone is generally easy. Direct overseas dialing is possible from major centers and increasingly from remote places such as Omo valley. Call home bureaus are in plenty in Addis Ababa as are the Cyber café for e-mail and Internet access.
Arrivals & Departures
Addis Ababa has one main ports of entry by air:
Addis Ababa bole International . Located 5 km from the city center.

AIRPORT DEPARTURE TAX
International Airport departure tax equivalent to US$ 20 per person is payable on departure from the International airports. A local airport service charge is included in the domestic ticket.

OPENING HOURS AND SHOPPING
Major stores, tourist services, offices and museums open from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm in large towns though offices often break for lunch. In rural areas and out in the bush small shops can be open at almost any hour. Souvenirs to take back home can include wood and soap stone sculptures and carvings, sisal baskets, beadwork and tribal regalia, masks, textiles and crosses made of silver and gold and different jewelries pieces.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
Enkutatash-Ethiopian New Year, September 11th
Maskal-The Festival of the finding of the true cross, September  27th
Gena-Ethiopian Christmas, January 7th
Timket-Ethiopian Epiphany, January 19th
Fasika-Ethiopian Easter, Varies
Id Al Adha, varies
Id Al Fetir, varies
Maulid