Below we have tried to gather information and resources that you may find useful during your stay in Addis Ababa.
These resources are for your convenience only. GT Guest House is not affiliated with any of these service providers nor do we endorse any of their services.
Tips!
- Ethiopia Calendar: The Ethiopian year consists of thirteen months; twelve of 30 days each and an additional month of five or six days, depending on whether it is a leap year. The first month of the Ethiopian year is September (or Meskerem) and New Year's Day takes place on what is the 11th September in the Western calendar.
- Ethiopia Time: Ethiopia is in the +3 hrs GMT time zone. It is worth bearing in mind, however, that in addition to this Ethiopia also has its own time. This is based on the conception that the Ethiopian day is constituted of roughly 12 hours of daylight, starting at 6.00am and roughly 12 hours of darkness, starting at 6.00pm. So, 7.00am is 1.00am Ethiopian time.
- Urban Ethiopians often use both systems as appropriate. Nevertheless, in general, when asking about dates and times, it is always worth checking which system is being used, especially when making flight arrangements.
- Seek permission before taking photographs of people and be cautious about taking photographs in public. For security reasons Government buildings, military and some industrial sites, including some internal and external parts of the airport should not be photographed.
- Ethiopia Social Etiquette Tips
- When Ethiopians meet, they greet by bowing their head and/or by shaking hands and/or kissing on the cheek.
- Bargaining with shopkeepers is common practice especially in open markets. Negotiations may include the buyer requesting the 'best best price'.
- Food tradition in Ethiopia
- Source: bestethiopia.com