Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Theft
Pickpocketing is the biggest concern, but is a problem mainly in Addis Ababa and other
large towns, in particular Shashemene, Nazret and Dessie.
Keep an eye on your belongings at bus stations and be wary of people offering to put
your bags on the bus roof. Be aware that professional thieves sometimes operate at major
festivals and markets, targeting Ethiopians as well as foreigners.
GOVERNMENT TRAVEL ADVICE
The following government websites offer travel advisories and information on current hot spots.
»
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs
(
www.smarttraveller.gov.au
)
»
British Foreign Office
(
www.fco.gov.uk
)
»
Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs
(
http://travel.gc.ca
)
»
US State Department
(
http://travel.state.gov
)
Telephone
Ethiopia's telecommunications industry is entirely government-run - and it shows. Just
like with the internet (run by the same company), Ethiopian telecommunications is years
behind most of its neighbours and the industry is in desperate need of an upgrade. For-
tunately there are rumours that the industry will soon be privatised and this will probably
lead to an increase in the quality of the service.
»Countless shops operate as 'telecentres' and can normally/sometimes/once in a while
connect you to the big wide world for Birr15 to Birr25 per minute. Some hotels offer
phone services, but they are usually at least 20% more expensive.
»Cheap local calls can also be made from telecommunications offices, telecentres and
public phone boxes. Most boxes take both coins and cards (sold at the telecommunica-
tions offices in denominations of Birr25, Birr50 and Birr100).
Mobile Phones
As with everywhere in Africa, mobile phones are ubiquitous. However, like all other as-
pects of Ethiopian telecommunications, the service can hardly be described as reliable.
