Money & duty free for Ethiopia
Exchange rates:
Ethiopian BirrC$1 = Br16.89
€1 = Br23.51
£1 = Br28.05
US$1 = Br22.65
Currency & Money
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ethiopia duty free
The following goods may be imported into Ethiopia by passengers aged 18 and over without incurring customs duty:
• 200g cigarettes, 20 cigarettes and 250 grams of tobacco.
• 2 litres of alcoholic drinks.
• 500ml of perfume.
• 500ml Eau de toilette.
• Clothes for personal use.
Duty-free allowances are subject to change, sometimes at short notice due to policy updates or external factors. Information is correct at the time of writing; travellers should verify current allowances with official customs authorities before departure. We accept no liability for any inconvenience or loss arising from changes to these regulations.
Prohibited imports include narcotics, firearms, explosives, counterfeit currency, pornography and materials which infringe upon intellectual property rights.
Restricted imports requiring permits include hunting guns, air guns, swords, endangered plants and animals, live plants and animals, fruit and vegetables, seeds, ivory, medicines and satellite cameras.
This list is not exhaustive. Travellers should consult the official customs website or contact the embassy or consulate near you for the most up-to-date information.
Prohibited or restricted exports include ivory (even if already processed into jewellery), precious metals, precious gems, religious artefacts, antiques and animal hides.
This list is not exhaustive. Travellers should consult the official customs website or contact the embassy or consulate near you for the most up-to-date information.
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