Calendar
Ethiopia is in GMT+3 time zones. Ethiopia follows Julian calendar which has 12 months having 30 days each and the thirteen month called Pagume has 5 days or 6 days (in the leap year). Ethiopia counts in 12 hours clock. The 12 hours clock first cycle starts with one at 7am and goes on to 12 at 6 am the second cycle starts at 7 pm “one” goes on to 6 am “12”.
Climate and Clothing
The climate of Ethiopia varies based on its topography. There are two seasons’ dry season which runs from October to May and rainy season from mid June to mid September. Mostly casual clothes are acceptable for dry season rain coats and Jackets for rainy season. There is a rule to take off your shoes before you entered to churches and Mosques. Trekkers in the Simien and Bale Mountains will need warm clothes, water-proofs and 3-4 season sleeping bags.
Currency
The local currency in Ethiopia is birr which is made up 100cents issued by the National Bank of Ethiopia. There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency that may import in to the country. However, money exceeding the amount originally brought in cannot be exported. Foreign currency can be changed in banks and authorized hotels only. It is in illegal to change money anywhere else.
Visas
Visitors should obtain visas from the Ethiopian Embassy in their country of residence. Now a days about some of tourist generating countries are obtain tourist visa on arrival at Bole. It will charge you about $20 per visa. If somebody wants this arrangements we can made through our company.
List of Tourist Generating Countries; Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Check republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea Republic, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, Newzealand, Norway North Korea, Poland, Portugal, Russian Federation, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden Switzerland, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States
Tipping
Tipping is the judgment of the clients based on the service rendered. When tourists get extra service, they like to reward them for a job well done. Most people would like to say a special “thank you” to their Tour guide and driver. If you are in group like six and more it is better to give $ 5 per person per day for tour guide and $2 per person per day for the driver. These individuals are with you throughout the entire tour. Then present this gratuity by an envelope with your name on it.
Photographing
Permission should be sought before photographing individuals and in many parts of the country, particularly among the ethnic groups living by the Omo River, people will demand a fee. In some sites (Blue Nile falls for example) there is a charge for video photography.
Food
European type of dish like pasta and Macaroni is always available. But Ethiopian has a national dish called Enjera (a flat, circular pancake like prepared from fermented dough from a grain seed called teff) served by different kinds of cooked meats, vegetables and pulses. Vegetarians can use “fasting food” (for devout Ethiopian Orthodox Christians fast days make up more than half the year), a colorful spread of salads, vegetables and pulses, devoid of all meat and animal products. One eats national dishes with the right hand (water for washing is usually brought to the table before the food is served), tearing off pieces of Enjera to pick up the “toppings”.
Market
Bargaining is common in Ethiopia markets when you buy souvenirs. However, there is also fixed prices too when material cost is posted on it. National museum of Ethiopia gives clearance certificate if you want to export antiques.
No Smoking
Tour has a no smoking policy in museums, churches, with in the vehicle etc. There is a frequent pp and meal stops are made, providing ample time for those who wish to smoke. This assures for the well-being of all members of the tour.