እንኳን ደህና መጡ Travel Guide

Getting to Addis Ababa

Everything you need to plan your journey to ASOC 2026, flights into Bole International, visas, ride apps, money, connectivity, and what to expect in Africa’s diplomatic capital.

Arriving in Ethiopia

Flying into Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa is one of Africa's easiest capitals to reach. Bole International Airport (ADD) is the hub of Ethiopian Airlines, Africa's largest carrier, with direct connections to 60+ African cities and major hubs across Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia. The airport sits just 6–8 km from the city's main hotel districts.

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Bole International Airport (ADD)

Modern international terminal, 20–40 minutes from most conference hotels depending on traffic. Ethiopian Airlines offers convenient one-stop connections from most of the world through its Addis hub.

Arrive at Terminal 2 for most international flights
Currency exchange, ATMs, and SIM counters in arrivals
Hotel shuttles: many hotels offer free airport pickup, request when booking

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Visa & Entry

Most visitors can obtain an Ethiopian e-Visa online before travel, the smoothest option, via the official portal, or a visa on arrival at Bole (available to many nationalities).

Apply online at the official portal: evisa.gov.et
Passport valid 6+ months recommended
Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from a country with risk of transmission
Requirements change, verify with your nearest Ethiopian embassy before booking

Moving Around

Getting around Addis Ababa

Addis is a sprawling, lively city. For visitors, ride-hailing apps are by far the easiest and safest way to move around, cars are metered through the app, so there's no fare negotiation.

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Ride-Hailing Apps

RIDE, the most established local app; can also be ordered by phone (8294)
Feres, popular, widely available, card/cash options
ZayRide, another reliable local operator

Download before you arrive; a local SIM makes pickup coordination much easier.

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Taxis & Shuttles

Blue-and-white street taxis are plentiful, agree the fare before departing
Yellow airport taxis operate from Bole with posted counters
Hotel cars can be arranged at reception for fixed rates

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Public Transport

The Addis Ababa Light Rail crosses the city on two lines, though coverage is limited for visitors
Minibuses are the city's workhorse but are best left to locals unless you're adventurous
For conference days, plan ride apps or hotel shuttles

Practical Essentials

What travelers should know

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Money

Currency: Ethiopian Birr (ETB)
Exchange money at banks or the airport, keep receipts
Major hotels accept cards; carry cash for taxis, cafés, and markets
ATMs are common at banks and hotels in Bole and Kazanchis
Telebirr mobile money is used everywhere by locals

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SIM Cards & Internet

Ethio Telecom and Safaricom Ethiopia sell tourist SIMs at the airport, bring your passport
Data packages are inexpensive; 4G covers the city
Hotel Wi-Fi is standard at conference-grade properties

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Altitude & Health

Addis sits at ~2,355 m (7,726 ft), one of the world's highest capitals
Take it easy the first day: hydrate, go light on alcohol and caffeine
Malaria risk in the city is low due to altitude; consult your travel clinic for personal advice
Drink bottled or filtered water

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November Weather

Dry season, expect sunny days around 20–23°C (68–73°F)
Evenings are cool, often 8–10°C (46–50°F), bring layers and a jacket
Time zone: East Africa Time (UTC+3), no daylight saving
Language: Amharic; English is widely used in business and hotels

Coming for ASOC 2026?

November is conference season in Addis. Book flights and hotels early, allow generous time for airport traffic on session days, and keep the conference venue address handy in Amharic for drivers.

Next: Where to Stay →