Ethiopia
Business meetings usually require suits and ties. English is widely used for trade purposes but Italian and French are also useful. Nonetheless, knowledge of a few words of Amharic will be appreciated. Some of the more useful are Tena Yistillign – 'Hello'; Ishi – 'Yes'; Yellem – 'No'; and Sint new – 'How much is this?' Normal courtesies should be observed and business cards can be used. In Ethiopia it is not difficult to find experienced and reputable agents and distributors. To conduct business effectively and participate in local tenders, it is advisable for U.S. firms to appoint local agents to represent their products in Ethiopia. Office hours are 0800-1200 and 1300-1700 Monday to Friday.
Street crimes such as pick-pocketing and petty theft are common and continue to be reported in all areas of Ethiopia. While reports of violent crimes are primarily received from areas outside Addis Ababa, there have been reported incidents involving foreigners recently in which violence has been used. This has included individuals being struck by assailants and robbed of their belongings. As in most cities, market areas (the Mercato market area in Addis Ababa) tend to suffer from a higher incidence of reported criminal activity. While burglaries do occur in Addis Ababa, they are not as prevalent as street crimes. Poverty and high unemployment have contributed to the crime problems, as does the lack of an effective police deterrent.
Travel to tourist and historic areas of the country continue to be popular and are generally considered to be safe. Incidents of armed banditry do occur on rural roads, and even inside state parks. Occasional clashes between government forces and bandits, and with members of armed political opposition groups such as the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF). The occasional police roadblocks in Addis Ababa occur with police officials checking for identification and assorted contraband.
Ongoing difficulties between Ethiopia and Sudan, Somalia and Eritrea continue to cause security concerns in border areas. Travel to these border areas is restricted and it is recommended that travelers check with local authorities before venturing to these regions or other outlying districts.
Good hotels can be found in Addis Ababa and other main centers and some offer facilities for small exhibitions and conferences. There are hotels in the other larger towns; prices are, in general, slightly lower than those in the main centers are but with the exception of international chains, hotels accommodations remain below western standards. Credit cards are accepted by only one hotel in Ethiopia. Foreigners are required to pay for hotel and car rental expenses in hard currency.
International communications links are maintained through two satellite earth stations, providing telephone, telex, and television services. The country code is 251. Calls out of Ethiopia must be made through the international operator. Digital telephone exchanges have also been installed recently. Generally, telecommunication systems in Ethiopia are good by African standards. Fax facilities are available in major hotels.
Electricity is a 220 volts AC, 50Hz.
220 volts AC, 50Hz.
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Menus in the best hotels offer international food and Addis Ababa also has a number of good Chinese, Italian and Indian restaurants. Traditional restaurants in larger cities serve food in a grand manner around a brightly colored basket-weave table called a masob. Before beginning the meal, guests will be given soap, water and a clean towel, and the right hand is used to break off pieces of bread with which the rest of the meal is gathered up. Cutlery is not used. National specialties:
• Ethiopian food is based on dishes called we’t (meat, chicken or
vegetables, cooked in a hot pepper sauce), served with or on injera (a flat spongy bread).
• Dishes include shivro and misir (chickpeas and lentils, Ethiopian-style) and tibs (crispy fried steak).
• There is a wide choice of fish including sole, Red Sea snapper, lake fish, trout and prawns. National drinks:
• Ethiopian coffee from the province of Kaffa, with a little rue added for extra aroma, is called ‘health of Adam’.
• Local red and dry white wines are worth trying.
• Talla (Ethiopian beer).
• Kaitaka (a pure grain alcohol), cognac (a local brandy) and tej (an alcoholic drink based on fermented honey). Tipping:
In most hotels and restaurants, a 10 per cent service charge is added to the bill. Tipping is usual, but amounts are small.
