Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

• Addis Ababa sits at 7,726 feet, which you'll feel in your lungs the first couple days. The altitude catches most visitors off guard - you get winded faster and might have trouble sleeping initially. Different neighborhoods feel like different cities: modern Bole has international hotels and chain restaurants, while historic Piazza still has Italian-era buildings and traditional coffee houses.
• Coffee originated in Ethiopia, and the culture around it is serious here. Coffee ceremonies are a daily ritual where beans get roasted, ground, and brewed in front of you in a clay pot - it's social and takes time. Eating alone is fine in modern areas, but in traditional neighborhoods you'll get stares since locals aren't used to seeing foreign women on their own.
• English works in tourist zones and upscale hotels, but that's about it. Younger Ethiopians who went to university might speak some, but don't count on it. Learn 'selam' (hello) and 'ameseginalehu' (thank you) at minimum. Emergency number is 991 for police, though there are Tourist Police units specifically for visitors - good luck finding their direct numbers.
• Transport options are minibus taxis (crowded, cheap), a modern light rail (safer but still watch your stuff), and ride apps RIDE or ZayRide since Uber isn't here. Don't walk around or use public transport after dark. Take app-based taxis or have your hotel arrange one. Bole and Kazanchis have decent lighting and security at night, so stick to those areas if you're out late.

Amharic is the main language. English is spoken in tourist areas, upscale hotels, and by educated younger Ethiopians, but very limited elsewhere. Tourist Police units exist in Addis Ababa to assist foreign visitors. The emergency service (911) may have some English-speaking operators. Learn basic Amharic phrases for better communication.

• Cover your knees and shoulders. Long skirts or pants, tops with sleeves. Young people in Addis wear jeans, but shorts and tank tops get you stared at. Also skip blue and black clothes - they attract tsetse flies.
• To enter Orthodox churches, women need a scarf for your hair and a long skirt or dress. Everyone removes shoes before going in. They take religious sites seriously, so don't treat them casually.
• Almost no English outside tourist spots and nice hotels. Get basic Amharic down: 'selam' (hello), 'ameseginalehu' (thank you), 'ishi' (okay). Google Translate helps. People are friendly but proper greetings matter - say hello before diving into what you need.
• Right hand only for eating, money, handshakes. Left hand is considered dirty, and using it will offend people. Ten percent tip is nice in local restaurants but not required.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. Emergency Services: 911. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• Light rail is your safest bet for public transport. It connects major areas, costs 6-8 Birr per ride, and beats the minibuses for comfort. Still crowded during rush hour though, so keep your bag secure.
• Download RIDE and ZayRide for taxis - Uber isn't here. You can also use official yellow metered taxis through your hotel. Don't take the blue and white minibus taxis at night or if you're carrying anything valuable.
• The city is spread out and hilly. Combined with the altitude, walking long distances will wear you out fast. Bole and Kazanchis work for daytime walks, but use taxis between neighborhoods and definitely after dark.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, book a private car with a driver rather than driving yourself.

Explore Addis Ababa with local guides and curated experiences.