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Country Commercial Guides for FY 2000: Ethiopia Report prepared by U.S. Embassy Addis Ababa, released July, 1999 Note*

CHAPTER IX. BUSINESS TRAVEL

A. BUSINESS CUSTOMS:

Ethiopians are formal during the first meeting and become less so once friendship is developed. Persons are universally addressed by first name rather than by last name (no family name). For a man, the common title (comparable to "Mister") is "Ato" and for a woman is "Weizero" (Mrs.) if married and "Weizerit" (Miss) if single. Business is often conducted at the office, over lunch or dinner. Business entertainment may be conducted at relaxed events such as the Azmari Bet (traditional music place), restaurants, or even in personal residences. Business hours are usually from 8:30 am or 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (17:00) or 6 p.m. (18:00). Most businesses close during the lunch hour. Visitors must declare hard currency upon arrival and may be required to present the declaration upon departure. There are strict penalties for exchanging money on the black market. Credit cards are not widely accepted.

Ethiopia's main dish is called "wot," which is meat or vegetables cooked in a hot, spicy sauce. This is traditionally eaten with a flat, spongy bread called "injera." In larger hotels and restaurants menus are to international standards. In Addis Ababa there are a number of restaurants serving Continental, Italian, French, Greek, Armenian, Middle Eastern, Indian, and Chinese food.

There are more than 80 major language groups in Ethiopia, although the national language, Amharic, is spoken throughout the country. Oromiffa and Tigrinya are other widely-used Ethiopian languages. English is the second official language and is understood in most towns and among the educated sector of the population.

B. TRAVEL ADVISORY AND VISAS:

A passport and visa are required of all travelers. Airport visas are not available to travelers departing from or traveling through countries where an Ethiopian diplomatic mission is located. Evidence of immunization against yellow fever is also required upon entry. Visa applications and instructions are available at the Ethiopian Embassy in Washington, D.C. A departure tax of $20.00, payable in U.S. dollars, is levied on all foreign travelers.

C. HOLIDAYS (FISCAL YEAR 2000)

September 12   	Timket - Ethiopian New Year
September 28 	Meskel - the Finding of the True Cross
January 7 	Ethiopian Christmas
January 8      	Id al-Fetir (subject to change) 
January 19 	Ethiopian Epiphany 
March 2 	Victory at Adwa
March 16       	Id al-Adha (subject to change)
April 28	Good Friday 
April 30  	Orthodox Easter Sunday 
May 1 		International Labor Day
May 5 		Ethiopian Patriots' Victory Day
May 28 		Downfall of the Derg 
June 14		Mowlid/Prophet's Birthday (may change)

D. BUSINESS INFRASTRUCTURE:

There is a shortage of housing in Ethiopia. Business travelers generally seek lodging in hotels in larger cities.

Prophylaxis against malaria (not necessary in Addis Ababa due to its elevation) is advisable if trips are planned to lower elevations, including Dire Dawa. Throughout Ethiopia, it is essential to drink only boiled, filtered water or bottled mineral water, which is widely available.

U.S. business travelers are encouraged to obtain a copy of the "Key Officers of Foreign Service Posts: Guide for Business Representatives" available for sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402; tel: (202) 512-1800; fax: (202) 512-2250. Business travelers to Ethiopia seeking appointments with U.S. Embassy Addis Ababa officials should contact the Commercial Section in advance. The Commercial Section can be reached at 011-251-1-551540 or 550666, ext. 331. Fax: 011-251-1-550174 or 551944. E-mail: US.comlib@telecom.net.et.