The Ethiopian currency is called Birr and is issued by the National Bank of Ethiopia. One Birr is made up of 100 cents. The Bank notes are in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, and 100 Birr and the coins are in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 cents.

Visitors may import unlimited foreign currency. Foreign currency can be changed at banks and hotels and the receipts for all exchange transactions must be retained as this may be required by Customs on departure. Visitors may change back any left over Ethiopian Birr to their chosen foreign currency at the airport before departure and must provide the declaration form with all receipts for exchange transactions.

Please note that the exchange rate fluctuates from day to day. For more up-to-date exchange rate information, visit the National Bank of Ethiopia online daily exchange rate for Birr against major currencies at www.nbe.gov.et.

Banks are open from 8 AM (2 o’clock local time) to 4 PM (10 o’clock local time). Some banks close for lunch between 1 PM (7 o’clock local time) and 2 PM (8 o’clock local time).