African Clothing Accessories in Ethiopia

What to bring from Ethiopia? Famous Ethiopian coffee, of course. And to it charming cups and a jaben. But what else? Is there any shopping in Addis Ababa? We will try to answer these questions in as much detail as possible. Moreover, tours to Ethiopia are in great demand. It's worth going to Ethiopia with dollars. On the spot, you will exchange them for Ethiopian birrs (see our converter for the current exchange rate against the ruble and other currencies). Euros are not accepted here too willingly, and the conversion conditions are not very favorable. You may not accept other currencies at all. The best rate, of course, is in the banks. However, the conditions at the reception of most local hotels are not bad either. But on the streets or in stores, change money only in extreme cases. Cashless payments in Ethiopia are possible only in Addis Ababa, and even then not everywhere. Outside the capital, finding a place where they will accept a credit card or an ATM is an unheard of luck. However, we do not recommend changing too much money for birr. It is pro African Clothing Accessories in Ethiopia hibited to export Ethiopian currency outside the country, and the conditions for reverse conversion are simply brutal. And they will take the commission, and the tax will be deducted, and even they will not give a lot to change (the balances are simply taken away). So change your money as needed, or estimate costs in advance. So what can you bring from Ethiopia? Shopping in Addis Ababa is very different. The Ethiopian capital has mirrored skyscrapers, decent restaurants and decent malls. And next to them are ancient temples, historical monuments and noisy (and dirty, what is already there) bazaars. There is, of course, no particular choice here. But the clothes that are sold in the shopping center and may be liked by Europeans have a big plus - they are inexpensive. True, the reviews of tourists about such shopping in Ethiopia are not too enthusiastic. This is understandable: the choice is rather modest (this may probably change in the near future - the capital is being actively built up). Edna Mall can be distinguished from shopping centers in Addis Ababa. True, it is more for teenagers (there are more slot machines and various entertainment, but there are not so many shops). For active shopping, you can go to Dembel Mall. From Ethiopia, it is worth bringing clothes made from natural cotton. Here it is of the highest quality. The styles of local clothing, of course, are far from the masterpieces of design art. But buying simple T-shirts or shirts is very worth it. Women are advised to pay attention to local shawls and light scarves made from natural fabrics: bright, light, inexpensive. Prices for them start at about 100 birr. Shop at Salem’s Ethiopia, a great shop in Addis Ababa (there is a very good choice!), And also at the Sabahar factory. For women and girls from Ethiopia, bring interesting jewelry made by hand by craftsmen from African tribes. Most often they are made from stone (surprisingly, they are not too heavy), wood, bone or leather. All decorations are usually massive. Prices start at 50 birr for bracelets and 100 birr for necklaces. We recommend buying jewelry during excursions to the places of settlements of Ethiopian tribes. The best place to buy souvenirs in Addis Ababa is the Addis Mercato Market or Churchill Avenue, which has so many shops that an apple has nowhere to fall. Calmer, but no less colorful bazaars of the capital are Chiromeda Market and Bahir Dar Market. The main rule in the markets of Ethiopia is to bargain to the last. Seeing a tourist, locals sometimes inflate prices every 10 times, or even more. And also try to always and everywhere ask for receipts, otherwise you can easily be deceived. The most popular souvenir from Ethiopia is a wicker straw basket with a gabled top. You can't buy these anywhere else. Locals use it as a bag (however, they carry it on their heads), an impromptu stool or table, a container for storing things and much more. Yes, and in your home such a thing will not be lost. Usually, a colored thread is woven into Ethiopian baskets - this is how craftsmen decorate them with national ornaments. Such braids, by the way, serve for years, so buy safely. https://jiji.com.et/accessories/african