Top Destinations in Ethiopia
Looking for a serviced apartment in Ethiopia? As the seat of the African Union and a major hub for diplomacy, trade and finance, Ethiopia is increasingly important for corporate travel. From short-term stays to long-term projects, our serviced apartments offer the space, flexibility, and comfort of home. Explore our options in Addis Ababa, home to Bole International Airport and numerous international organisations.
Not sure where to begin? Visit our FAQ page for quick answers or contact us to discuss your specific corporate accommodation needs.
We offer business travellers a portfolio of properties in key locations in Ethiopia, such as:
Addis Ababa: The capital and economic heart of Ethiopia. As a major diplomatic centre, it is the primary destination for professionals in international development, finance, and logistics.
Choosing a serviced apartment with SilverDoor for your corporate trip to Ethiopia offers a significant upgrade from traditional accommodation. Here at SilverDoor, we offer Business travellers:
Navigate your corporate trip to Ethiopia with confidence. This essential guide provides factual, UK English information on currency, communication, time zones, and climate to ensure your business travel is productive, comfortable, and well-planned.
The official currency is the Ethiopian Birr (ETB). While transactions are officially conducted in Birr, the US Dollar is widely used and often preferred for payments at major international hotels, airlines, and for some larger services. The Birr is a closed currency, meaning it cannot be acquired outside of Ethiopia. Exchange foreign currency (US Dollars are best) at the airport, major banks, or reputable hotels upon arrival. Credit card acceptance (Visa/MasterCard) is generally limited to large, high-end hotels and a few major shops in Addis Ababa. ATMs are available in Addis Ababa and major cities but can be unreliable. It is advisable to carry sufficient local cash for smaller transactions, transport, and tipping.
Amharic is the official language, with English being widely used in government, business, and major hotels, especially in Addis Ababa. Ethiopia is a country of enormous linguistic diversity, with over 80 languages spoken, including Oromo and Tigrinya.
Ethiopia operates on East Africa Time (EAT), which is UTC +3. Ethiopia does not observe daylight saving time. Be aware that Ethiopia traditionally follows a unique 12-hour clock cycle that starts at sunrise (what foreigners call 7:00 AM is 1 o'clock in Ethiopian time). While modern business uses the international system, this local convention may be referenced in daily life.
Ethiopia enjoys a diverse climate, mainly due to its altitude, which is divided into the highlands and lowlands. Addis Ababa is in the Highlands, so the capital's elevation gives it a pleasant, mild, and temperate climate year-round.
Ethiopia experiences two main seasons with the Dry season (Bega/Tseday) between October and May, generally sunny and dry. The Wet Season (Kiremt) is mid-June to mid-September, when most of the country receives its heaviest rainfall.
Business travellers should pack light, breathable clothing for the day but include warmer layers for the cool nights, particularly in Addis Ababa, which sits at over 2,400m above sea level.