Where to exchange money in Addis Ababa
Are you heading to Addis Ababa? You will want to ensure you are aware of the local currency and how to obtain it. In addition, you may want to keep track of the current exchange rates and where to change your money to the local currency without getting ripped off.
We will give you a list of the best currency exchanges in Addis Ababa that you can visit in person.
There is also a digital alternative to consider by using Wise. This could save you both time and money.
Where to exchange money in Addis Ababa
Are you heading to Addis Ababa? You will want to ensure you are aware of the local currency and how to obtain it. In addition, you may want to keep track of the current exchange rates and where to change your money to the local currency without getting ripped off.
We will give you a list of the best currency exchanges in Addis Ababa that you can visit in person.
There is also a digital alternative to consider by using Wise. This could save you both time and money.
Spend abroad without hidden fees
Currency exchanges in Addis Ababa
If you have a need to use cash, here are some recommendations to exchange foreign currency in Addis Ababa.
Just remember, there's no such thing as completely free or 0% commission when exchanging money. Always check the mid-market exchange rate beforehand so you know the real value of your money.
| Money Changer | Address | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|
| Ethiopian Wester union | Addis Ababa 1080, Ethiopia | +251 71 529 7513 |
| MoneyGram | Tana Building, አዲስ አበባ 1294, Ethiopia | +251 11 275 2434 |
| Bank of Abyssinia Virtual Banking Bole International Airport | Inside Bole International Airport, አዲስ አበባ, Ethiopia | +251 11 518 3981 |
| National Bank of Ethiopia | 2Q82+W59, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | +251 11 551 7438 |
| Commercial Bank of Ethiopia | 2Q92+4P8, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | +251 91 322 6364 |
| MoneyGram | MEAZA ABRAHAM &, SUB CITY W. 9, Family Building, Debre Zeit Road, አዲስ አበባ, Ethiopia | +251 11 467 1582 |
| MoneyGram | Bole Health Center 17, Djibuti St, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | +251 11 629 8141 |
| 4X Bureau De Change | Ramada Hotel, XQRM+P6C First Floor, Africa Ave, አዲስ አበባ, Ethiopia | |
| CBE Birr Agent - ADDIS ABABA | Summit document authentication office, Summit, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | +251 94 311 4274 |
| MoneyGram | A-Z Real State Apartments, General Wingate St, Addis Ababa 2439, Ethiopia | +251 91 165 2608 |
| CBE Birr Agent - BOLE W.03 | bihaynd Tsege Building BOLE W.03, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | |
| MoneyGram | Bole area. Villa no:1 (9000 $, 8 bedrooms+6 in the basement), Addis Ababa 0255, Ethiopia | +251 11 443 1272 |
| HelloCash LION Bank Agent Amasis Advertising & Publishing plc | Yeka Woreda 7 Next to Ras Amba Hotel Inside BCTS Compound, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | +251 92 930 6187 |
| World Bank Ethiopia | XQRP+7GV, Airport Road, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | +251 11 517 6000 |
| MoneyGram | Birhan Building, Mickey Leland St, Addis Ababa 1294, Ethiopia | +251 11 127 5406 |
| Berhan Bank sc | Dildiye WOMSADCO Building, Addis Ababa 1110, Ethiopia | +251 11 650 7881 |
| GLOBAL BANK ETHIOPIA S.C Headquarters | 2Q83+2H3, General Abebe Dumtew St, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | +251 11 558 1245 |
Notice anything wrong with our results table? Let us know - If there is a genuine mistake, we will do our best to resolve it.
Ethiopian birr rate today
The currency used in Addis Ababa, as well as the rest of Ethiopia is Ethiopian birr.
However, when visiting a currency exchange shop you will notice they use currency codes. The code for Ethiopian birr is ETB. Keep an eye out for this if you want to compare exchange rates.
What you should know about exchanging money in Addis Ababa
Before exchanging money in Addis Ababa or any foreign city, it's important to be informed to avoid excessive charges and get the best deals. Consider opening a bank account in Ethiopia for long-term stays or substantial investments like buying property or cars.
1. Beware of 'zero fee' services
Services claiming 'no commission' often offer poor exchange rates, not reflecting the mid-market rate, leading to hidden profits for them.
2. Check the exchange rate beforehand
Familiarize yourself with the base rate to identify a bad deal from exchange services.
3. Avoid exchanging money at airports or hotels
Convenience comes at a price, as airports and hotels usually offer poor rates and high transaction fees.
4. Use ATMs strategically
Check if your home bank has partnerships in Ethiopia banks to avoid extra ATM fees, and inform your bank before traveling.
5. Opt for local currency
When using an ATM abroad, choose to be charged in Ethiopian birrs for a fairer rate and avoid undisclosed exchange rates and additional fees.
Consider an alternative to physical currency exchanges
Say goodbye to overcomplicated currency exchange. Wise can help you get a better deal on currency conversion in over 40 currencies, with the mid-market exchange rate and low fees.
Open a personal Wise account online or in the Wise app, and order a linked debit card for a one-time fee to spend and withdraw money in 150+ countries.
There’s no fee to spend any currency you hold, and no foreign transaction fee to worry about. Use your account when you travel or shop online in foreign currencies, send payments in 70+ currencies, and get your own local account details in 9 currencies.
Other currency exchanges
Bottom line
As you can see, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to exchanging money in Addis Ababa. Don't forget to do your research on the exchange rate before converting your money, and check Wise out if you want a fuss-free alternative to exchanging cash.
Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
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