Top payment methods in Ethiopia: A guide on best ways to pay
Wondering what the most popular ways to pay are in Ethiopia? Explore the top payment options and choose wisely.
Ethiopia, with a population of around 110.15 million people, has a GDP of approximately 117.46 billion making it the 66th largest economy in the world. The official currency of Ethiopia is the Ethiopian Birr (ETB)
The economy is driven by agriculture, which employs the majority of the population, alongside a growing industrial and service sector. Its primary export markets include Europe, Asia (especially China), and neighboring African countries.
| Country | Ethiopia |
|---|---|
| Population | 110.15 million |
| GDP (USD) | 117.46 billion |
| Global Ranking | 66th |
| Currency | Ethiopian Birr (ETB) |
Spend abroad with the mid-market exchange rate - no markups, and no sneaky transaction fees.
What is the main payment method in Ethiopia?
Almost all transactions in Ethiopia are conducted in cash, using the local currency, the Birr, especially outside of the capital city. Telebirr, a mobile money service from the state-owned Ethio Telecom, is growing extremely fast and is used for transfers, payments, and accessing government services. CBE Birr, the mobile wallet from the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, is also a significant player in the emerging digital payment space.
How to pay in Ethiopia
Each country has its own way of moving money, and choosing the right method can sometimes be difficult. That’s why we have curated the most popular and best payment options for you to use in Ethiopia.
| Payment Method | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Wise | Wise provides international money transfer services. It is known for offering transparent, low-cost currency exchange rates and fast transfers. Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate and charges a small, upfront fee, making it a cost-effective alternative to traditional banks for sending money abroad. The platform also offers multi-currency accounts, allowing users to hold and manage money in multiple currencies. | Online/In-person |
| Cash (Ethiopian Birr) | Cash is the overwhelmingly dominant payment method and is essential for almost all transactions in daily life across the country. | In-person |
| Mobile Money (Telebirr) | Telebirr, the mobile money service from Ethio Telecom, has seen massive and rapid adoption. It is the leading digital platform for transfers and is being rolled out for merchant and utility payments. | Online/In-person |
| Cards (Visa/Mastercard) | The use of payment cards is very limited. They are accepted only at major hotels, airlines, and some tourist shops. ATMs are not always reliable. | In-person |
| Bank Transfers (CBE Birr) | CBE Birr is a mobile banking service from the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, one of the larger bank-led digital payment options available. | Online |
Traveling beyond Ethiopia? Explore payment methods by country.
Is PayPal available in Ethiopia?
Yes, PayPal is accepted in Ethiopia.
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Whatever you need to buy during your trip, whether it’s a travel adapter, train ticket or an extra bottle of sunscreen, the Wise Multi-Currency Card has you covered.
You can spend like a local in 150+ countries, as this clever contactless card automatically converts currency at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend - for just a small conversion fee.
And for extra convenience, you can add your Wise Multi-Currency Card to your Google Wallet or Apple Wallet. Then you can travel even lighter and pay using just your phone, with no need to pack the physical card.
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.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.