On an average, Addis Ababa is a safe place for tourists. However, much like in any other part of the world there sure are some precautions that one must follow. Let’s begin with traveling to Addis Ababa.

1. Getting Cheap flights to Addis Ababa Ethiopia may not be possible at last minute as the city holds an important geographical location to facilitate connection flights to and from neighboring countries. This keeps the direct flights enormously busy.
2. You may get cabs without door or window handles so take a good look inside the cab before booking it.
3. In the extremely cheap hotels that you may find in Addis Ababa, there are no basic life amenities. So go for a mid range hotel, avoid the cheapest ones.
4. While going out for a walk or shopping, keep your eyes on the roads and pavements as they are dilapidated and big holes can be anywhere.
5. Keep your hotel room and doors closed properly. Recheck them before going to bed, no matter which floor you are staying at but there always is great chance that you will be robbed while asleep.
6. There are no attempts of pick pockets, neither the crime rate is striking but avoid lonely or low profile areas after 10 p.m.
7. Be aware of the “cultural show scam” as you may have heard already. Usually a man, or even a child may show up outside your hotel or on a shopping street and invite you over some “cultural show” where you are promised some exciting Ethiopian dancing for which towards the end of the show you will be asked for a 100 Dollars or even more. Refusal is simply not an option as events can get out of hand and violent. So avoid it in the first place. Instead, you can see such dance shows for free in popular restaurants.
8. Be well aware of nicely dressed English speaking fake guides, who will try to offer you Guide services or may come up saying “You know me remember, we have met”, or “I know your hotel” “do you need a guide”. Avoid them at any cost, do not smile, make eye contact or initiate a conversation. Walking past calmly and saying no is the best thing to do.
9. Mostly, electric showers or hot showers are not a good idea and short circuit, sparks and other issued are common with electric showers in Ethiopia due to lack of maintenance. Be careful with electrical appliances and always remember the exit routes.
10. Ethiopian women are sweet and pleasant however if you try to get too close or touch uninvitingly be prepared for a bad beating. They can get very violent and may beat you up with anything they have in hand. Besides, they will charge you heavily “in dollars” for your mischief.

The laws in Ethiopia are very “tourist supporting”. Any local who intends to harass, steal or attack tourists can be imprisoned for up to six months.

Also, the national airline in Ethiopia, “Ethiopian Airways” is one of the top most African airlines. Flights to Ethiopia with the national carrier are most convenient, comfortable and less time consuming.