First 24 Hours in Addis Ababa: What to Know After Landing at Bole

Landing at Bole International Airport (ADD) for the first time can feel like a lot at once — a new country, a new altitude, and a full day ahead of you. Here's what your first 24 hours in Addis Ababa typically look like, and how to make them easier.

Getting Through the Airport

After you land, you'll go through passport control, baggage claim, and customs before reaching the arrivals hall. If you need a visa on arrival, have your passport photo and payment ready — it adds a few extra minutes. Keep your baggage tags until you're fully through customs.

Getting to Your Hotel

Once you're through arrivals, your options are a hotel shuttle (if arranged in advance), a taxi, or a private pre-booked transfer. A private transfer means your driver is already waiting with a sign, tracking your flight, so there's no negotiating or waiting around — especially useful if you're landing at an odd hour, which many Ethiopian Airlines connections do.

Altitude and Rest

Addis Ababa sits over 2,300 meters (7,500 feet) above sea level. It's common to feel a little more tired or short of breath than usual on your first day — drink water, skip heavy exercise, and don't over-schedule your first afternoon.

Currency and SIM Cards

Ethiopian Birr (ETB) is the local currency; most airport-area hotels and larger shops also accept cards. If you want a local SIM card for data, there are telecom counters inside the arrivals area — useful for maps, ride apps, and staying in touch before your hotel Wi-Fi kicks in.

What to Do First

Most travelers spend their first day resting, eating something light, and adjusting to the altitude before starting any sightseeing or meetings the next day. If your flight lands very early or very late, book a transfer that runs 24/7 so your first hour in the country isn't spent negotiating a taxi fare in the dark.