Decline strangers' invitations to a cultural show
- Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Posted on
- 1 photo
Photo: Zeynep S. · Unsplash License · Unsplash
About this trap
In Addis a friendly stranger may invite you to a cultural show, a holiday gathering or a coffee at a back-room venue, then hand over a large bill for drinks or khat afterwards. Say no politely and book traditional music through your hotel or at an established venue where prices are on the menu. Ask what everything costs before you sit down, and pay by card where possible so you can contest a charge.
Where
Decline strangers' invitations to a cultural showPiazza, Bole and other busy areas
Open in Google Maps(opens in a new tab)More Tips & Traps in Addis Ababa
13 posts from Local Friends and travelers who know the city.SA TipEventsSee Enkutatash, the Ethiopian New Year, in Addis
Addis Ababa, EthiopiaEnkutatash falls on 11 September, or 12 September in a leap year. Markets fill up beforehand, wild yellow adey abeba flowers are sold with fresh grass for coffee ceremonies, and on New Year's Eve concerts and live bands play. On the morning itself Orthodox worshippers hold a service at Entoto St Raguel Church, and…
PF TipEventsPlan a February stop for the Addis Jazz Festival
Addis Ababa, EthiopiaThe Addis Jazz Festival has run annually since 2019, and the 2025 and 2026 editions were both held in early February. It pairs veteran Ethio-jazz artists with younger players, with art, design and food alongside the music, mainly in the Ghion Hotel ballroom in recent years and with some shows in public spaces. Check…
CH TipMusic & NightlifeCatch Fendika's traditional music at the Hyatt
Addis Ababa, EthiopiaFendika, the Kazanchis cultural house led by dancer Melaku Belay, lost its old compound in late 2024 and now performs as Fendika at Hyatt, inside the Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa. The programme mixes traditional music and dance with Ethio-jazz, with the Ethiocolor Band and the Fendika Ensemble as the main groups. Ask the…
TrapShopSkip Merkato brokers and compare stalls on your own
Addis Ababa, EthiopiaAt Merkato an unofficial helper may steer you to particular stalls for a kickback, and foreigners are often quoted higher prices. If you want company, hire a guide through a registered tour office, compare prices at several stalls and bargain, since it is expected. Carry only the cash you plan to spend and keep your…
CC TipShopCompare weavers at Shiro Meda before buying cloth
Addis Ababa, EthiopiaShiro Meda is the weaving hub of the city, calmer than Merkato and a good place to buy traditional dresses and handwoven cloth. The Gudnesh site alone houses more than 650 weavers, so you can see looms at work and compare quality across stalls before paying. Bargain politely, check the border embroidery and the weight…
TipPhotography & ViewsPhotograph the skyline and sculptures at Unity Park
Addis Ababa, EthiopiaUnity Park opened in 2019 on part of the former imperial palace compound, on a wooded bluff with views over the Addis skyline. Photo stops include the Egg House tower with its detailed woodwork, the sculpture garden with nine pavilions for the regions and the quirky orange hippo sculptures. Bring your passport for…
TipArt & CultureSpend an afternoon at the mud-built Zoma Museum
Addis Ababa, EthiopiaZoma Museum in Mekanisa was built from mud, straw and stone by artists Elias Sime and Meskerem Assegued, so the building is as much the show as the gallery. Besides the gallery you can walk an edible garden, a library, a children centre, an amphitheatre and the museum shop, and there is a cafe on site. Older listings…
TrapMiscellaneousApply for your e-visa only on the official government portal
Addis Ababa, EthiopiaLookalike websites and unofficial operators take full payment and then deliver nothing, so apply for the Ethiopian e-visa only on the government portal and check the web address before paying. UK government guidance points to the official e-visa platform for tourist visas and asks for a passport valid at least six…
Know Addis Ababa well?
Share a tip, or warn travelers about a trap. It only takes a few minutes.