Internet
Nina Internetcafe
Across from baro hotels, inside wutema hotels
In Addis Ababa, especially in Bole Subcity, you can find quite a number of internet cafes. Some cafes still use Dial-Up connections, but broadband becomes more popular. Most of the high-end hotels have internet connections either Ethernet or WiFi, which are reasonably fast and often free for hotel guests.
A general problem about Internet in Ethiopia is the unstable international high-speed connection. If it is not working, even broadband cafes only deliver Dial-Up speeds and less. The local definition of highspeed broadband is 128kbits. Another general problem is the shortage of electricity, forcing daytime blackouts of whole areas 1-2 days a week, so it is good to plan ahead where you are going for internet access. During the winter months of 2009 Jun-Aug, electricity had gone off on one side of the city for one day, and another side for the next.
Skype and VoIP service are legal in Ethiopia.
Dembel City Center on Bole Rd has "Hut Internet Cafe" on the 2nd floor with over 30 Internet capable computers for use Mon-Sun 10AM-7PM
TG Business Center
(http://tgbusiness.addismap.com), bole, from airport big roundabout to the right, junction with cameroon road locally known as "bole-tele" has broadband but only 3 seats. most of the time it is not crowded, so a good connection can be expected
Arkies Business Center
Piazza, next to 'taitu hotels'
DH Geda Tower
Broadband Internet in DH Geda Tower, next to Friendship City Center / Bole Road. 128kbps, many seats, but mostly completely occupied. The good thing is, that is is easy to find.
Embassies
Canada
Addis is safer than most cities in Africa. Gang violence and similar serious activities are unusual. However, you may encounter some pick-pockets and con-artists around and inside Bole Airport, Mercato, Piazza areas. Keep your belongings close, and pay attention to your surroundings. The good news is most of these pick-pockets are unarmed and very young boys. If they know that you are aware of what they are up to, they get intimidated and go away.
Be aware of your belongings on Line Taxis: They usually get very crowded - keep your wallet/phone/bag close to you.
The major and important roads and areas are patrolled by the 'Federal Police' or, as the city residents refer them Federal. They have a reputation of being merciless with suspected criminals. In contrast, the Addis-Ababa city police, who most of the time patrol the less important city streets, markets and neighborhoods are more tolerant and less respected police officers.
For all emergencies â 911. In Addis, major streets are generally safe at night.
In a total difference of other African cities, in Addis-Ababa, police officers never approach foreigners to ask them to present a passport, ID or "legal" papers. Once you show your passport at the airport, you are free to move around pretty much anywhere. The only time you need your passport or ID is for hotel registration booking and other similar and few instances. It is important to have your ID with you at all times, however. Many visitors appreciate that they don't have to be questioned who they are or where they are from by a police officer who wants to extract bribe money from them, every time they turn around. This could be one of Addis-Ababa's appeals.
telephone
The country code for calling Ethiopia is 251. The Ethiopian dialing plan changed on 17 Sep 2005, such that the two-digit city code changed to three digits or, from outside the country, one to two digits and six-digit telephone numbers changed to seven digits. The city code for Addis Ababa, as of Sep 2005, is 011 or 11 from outside Ethiopia.
cope
Watch what you drink or you can fall sick. It is important to remember to only drink bottled water. There are many brands to choose from; always check the plastic seal on all bottles before paying any vendor. Most travelers should be warned against eating vegetables such as those in salads that may have been washed in water. Try limiting fruits and vegetables to those you "peel" yourself such as oranges, mangos, etc.
Be prepared for culture shock. If you take photos of the people, ask first and offer to show them their picture if you have a digital camera with a display screen. Children enjoy seeing their pictures a lot of the time!
Your emotions are real. Many first time visitors may feel overwhelmed if they have not experienced this type of culture difference before. Be polite but not intrusive. It is OK to ask questions of the locals, but you should be prepared to be hassled a lot of the time, especially if you are white. Additionally, for foreign travelers who are black, especially American, although possibly able to "blend in", precautions are the order of the day depending where you are, in Addis on Bole road they are used to seeing foreigners compared to the country side. If you prepare your mindset before arrival, you will be better able to cope.