There are a number of banks within easy reach. Banking hours are generally from 8:00am until at least 4:30pm, Monday through Saturday. Most banks work through lunchtime. However, foreign exchange services are closed during lunch hours (12:00 noon to 1:00pm).
Currency : The local currency is the Ethiopian Birr. The Birr is divided into 100 cents. Denominations are:
Notes: Birr 100, Birr 50, Birr 10, Birr five, and Birr one.
Coins: Birr one, 50 cents, 25 cents, 10 cents, five cents, and one cent.
There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency brought into the country, provided it is declared upon arrival. Foreign currency may be changed only at authorized banks and hotels. A currency declaration form will be required by customs upon departure. Visitors may change any excess Birr into foreign currency at the airport before departure but only with all receipts for exchange transactions.
ATMs Cash may be withdrawn from automated teller machines in major cities using VISA, MasterCard, and Union Pay debit cards, but it is best not to rely on these outside of Addis Abeba yet. VISA and MasterCard credit cards are honored in big hotels in major cities and some malls in Addis Abeba. US traveler’s checks are recommended.