Power and charging
220 V with Europe-style plugs. Bring your own charger, a power bank outside the city, and know the power bank rule on Ethiopian Airlines.
Ethiopia uses 220 V, 50 Hz. A travel adapter only changes the plug's shape, not the voltage: check your device says 100–240 V, or use a converter that can handle its wattage.
220 V
50 Hz, like Europe · 100–240 V: chargers need no converter
C · F · G
Plug types C, F and G
Bring your own charger and cable: cheap street chargers are often fakes that can damage your phone.
What to pack
- Type C / F adapterA Type C or F adapter covers almost every socket; a universal one with USB ports is handiest.
- Your own chargerStreet chargers are often fakes: bring the one that came with your phone, and its cable.
- Power bank10,000–20,000 mAh, charged, for long drives and days out of the city.
- Multi-USB chargerOne plug, several phones and cameras: hotel rooms rarely have many sockets.
- Head torchFor power cuts and rural lodges, so your hands stay free.
Power banks
Handy outside the city, and they have their own rule on the plane.
Leaving the city
Bring a charged one: long drives and lodges can go hours without a socket.
MyCharge has stations around the city: scan the QR code in its app, return it at any station, pay with telebirr.
Rather buy one? Where to shop
On Ethiopian Airlines
The same rule on your flight in, home and on domestic flights: power banks travel with you in the cabin, switched off and stowed under the seat in front of you.
- Carry-on only
- Up to 2
- Up to 160 Wh
- No use on board
- Under the seat
100–160 Wh needs the airline's approval. A 20,000 mAh power bank is about 74 Wh.
Power cuts
Most hotels have a backup generatorIn Addis and the big cities, the lights usually come back within seconds. Smaller guesthouses and rural lodges may not have one.
Phone died?
If something unexpected happens and your battery runs out, ask to charge it in a shop, café or office: most people will happily help, often for free, and you'll be fine without it for a while. Stay with your phone while it charges, because phones get stolen, and use your own charger or make sure theirs is genuine. Better still, carry your own charger and a small power bank so you never need to.
Questions people ask
What plug type does Ethiopia use?
Type C and F (Europe-style) are the most common, with E and L (Italian three-pin) too, and some hotels have UK-style Type G sockets. Bring a universal travel adapter, ideally two.
What voltage does Ethiopia use?
Ethiopia uses 220 V, 50 Hz.
Do I need a voltage converter in Ethiopia?
Not for phones, laptops and camera chargers if the label says 100 to 240 V. You do need one for 110 V-only devices like some hair dryers.
Are there power cuts in Ethiopia?
Yes, power cuts happen, and Wi-Fi can drop during them. Most hotels in Addis Ababa and the major cities have a backup generator, so the lights usually come back within seconds. Outside the city, carry a 10,000 to 20,000 mAh power bank and a head torch.
Can I take a power bank on Ethiopian Airlines?
Yes, in your carry-on only, never in checked luggage. You can bring up to two, each no more than 160 Wh (between 100 and 160 Wh needs the airline's approval). You can't use or charge a power bank during the flight, and it must be kept under the seat, not in the overhead bin.
Can I rent a power bank in Addis Ababa?
Yes. MyCharge has power bank stations around Addis Ababa: scan the QR code in its app to take one, and return it at any station. It's paid in the app with telebirr.
My phone died in Ethiopia. Where can I charge it?
Ask in a shop, café or office: most people will happily let you charge your phone. Stay with it while it charges, and use your own charger and cable if you can.
Is there good Wi-Fi in Addis Ababa?
Most hotels, cafés and malls in Addis have Wi-Fi, but speeds vary. Mobile data is usually more reliable than hotel Wi-Fi.
Do I need a VPN in Ethiopia?
Possibly. Internet access can be restricted in some regions, and some sites or apps may be blocked at times. A reputable VPN may help, but follow local law.