Street begging
There are far fewer people begging than there used to be, and you never have to give. If you'd like to, locals give 10 to 50 birr. If anyone gives you trouble, walk away or ask the police or the city's code enforcement officers.
You'll still see some
There are far fewer people begging in Addis Ababa and the major cities than there were five or six years ago, but you will still see some. They ask locals too, not only visitors.
Should I give?
You never have to, and in general it's better not to: giving money keeps people begging. But it isn't frowned upon either. Locals often give a little, usually 10 to 50 birr.
How to say no
Just walk on, and say one of these as locals do:
- የለኝምYelegnimI don't have any
- እግዚአብሔር ይስጥልኝEgziabher yistilignMay God give you (Christians say this)
- አላህ ይስጥልኝAllah yistilignMay Allah give you (Muslims say this)
Children who beg
Some children are made to beg by their families, or exploited by others. They may follow you or keep asking. Don't feel bad about walking away: giving keeps them on the street.
If someone gives you trouble
Most people take no for an answer. If someone won't:
- Walk awayKeep moving towards a busy street, a shop or your car.
- Ask a localTell someone nearby "they're giving me trouble": people will step in to help.
- Call the police or the officersAsk a police officer, or call 991, or find the city's code enforcement officers: they will deal with it.
Code enforcement officers
ደንብ አስከባሪ · denb askebari
Officers of the Addis Ababa City Administration Code Enforcement Authority patrol the streets and keep order in the city, including stopping people who harass others. Locals call them denb askebari: if you need help, walk up to one.
