Menu
Countryaah.com
  • Europe
    • Countries in the EU
    • Countries in South Europe
    • Countries in North Europe
    • Countries in West Europe
    • Countries in East Europe
    • Capital Cities in Europe
    • Europe Population
    • Largest Countries by Area
    • Largest Countries by Population
  • America
    • Caribbean
    • North America
      • United States
      • Capital Cities in North America
      • North America Population
    • Central America
    • South America
      • Capital Cities in South America
      • South America Population
    • Latin America
  • Asia
    • Countries in Middle East
    • Countries in East Asia
    • Countries in South Asia
    • Countries in Southeastern Asia
    • Countries in West Asia
    • Countries in Central Asia
    • Capital Cities in Asia
    • Asia Population
    • Largest Countries by Area
    • Largest Countries by Population
  • Africa
    • Countries in Southern Africa
    • Countries in Central Africa
    • Countries in North Africa
    • Countries in East Africa
    • Countries in West Africa
    • Capital Cities in Africa
    • Africa Population
    • Largest Countries by Area
    • Largest Countries by Population
  • Oceania
    • Countries in Melanesia
    • Countries in Micronesia
    • Countries in Polynesia
    • Capital Cities in Oceania
    • Oceania Population
  • All Countries
    • Starting with A
    • Starting with B
    • Starting with C
    • Starting with D
    • Starting with E
    • Starting with F
    • Starting with G
    • Starting with H
    • Starting with I
    • Starting with J
    • Starting with K
    • Starting with L
    • Starting with M
    • Starting with N
    • Starting with O
    • Starting with P
    • Starting with Q
    • Starting with R
    • Starting with S
    • Starting with T
    • Starting with U
    • Starting with V
    • Starting with W
    • Starting with Y
    • Starting with Z
  • By Subject
    • Airports
    • Business Holidays
    • Country Guides
    • Embassies
    • Country Flag
    • Global Trade Statistics
    • Rankings
    • Import Restrictions
    • United States
    • Population
    • Zip Codes
    • Chinese
Countryaah.com

Currency in Ethiopia

The currency of Ethiopia (English Ethiopia) is the Ethiopian Birr. The Ethiopian Birr’s ISO 42-17 code is ETB. The Ethiopian Birr Br is abbreviated. The Birr is the national currency of Ethiopia. The term birr is derived from the old Amharic term for silver.

History of the Ethiopian currency

The Ethiopian birr was introduced as the official currency of Ethiopia in 1894 by the then emperor Menelik II.

From 1894 to 1903, 1 birr was equivalent to 20 Gersh or 40 Besa. From 1903 to 1933 1 Birr was equivalent to 16 Gersh or 32 Besa. From 1933 to 1945 1 birr was equivalent to 100 Mätonya. Since 1945, 1 birr is now equivalent to 100 satim.

The name Birr has never changed since the currency was introduced in 1894. However, the Ethiopian birr was previously referred to abroad as the “thaler” and until 1976 even as the “dollar”. Course coins are in circulation in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 Satim as well as 1 Birr. Banknotes are in circulation in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50 and 100 Birr.

The National Bank of Ethiopia is the issuer of the current coins and banknotes. Ethiopia is officially one of the poorest countries in the world. Nevertheless, it has its own currency, the Birr.

Exchange into the Ethiopian currency

The high rate of inflation and a huge trade deficit meant that the Ethiopian birr continued to depreciate against the US dollar and could hardly be exchanged for it. The US dollar has not yet become a shadow currency alongside the birr in Ethiopia.

Nevertheless, the US dollar is accepted by the locals for paying visa fees and as a tip. Bank and credit cards such as VISA, Mastercard, Diners Club and AmericanExpress can only be used to a very limited extent in Ethiopia, e.g. at international banks in large cities.

The introduction of eurosto Ethiopia is pointless as the locals do not know this currency and therefore do not accept it. You should therefore enter with new US dollar bills or with travelers checks, both of which are usually easily exchanged for Birr in Ethiopia outside the capital.

Warning: checks are generally not accepted. Tourists are only allowed to bring 200 birr with them when leaving.

Read more:

  • Where is Ethiopia Located?
  • Ethiopia Population
  • Ethiopia Airports
  • Ethiopia Facts
  • Ethiopia Holidays
  • Embassies of Ethiopia
  • Ethiopia Major Imports
  • Ethiopia Major Exports
  • Ethiopia Import Restrictions
  • Ethiopia Flag and Meaning
  • Ethiopia Major Trade Partners
  • List of Foreign Embassies in Ethiopia
  • What is the Capital of Ethiopia? Addis Ababa

©2021 Countryaah.com