Is it okay to use ATMs late in the evening in Ethiopia or should I stick to daytime withdrawals only? I am a single woman travelling so want to be safe.
As a digital nomad based in Addis Ababa for two months, I relied on ATMs in hotels like Jupiter or Elilly. These were safer and better maintained. I withdrew cash once at 10 PM - no issues, but still felt uneasy outside. Ethiopia’s cities can feel unpredictable at night. Best rule: cash up before sunset and use in-hotel machines if needed.
I volunteered in Bahir Dar and found ATM access hit-or-miss. One night I used a Wegagen Bank ATM near the lakefront - worked fine, but I wouldn’t risk it again. The streets clear early, and lighting is poor. If you’re wondering about withdrawing cash after dark in Ethiopia, it’s better to plan for daytime when there’s more foot traffic.
While backpacking through Lalibela, I learned to always withdraw cash early. The one ATM in town was either down or out of money after 5 PM. In Addis, I tried to pull cash after dinner, but the Dashen Bank ATM near Bole Airport wouldn’t read my card. Night withdrawals aren’t unsafe, but they’re unreliable. Always carry some backup birr.
ATM safety at night in Ethiopia is not ideal. I stayed near Meskel Square in Addis Ababa and needed cash at 9 PM. The Commercial Bank of Ethiopia ATM worked, but the area was almost deserted. Locals suggested using ATMs in hotels or shopping centers during the day. Machines often run out of money after dark anyway.