Trying to figure out if buses and metros in Ethiopia take cards or if Ill need small cash. Any recent experiences?
Your best bet is to have plenty of small cash. The public transit system in Ethiopia, whether it's the light rail or buses, is almost entirely cash-based, with a few exceptions. You'll need to pay the fare directly to the driver or at a ticket counter. Don't expect to use a card, as the infrastructure is not set up for it.
Don't even bother with a card for buses in Ethiopia. The vast majority of public transport, including the famous blue and white minibuses, are cash-only. I was just in Addis Ababa and saw that some of the new electric buses are using a card system, but it’s a small part of the total network. You'll need Ethiopian Birr for all fares.
You'll be using cash for almost all your public transportation needs. While Addis Ababa has a light rail system and some new city buses that are starting to accept a bus card, the old system of paying cash directly to the driver or a conductor is still the most common. Don't expect to use a credit card on any form of public transit. Make sure you have small bills on hand.
ou'll absolutely need small cash for public transportation in Ethiopia, but there's a new development. While most public buses in Addis Ababa, and all the intercity buses, are cash-only, the city is rolling out a new electric bus fleet that uses a card payment system. These cards are available at bus terminals. But for the vast majority of your trips, especially on mini-buses and taxis, it will be cash only in Ethiopian Birr.