ETHIOPIA
Akkam and Raawwachis - Hello and Welcome
In Ethiopia we provide international relocations by sea and air, pet relocation, local moves, office moves and storage. We also provide an essential import and export service by sea and air, for international AID agencies.
OUR TEAM
Worldwide Movers Africa (Ethiopia) provides services from this exciting location where the government is now investing in infrastructure development and actively seeking foreign investment to support economic growth. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is expected to be one of the largest dams in Africa.
Founded on customer service, hard work, dedication and staff training our business continues to grow and has an excellent reputation for good communication and high quality service.
Our team are knowledgeable, experienced and have extensive removal skills. We have comprehensive export/import, freight and customs formalities abilities.
Our team attend annual workshops and overseas conferences with agency network partners. We are proud of our reputation as Africa’s Gold Standard of the relocation industry.
Omar Duale
Director
Omar is a highly experienced manager with a wealth of industry expertise and a comprehensive understanding of the business environment in East Africa and Ethiopia. He has many years of hands-on experience and has acquired in-depth knowledge that significantly enriches the group. Omar's seasoned perspective and insights are invaluable assets, contributing to the group's success and fostering a culture of excellence.
COUNTRY PROFILE
Population: Approximately 118 million
Capital: Addis Ababa, in the centre of the country, is the capital and largest city. It serves as the political, cultural, and economic center of the nation.
Language: Amharic (and over 80 other languages)
Govt: Ethiopia is a federal parliamentary republic. The Prime Minister is the head of government, and the President is the head of state.
GDP: Gross Domestic Product is approximately $US96 billion.
GDP per capita is appoximately US$900
Currency: Birr (ETB) "ብር"
Ethiopia is one of the few African nations that was never formally colonized, maintaining its independence during the Scramble for Africa.
Agriculture plays a crucial role, employing the majority of the population. Coffee is a major export product. Recently, there has been growth in other sectors, including manufacturing and services.
Ethiopia is one of the oldest nations in the world. It was home to ancient civilizations, including the Aksumite Empire. It has a rich cultural heritage with various ethnic groups contributing to the country's diversity. The Oromo, Amhara, Tigray, and Somali are among the largest ethnic groups. The cultural mosaic includes traditional music, dance, art, and literature.
Christianity and Islam are the main religions. Ethiopian Orthodoxy, an ancient Christian tradition, has a significant presence. It is the site of one of the oldest Muslim communities in Africa.
Ethiopia has breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders. Its diverse geography with highlands, plateaus, and the Great Rift Valley include the Simien Mountains (home to the Ethiopian wolf), the Danakil Depression (one of the hottest places on Earth), Bale Mountains National Park and the Blue Nile Falls.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Our City Orientation Tour provides a safe and friendly way to get to know your new home. We help you to find what you need and make your initial settling-in period a little easier. We are happy to drive you and show you some key places. Or, you can drive your own car to get accustomed to driving in local city traffic.
Uber and RIDE operate in Addis Ababa, providing convenient and reliable transport. Book rides via mobile apps, the fare is usually calculated electronically. Taxis are also widely available.
The city has an established bus system operated by the Anbessa City Bus Service Enterprise. Buses cover various routes, providing affordable transport. Mini-buses "Blue Donkeys" are smaller public buses that operate on specific routes. They are a popular and flexible mode of transport, often filling gaps in the public transportation network.
Addis Ababa is home to one of the first light rail systems in sub-Saharan Africa. The Addis Ababa Light Rail Transit (AALRT) provides a modern and efficient means of transport connecting various parts of the city.
Bole International Airport serves as the main gateway to Addis Ababa and Ethiopia. It is a major hub for international and domestic flights, connecting the city to various destinations worldwide.
Popular neighbourhoods in Addis Ababa where expatriates often choose to live:
Bole: Bole is a well-known area in Addis Ababa, especially among expatriates. It's a vibrant neighborhood with a mix of residential and commercial areas. Bole is close to the airport, and you'll find numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops.
Old Airport: Old Airport is another neighbourhood popular among expats. It's a residential area with various housing options. It offers a quieter environment compared to Bole while still providing access to amenities.
Kirkos: Kirkos is a central district with a mix of residential and commercial spaces. It's close to government offices, embassies, and the city centre. The area has a diverse range of housing options.
Megenagna: Megenagna is a lively area with a mix of residential and commercial properties. It's known for its bustling markets, shopping centres, and restaurants. The area provides a good balance between urban conveniences and a neighbourhood feel.
Sarbet: Sarbet is a residential neighbourhood that offers a more relaxed environment. It's known for its green spaces, and it's a bit removed from the busy city centre.
Cazanchise: Cazanchise is home to several educational institutions, including Addis Ababa University. It's a central location with various amenities and a mix of housing options.
Kebena: Kebena is a residential area with a mix of apartments and houses. It's known for its family-friendly atmosphere and proximity to schools and parks.
Hayahulet: Hayahulet is a residential area with a range of housing options. It's known for its more relaxed pace of life and is suitable for those looking for a quieter environment.
Look for international schools that follow recognised curricula, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or British or American educational systems.
Try institutions like the International Community School of Addis Ababa ICS Addis, Sandford International School Sandford International School, Bingham Academy Bingham Academy, Greek Community School in Addis Ababa, Ethio-Parents' School Ethio-Parents' School, Brent International School Ethiopia Brent International School Ethiopia and The English School The English School
Ensure that the schools are accredited by relevant educational authorities or international accreditation bodies.
Consider the curriculum offered by the school and whether it aligns with your child's educational needs and future plans.
Check the school's facilities, resources, and extracurricular activities to ensure a well-rounded education.
Aim for accommodation and schooling within a sensible commute!
Merkato: One of the largest open-air markets in Africa and a vibrant and bustling shopping experience. Different sections specialise in specific goods such as spices, textiles, and traditional crafts.
Shiro Meda Market: Known for its traditional Ethiopian clothing and fabrics, woven goods, traditional dresses (habesha kemis), and cultural items.
Shola Market: With its fresh produce and local products, a great place to experience daily life and buy fruits, vegetables, and household items.
Edna Mall: A modern shopping complex with shops, restaurants, a cinema, and entertainment options. It's a popular destination for both locals and expatriates.
Sarbet Gabriel Shopping Centre: A convenient place for both daily and leisure shopping with a mix of shops, supermarkets, cafes, and restaurants.
Friendship City Centre: A popular shopping mall in Bole for both shopping and socialising with a range of shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Piassa: An historic and lively area in Addis Ababa with traditional architecture with shops selling a variety of goods, including clothing, shoes, and souvenirs.
Bole Road: Popular with locals and expats exploring fashion, accessories, and international brands this major commercial street has many shops, boutiques, and cafes.
Alem Cinema Shopping Center: A convenient spot for shopping and entertainment in Arat Kilo with shops, cafes, and a cinema.
Art Galleries and Craft Shops: Addis Ababa has many art galleries and craft shops where you can find traditional Ethiopian art, paintings, sculptures, and handmade crafts.
Stay safe, be aware of your surroundings and take precautions.
Research: Learn about the city and which areas are safe. Stay updated on local news and events, travel advisories or safety alerts issued for the city.
Accommodation: Use reputable well-reviewed accommodations. Look for good security measures. Use reliable booking platforms to ensure your reservation is legitimate.
Transport: Use licensed and reputable transport options. Avoid travelling alone late at night and use well-lit and busy routes.
Avoid Risky Areas: Be cautious in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas, especially at night.
Personal Belongings: Keep your belongings secure. Use anti-theft backpacks or money belts. Be cautious with flashy jewellery, expensive gadgets and large amounts of cash.
Contacts: Contact locals or expats who can give you guidance. Share your plans with someone you trust. Know the local emergency numbers (police, medical, fire). Carry a list of contacts, including the nearest embassy or consulate.
ITC: Use secure Wi-Fi connections and consider using a VPN. Keep your devices charged and have a backup power source.
Language: Learn some basic phrases in the local language, especially those for seeking help or directions.
Cultural Sensitivity: Respect local customs and traditions. Dress modestly in areas where it is appropriate.
Health Precautions: Be aware of health risks and take necessary vaccinations. Carry necessary medications and know the location of local medical facilities.
Trust Your Instincts: If a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself from it. Trust your instincts and be cautious about accepting invitations or assistance from strangers.
FAQS
Moving costs are based on factors such as:
The volume and weight of your belongings
Whether your belongings are being shipped by air, sea or road (or a combination)
Your origin and destination
Any special requirements you have such as crating for art work
Ease of access to your property
Additional services requested
Please provide our surveyor and operations manager with as much information as possible.
We use the assessment made by our surveyor and the information you provide to calculate your quote.
As each move is unique our service usually begins with a survey. Our surveyor will estimate the volume of goods to be shipped and the materials needed. He will listen carefully to any special instructions or requests you may have. He will also make an assessment of the property checking for any access issues (narrow gates or height restrictions) and look at lift access and staircases.
We have teams of highly experienced professional packers
We use high quality and appropriate materials to protect and pack your belongings
* You should not pack your own belongings
Many countries will not allow entry of goods that have been packed by their owners (PBO). This ensures no prohibited items are shipped with your belongings.
Any boxes labelled PBO are very likely to be opened and searched by customs officials
Our teams will produce a detailed packing list which they will ask you to sign
We do not ship prohibited goods, such as:
Ivory or furs, drugs, weapons, hazardous materials or perishable items.
Each location has its own export and import regulations. Our teams will be able to advise.
We do not pack keys or passports (you will need those)
It is recommended that you carry any small high value items, such as jewellery, rather than having it shipped with your goods
Your normal household insurance is unlikely to cover your goods in transit.
We offer protection cover for your move including marine insurance.
Your shipment may be insured by your origin agent if you are importing your goods to us.
It is very important that you complete a detailed valued inventory of your goods as one box may contain items of much greater value than another.
Please read our terms and conditions for information on liability.
It helps if you are organised.....
Make sure you have applied for any visas or permissions you will need and have your passports up to date and ready
Dispose of or sell any items you do not wish to take
Separate items to be shipped from those to remain
Separate items to be shipped by air and those to be shipped by sea (if appropriate)
Label or attach stickers to the items to be packed
Organise school books or your children's much loved toys
From start to finish the entire moving process has a number of steps:
Survey - please book your survey as far in advance as is practical
Quote - once your survey is done our team will contact shipping line and destination agents. Once all this information is in and collated we can provide you with a quote/estimate.
PLEASE NOTIFY US OF ANY CHANGES
Packing dates - we can be very busy especially at peak packing time in the summer months. We will always aim to pack on or close to your preferred dates when possible
Transport to port
Export clearing
Loading onto shipping vessel
Transit by sea or air - this can take a day to several weeks. We can give an estimated time of arrival (ETA) to help you with planning. However, many things affect the transit time and are out of our control: technical issues, weather, international incidents, port congestion etc. Your shipment is tracked and the ETA adjusted accordingly.
Offloading from the vessel
Import clearing
Transport to storage or your new home
Unpacking and debris removal
We will provide you with a comprehensive and detailed quote for our services which should highlight any exclusions.
DUTY AND TAX: Customs/import duty is imposed when people bring goods into a country. Duty can vary widely depending on the country and its specific customs regulations. Personal belongings and household goods are sometimes duty free or have a reduced rate. Exemptions or reductions may apply to some individuals, such as expatriates on short-term assignments and diplomats. Depending on the country there may be other taxes and levys charged on your shipment.
A customs declaration including a detailed inventory, packing list, and relevant identification documents is crucial for smooth customs clearance. Some countries may require additional documents, such as a visa, work permit, or proof of residence. We can provide guidance on the documentation required and potential duty implications.
DEMURRAGE: Demurrage is charged by a shipowner for any delay in loading/unloading a vessel or returning the container beyond the allowed free time. Delays can arise for many reasons including port congestion, customers not presenting the required paperwork on time etc
Free time is generally about 5 days for an air import and 7 days for a sea import (including weekends and holidays). Charges are calculated on a daily rate for each day beyond the free time.
We are unable to include demurrage charges in our quote as they vary. You, your origin agent or your company are usually responsible for paying demurrage. It is important for us to know who to contact so that they can be paid efficiently, the container is released and further unnecessary charges are not incurred.
OTHER
Inspections - Your shipment may be selected for inspection or X-Ray by officials for which there will be an additional fee.
Storage - We are able to store your household goods for you if for example your new home is not ready. We charge warehouse handling and storage for this service.
Handyman - We offer other services such as a handyman if you need other work such as putting up curtains, electrical work, assembly of IKEA furniture and so on....
Out of Hours - Additional may be incurred if you require us to work after hours, on weekends or public holidays.
International relocation of pets involves careful planning and adherence to regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of your furry friends.
We have moved many pets all over the world including USA, UK, many EU countries, New Zealand, Australia, Cyprus, Thailand, Singapore....
Pet import requirements and regulations vary and some countries have strict rules and timelines to which you must adhere.
Ensure that your pet has a compliant microchip registered with your contact information.
Visit your veterinarian well in advance and ensure your pet is up-to-date on all vaccinations required by the destination country. Give parasite treatments according to the regulations of the destination country. Obtain a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian shortly before travel.
An import permit may be required by the destination country. Obtain the necessary permits and ensure compliance with any waiting periods. Be aware of any quarantine requirements in the destination country.
You will need an IATA and airline-approved travel crate that provides enough space for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Familiarise your pet with the crate before travel. Include familiar items like blankets or toys in the travel crate (but no choking hazards). Ensure access to water and any necessary medications during the journey.
We organise the door-to-door relocation of pets, from collection at your residence, booking with the airline, airport procedures and processing, arranging a destination agent and hand over or delivery to your new home. We select an airline we trust with experience in transporting pets. We consider the travel time, any transfers and their location so that we choose the best route for the comfort and safety of your pet/s. Some airlines have specific pet travel programs.
You will need to provide original copies of all your pets documents. We will also need your old and new address and contact information.
NB: Do not give your pet any sedative or calming medications/supplements - these can have devastating affects at altitude. We will refuse to ship your animal if we suspect it is sedated.
We can also relocate other animals and always adhere to regulations. If your pet is CITES listed you will need to provide the correct paperwork.
TESTIMONIALS
Dear Charles and William,
We would like to thank you, all of you, for the very good job you have done. Your team, this morning, was efficient and competent. We will have the pleasure to work with you again. Thank you very much.
Kindest regards Helene
Why Choose Us?
With over 30 years of experience on the African Continent, Worldwide Movers Africa has the knowledge and dedication needed to successfully move your belongings.
CONTACT THE ETHIOPIAN TEAM
Contact Details
Omar Duale
Email: etwwm@yahoo.com
Tel: +251 911 714 337
Address
Worldwide Movers Ethiopia
Kirkos Subcity Woreda 02 Bole
Wello Serfer Ethio-China Friendship Rd.
HMM Bldg, 3rd Fl. #309
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
