ethiopian birrs (their currency)

[Connemmara]

As I am sending a parcel to Ethiopia for a family. I would like to enclose �10 to the head of the family. However I am finding it difficult to get Ethiopian birrs.

If I send �10 sterling could the Ethiopian be able to get it cashed.

The postage of this parcel may come to �100 not here nor there. I do sponsor a little girl have done for 9 years. now but never sent her a present. Let me know about the birrs

[Mr Veritas]

Hello there,
After extensive searches (and reading) on the net,I have come to the conclusion that birrs are not available outside Ethiopia.
Most sites say you have to change birrs back into another currency when leaving Ethiopia,which would indicate that it is probably what is known as a "closed" economy.
This,from another (US) website sort of confirms the above:~

Money
Local Currency
The monetary unit in Ethiopia is the birr. Approximate exchange rates (as at January 2008) are as follows:

1 Pound Sterling: 18.7 birr
1 US Dollar: 9.6 birr
1 Euro: 14.7 birr

There is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency that a visitor may bring into Ethiopia.

Note: It is not usually possible to obtain Ethiopian birrs outside of Ethiopia. We would therefore recommend that you bring US dollars


I can only suggest that you enclose some item in very short supply in Ethiopia,so they can sell it for more than �10.00?

[Connemmara]

Thanks Mr Verita - I too, done homework and found the Ethiopians would rathr have US dollars.

Anyway it was mostly toys talc for the kids. But I wanted to send the aunt looking after the little girl some money. I only sent 14 us dollars - equivalent 10 pounds - 160 birrs - I hope it puts a smile on her face.

[magicaltimes]

Another way to this is to send the money usually US dollars as this is acceptable in most countries through "Western Union".
Just google "Western Union" and follow the links you pay with a credit card and the recipient collects through local "Western Union" offices,