Is Uber Available in Ethiopia?

Last updated: October 7, 2026

No, Uber is not available

Uber does not operate in Ethiopia. In Addis Ababa, use RIDE, Feres or Yango; Yango also serves Hawassa. Outside supported cities, arrange transport locally.

Uber is not available in Ethiopia. RIDE and Feres are the two strongest first downloads for Addis Ababa, with Yango providing a useful third price and availability check.

Yango also launched service in Hawassa in 2026, but none of these apps should be treated as nationwide transport. Recent travelers repeatedly recommend RIDE and Feres, while also reporting that drivers may call to confirm a landmark because map pins and entrances can be imprecise. Use a local number that can receive calls, or ask hotel or restaurant staff to help explain the pickup point in Amharic. Cash is the safest payment fallback even when an app displays a digital option, so carry small Ethiopian birr notes and confirm the price shown before the trip starts.

At Bole airport, ignore unsolicited drivers, move to the pickup point shown in the app and make sure the driver starts the booked trip. Check the plate and driver, share the journey and do not accept a replacement car or an off-app fare without understanding the risk. Dispatch numbers can help when mobile data or app matching fails: RIDE uses 8294, Feres uses 6090 and Yango uses 8610. For overnight travel, remote sites, luggage-heavy transfers or journeys outside supported cities, arrange a reputable hotel, tour operator or known driver instead of assuming an app car will be available.

Uber Alternatives in Ethiopia

RideEssential

A widely used Ethiopian ride app for Addis Ababa, with in-app booking and the 8294 telephone dispatch fallback.

Pro tip: Drivers often call for a landmark. Keep a reachable local number, confirm the plate and make sure the trip starts in the app before leaving the pickup point.

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FeresEssential

A major Addis Ababa ride-hailing alternative that recent travelers often compare with RIDE for price and availability.

Pro tip: Keep small birr notes even if a payment option appears in the app. If matching fails, its Addis dispatch number is 6090.

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Yango

A useful third ride option in Addis Ababa and Hawassa, especially for comparing nearby cars and the displayed fare.

Pro tip: Cash is the dependable fallback because payment guidance varies by booking channel. Confirm the active payment method before requesting the car.

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