For those of you coming to the Addis airport for the first time, here is some guidance. When you get to immigration, there will be two queues - one to purchase your visa on arrival and the other is to clear immigration. If you need a tourist visa, go to the queue on the left. The visa is $20. After you get your visa, you will then join the main immigration queue. I already had my visa so I went through the main queue straightaway.
After that, I headed to the baggage claim area. Three other flights arrived at the same time as mine. Despite having multiple carousels, the airport tends to only use two. Economy travellers, regardless of flight, go on one carousel and anyone with silver, gold or 'Cloud nine' status go on the other. I was on economy so I scoured all the bags until mine came along. Huzzah!
After you collect your bags, you will have two more hurdles. You will join a queue to exit the airport. Someone will check your luggage tags to make sure you're taking only your bags. After that, all luggage needs to be scanned before it leaves the airport. This will result in long queues as everyone puts their bags through. It takes a long time but people are generally friendly and there isn't a lot of queue jumping.
Finally, leaving the airport arrival gate, you will head for ground transport. If you have arranged for a shuttle bus through your hotel, there are stands around the sides of the terminal, Find your hotel and they will call the driver. If you have a private driver, as I did, they will most likely not be allowed into the airport. Follow the crowds out of the airport, down the hill, and look for your driver.
As with all cities you are unfamiliar with, be safe. Go with people who know your name, and do not volunteer it first. Use registered taxis and do not go with someone who offers their services. I was picked up by Kassa. He's the driver for the office and a passionate Arsenal fan!
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