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Latest Lalibela hotel reviews
Helpfulness
It’s great. You have to take your shoes off to enter the sacred Churches. The shoe minder protects your shoes. In fact, he moves them at least once when you go through a passageway between 2 churches and come out in a different place. Then there’s the guards as well. They guard the entrances to some of the other sacred Churches. You are safe and your shoes are safe from robbers. All of these guys have picture ID’s around their neck so you know they are legitimate. They expect a tip for your protection.
Unique Suggestions:
Wait a minute! Of course they have ID’s. The whole area is fenced off and patrolled. Thieves can’t get anywhere even remotely near you, the churches or your shoes! Yep, this is a job created to give some guys a job. Do give them a SMALL coin or 2. No more. The cost of living is very cheap here and these guys have a never ending supply of other tourists 7 days a week.
At the end of the tour you will go to see Bet Giorgis (the deep cross Church) that is outside the compound. Guess what? Beggars will hound you unmercifully there and there is no guard or shoe minder. They don’t like working there. They like being protected back in the compound! Watch your shoes!
Updated Oct 29, 2011
Helpfulness
This scam is repeated the world over. Baboons, monkeys, birds and who knows what else. Wild creatures are grabbed and/or tied up by locals, usually children. They invite you to take pictures. Then they ask for $20!
Unique Suggestions:
Do 1 of 2 things:
1) Do not pay them. Tell them that they never had an agreement with you to pay money. That’s right, teach them a lesson. Explain that they should have explained any charges up front. Also you can vent your spleen about animal cruelty.
2) Pay them pennies. And I mean pennies. If they want more ask for the coins back. Then tell them – No money for your Mr. Greedy!
Written Jan 13, 2008
Helpfulness
The notebook scam has been around long enough that it is in the guide books. I have only ever seen this here in Lalibela. Several boys will approach you and tell you that they play soccer (football). In fact – they need your help! They need you to sign their sponsor form and – of course – make a donation. The form usually has a picture of someone playing soccer and at least one signature from some past tourist.
Fun Alternatives:
DO NOT SIGN OR GIVE THEM MONEY! Give them absolutely nothing. Lalibela is the worst town in Ethiopia for child beggars. It keeps them out of school. In other towns the kids sell goods or services after school and charge reasonable prices. They learn to be honest at business. If you sign their form they use your details to show other Tourists they are legitimate. DO NOT SIGN IT! Just walk away.
The kids performing the notebook scam are learning criminal activity and how to steal from tourists. When they get older they may just snatch your bag or worse. Teach them crime does not pay.
Updated Jan 13, 2008
Helpfulness
There are no banks in Lalibela.
If you are travelling on the ‘historic circuit’ you will find at least 2 full service banks in the following cities:
Bahir Dar
Axum
Gonder
Unique Suggestions:
You can exchange in some hotels, especially the Seven Olives at the top of the hill.
Fun Alternatives:
Carry lots of Birr (local cash) with you.
Updated May 23, 2007
Helpfulness
If you wanna make a phone call, specially abroad, the Post Office is the cheapest place to do it. If you phone from the hotels or shops they may charge you TRIPLE than in this official place. The minimum call is 3 minutes, 38B (3,8 USD) for a call to Europe.
Unique Suggestions: The Post Office is at the bus station, you will find it by the big antenna.
Written Sep 13, 2006
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Reviews and photos of Lalibela attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Lalibela sightseeing.
If you wanna make a phone call, specially abroad, the Post Office is the cheapest place to do it. If you phone from the hotels or shops they may charge you...
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