🇪🇹 eSIM for Ethiopia

As low as $25.05/day*
Excellent ★★★★★ Based on 2,400+ reviews
  • Unlimited data
  • 7-day validity
  • Fast and reliable internet
  • No more roaming charges
  • Instant QR code by email
Start enjoying unlimited data
Number of days
More days, lower the price!
7
Number of eSIMs
More eSIMs, more discounts
1
Install your eSIM before or during your trip. Your plan will begin once you arrive at your destination and turn on your eSIM.

* As low as price reflects the cheapest per-day rate, based on the longest available unlimited data plan duration.

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Africa eSIM

Travel the Region with Africa eSIM

Cover Ethiopia and all nearby countries on one regional eSIM — no SIM swapping, no extra fees. Plans from $1.37.

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eSIM prices for Ethiopia

All prices in USD

7 days of unlimited data in Ethiopia costs $176.20 — about $25.17 a day on Ethio Telecom or Safaricom Ethiopia, with no roaming charge and no SIM to swap. In Ethiopia, 5G is live and median mobile download speed is 20.8 Mbps.

Duration Price Per day
1 day $26.52 $26.52/day
3 days $76.42 $25.47/day
5 days $126.30 $25.26/day
7 days $176.20 $25.17/day
10 days $251.02 $25.10/day
15 days $375.76 $25.05/day
30 days $20.92 $0.70/day
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Which Ethiopia eSIM plan fits your trip?

Choose your Ethiopia eSIM by matching the allowance and validity period to your trip, then compare the selected product details with the local network, band and speed references already shown on this page.

Start with the length of your stay, then allow for navigation, messaging, streaming and work use. Each option below is a plan size that is currently available for this destination.

Short trip

1 GB / 7 days

Best for: A short visit with maps, messages and occasional browsing.

This option pairs the 1 GB allowance with a stated validity period of 7 days.

Usage tip: Save maps before longer journeys and use Wi-Fi for large downloads.

Two-week trip

2 GB / 15 days

Best for: A stay of around two weeks with regular navigation and messaging.

The 2 GB allowance remains available across a stated validity period of 15 days.

Usage tip: Keep automatic app updates and cloud backups on Wi-Fi.

Longer or higher use

10 GB or more / 30 days

Best for: A longer stay or more frequent streaming, video calls or work use.

The 10 GB or more / 30 days profile provides a larger data pool than the short-trip options on this page.

Usage tip: Compare the allowance with your normal phone usage and monitor it during the trip.

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Which networks you connect to in Ethiopia

Your eSIM roams onto Ethiopia's own operators. These are the networks and the frequencies they run — check your phone supports them before you travel.

Operator 4G / LTE bands 5G bands 5G
Ethio Telecom B1, B3, B20 n78 Yes
Safaricom Ethiopia B1, B3, B8, B20 n78 Yes
20.8 Mbps
Median download
11.6 Mbps
Median upload

Source: Ookla Speedtest Global Index, July 2025

Coverage in Ethiopia

Safaricom Ethiopia network does not cover the Tigray region as of mid-2025. Ethio Telecom 4G is concentrated in Addis Ababa and regional capitals; many rural areas remain 3G-only or 2G-only.

How to check mobile coverage in Ethiopia

The Ethiopia mobile network source is linked below as a public network reference. Check the places on your itinerary where the source offers local detail, then confirm the network information for the selected eSIM product. The operator table on this page provides the country-level reference, while the selected product details identify which network information applies to your plan.

Accommodation and daily stops

Check your accommodation and the places you expect to visit in Ethiopia. Indoor reception can differ from an outdoor map, so keep the property Wi-Fi details available as well.

Journeys between stops

Review the full route rather than checking only the arrival city. Save tickets, addresses and maps offline before longer road or rail journeys.

Borders and onward travel

Check the selected product scope for every country on your itinerary. Your Ethiopia plan and a regional plan may have different included destinations and validity periods.

Phone compatibility in Ethiopia

Compare your phone with 4G bands B1, B3, B8, B20 and 5G bands n78 in the existing Ethiopia network table. Support for more of the listed bands gives the phone more options when connecting, while the selected product, location and local network conditions determine the service available.

Set up the Ethiopia eSIM for your trip

Keep the QR code and installation instructions available offline, and complete each step according to the selected product's instructions.

When validity starts: Validity-start rules can differ by product. Check the selected plan details before installation and travel.

  1. Confirm that your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM before purchase.
  2. Save the QR code or manual installation details somewhere you can reach without mobile data.
  3. Use reliable Wi-Fi to install the profile at the time recommended in the product instructions.
  4. When you are ready to use it, select the travel eSIM for cellular data and apply the stated roaming and APN settings.
  5. Keep roaming disabled on your home line if you want to avoid using its travel data.
Network and coverage sources, checked 2026-10-10
Ethiopia travel guide

Enjoy your Ethiopia vacation

Ethiopia is a land of ancient wonders, dramatic landscapes, and vibrant cultures that few African destinations can rival. From the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela to the otherworldly Danakil Depression and the misty highlands of the Simien Mountains, every corner offers extraordinary adventures. The country's unique history as the only African nation never colonized adds a distinctive character to your travels. A uPhone eSIM ensures you stay connected from the moment you land in Addis Ababa, letting you navigate, share memories, and stay in touch throughout your Ethiopian journey.

Top attractions in Ethiopia

Ethiopia's attractions span ancient religious sites, dramatic natural formations, and world-class trekking destinations. Whether you're exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites or venturing into remote landscapes, the country offers experiences found nowhere else on Earth.

  • Lalibela Churches — Eleven rock-hewn churches carved from single stones in the 12th century, forming a spiritual pilgrimage site and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Simien Mountains National Park — A UNESCO-listed mountain range offering stunning trekking with views of dramatic cliffs, endemic wildlife including the Walia ibex, and breathtaking sunrises.
  • Danakil Depression — One of the hottest and lowest places on Earth, featuring otherworldly salt flats, colorful geothermal springs, and the active Erta Ale volcano.
  • Axum (Aksum) — An ancient obelisk city and former capital of the Aksumite Empire, with archaeological treasures and historic churches reflecting Ethiopia's royal past.
  • Blue Nile Falls — A powerful waterfall on the Blue Nile River located in the northwest, creating dramatic scenery and offering opportunities for scenic hikes and boat trips.

Popular foods to try in Ethiopia

Ethiopian cuisine is renowned for its aromatic spice blends, communal dining traditions, and flavorful vegetarian and meat dishes. Most meals are served on injera, a spongy flatbread that doubles as plate and utensil, creating an interactive and authentic dining experience.

  • Injera — A soft, fermented flatbread made from teff flour that serves as both plate and edible utensil for scooping stews and curries.
  • Doro Wat — A rich and spicy chicken stew cooked with hard-boiled eggs, garlic, ginger, and Ethiopian spices, a cornerstone of celebration meals.
  • Misir Wat — A hearty red lentil stew flavored with berbere spice, garlic, and onions, offering warming comfort and vegetarian-friendly sustenance.
  • Kitfo — Minced raw beef mixed with mitmita (a fiery chili paste) and niter kibbeh (clarified butter), served as a delicacy often accompanied by cheese.
  • Tibs — Sautéed meat or vegetables cooked with onions, peppers, and spices, offering flexibility in preparation and a perfect introduction to Ethiopian flavors.

Best time to visit Ethiopia

The best time to visit Ethiopia is during the dry season from October to February, when skies are clear, temperatures are moderate, and trekking conditions are ideal. This period offers the most comfortable weather for exploring highlands, visiting remote sites like the Danakil Depression, and experiencing Ethiopia's festivals and cultural celebrations.

The rainy season from June to September brings lush green landscapes and fewer tourists, though some highland roads become difficult to navigate. March to May offers pleasant weather but higher temperatures, making it suitable for lower-altitude destinations. During the rainy season, many trekking routes may be impassable, and certain remote areas become challenging to access.

What to pack for your visit to Ethiopia

Ethiopia's diverse elevations and climates demand versatile packing, from lightweight clothing for hot lowlands to warm layers for cool mountain nights. Essential items should account for both adventure activities and respectful visits to religious and cultural sites.

  • Layered clothing — Pack light shirts and shorts for Addis Ababa's warm days, plus sweaters and jackets for highlands where temperatures drop significantly at night.
  • Sturdy hiking boots — Essential for trekking Simien Mountains and navigating rocky terrain at higher elevations and remote archaeological sites.
  • Sun and altitude protection — High SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses are crucial due to intense UV exposure and high altitude sun intensity.
  • Modest clothing — Long pants and shoulders-covering tops show respect at religious sites, churches, and in conservative communities throughout the country.
  • Reusable water bottle — Stay hydrated in high-altitude areas and hot lowlands, while reducing plastic waste in Ethiopia's natural environments.
  • Your uPhone eSIM — Provides reliable 4G LTE coverage with local carriers Ethio Telecom and Safaricom Ethiopia, keeping you connected throughout the highlands, cities, and remote trekking destinations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about your Ethiopia eSIM

Our eSIM connects to available local networks. As of mid-2025, Safaricom Ethiopia's network does not cover the Tigray region. Ethio Telecom has 4G concentrated in Addis Ababa and regional capitals, so coverage in rural Tigray may be limited to 3G or 2G.

Your eSIM will connect to either Ethio Telecom or Safaricom Ethiopia, depending on signal strength and availability. Both operators provide 4G on bands B1, B3, and B20. Safaricom Ethiopia also uses B8. 5G is available on band n78 from both operators.

Ethio Telecom and Safaricom Ethiopia both use 4G bands B1 and B3, which are common globally. Band B20 is used by both operators, but B1 and B3 are widely available. If your phone lacks B20, you may experience weaker coverage in some areas, but you should still connect in most cities.

This eSIM is designed for use in Ethiopia only. It will not provide service in Djibouti, Sudan, or any other neighbouring country. You would need a separate eSIM or a regional plan for multi-country travel.

Local SIM card registration laws in Ethiopia require identification. When you use an eSIM, the registration process is handled by the provider before activation. You do not need to present your passport at a store, but your identity is verified during purchase.

Compare 1 GB / 7 days, 2 GB / 15 days and 10 GB or more / 30 days. Use the shorter profiles for lighter maps and messaging use, then compare the larger allowance for streaming, video calls or work apps.

The start rule is product-specific. Review the selected plan details before installing it so you know whether any action is required before arrival.

Save the QR code, manual installation details, APN guidance and the support instructions supplied with the selected plan.
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