🇪🇹 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.

Secure Payment
Visa Mastercard PayPal Amex Diners JCB
Ethiopia eSIM travel illustration

Why choose us?

See how uPhone compares with other options in Ethiopia.

uPhone
Local SIM
Roaming
Unlimited data plans
Instant activation
Keep your existing number
No hidden fees
No contract
24/7 support
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 $1.71.

View Africa Plans
🇪🇹

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 $61.44 $2.05/day
🇪🇹

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.

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.
24/7 Support

Need help? We're here for you.

Questions before or during your trip — our support team is always available via live chat and email. Typical response time under 2 minutes.

Chat with us
uPhone customer support