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Ethiopia · ET

Ethiopia eSIM plans and coverage

from $7.41 per GB

Use an eSIM for Ethiopia to stay connected for maps, bookings and messages in Addis Ababa and on longer road trips, with clear package choices and route-focused coverage guidance.

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100 GB · 30 days for $740.95. Catalog checked 2026-09-10; confirm the total before paying.

  • No plastic SIM
  • Price before payment
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What is an eSIM?

A digital SIM you add to your phone over the internet. No plastic card and no visit to a shop.

Use Letisim for maps, taxis and messages while keeping your usual number.

Check my phone

Calls and texts on your home SIM follow your operator’s rates.

Your SIMCalls and texts
LetisimInternet for your trip

Ethiopia eSIM plans

Compare data, duration and when validity begins. A top-up label means more data can be added to that package.

Prices checked 2026-09-10. The live catalog is authoritative at checkout.

Open all current plans

All published plans for Ethiopia

Published plans checked 2026-09-10. Availability and price are confirmed in the catalog at checkout.
DataValidityPricePer GB
1 GBSafaricom5GReloadable7 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT FIRST CONNECTIONACTIVATE WITHIN 180 DAYS$14.76$14.76Choose plan
1 GBReloadable30 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT PURCHASE$18.49$18.49Choose plan
3 GBSafaricom5GReloadable15 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT FIRST CONNECTIONACTIVATE WITHIN 180 DAYS$39.36$13.12Choose plan
3 GBReloadable30 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT PURCHASE$37.01$12.34Choose plan
5 GBReloadable30 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT PURCHASE$53.48$10.70Choose plan
10 GBReloadable30 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT PURCHASE$102.88$10.29Choose plan
20 GBReloadable30 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT PURCHASE$164.63$8.24Choose plan
50 GBReloadable30 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT PURCHASE$411.62$8.24Choose plan
100 GBReloadable30 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT PURCHASE$740.95$7.41Choose plan
UnlimitedSafaricom5G1 dayVALIDITY STARTS AT FIRST CONNECTIONACTIVATE WITHIN 180 DAYS$33.21—Choose plan
UnlimitedSafaricom5G3 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT FIRST CONNECTIONACTIVATE WITHIN 180 DAYS$99.63—Choose plan
UnlimitedSafaricom5G7 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT FIRST CONNECTIONACTIVATE WITHIN 180 DAYS$232.47—Choose plan
UnlimitedSafaricom5G14 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT FIRST CONNECTIONACTIVATE WITHIN 180 DAYS$464.94—Choose plan
UnlimitedSafaricom5G30 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT FIRST CONNECTIONACTIVATE WITHIN 180 DAYS$996.30—Choose plan

How far will your data go?

Choose an allowance to see what it could cover. Quality, compression and background activity change actual usage.

Compare available plans

With 3 GB, approximately…

Send photos

≈ 600 photos

Example: 5 MB per photo

Upload your own videos

≈ 47 clips

Example: a 1-minute Full HD clip ≈ 63 MB

Watch video

≈ 1 hr

HD example: 3 GB per hour

At standard quality: ≈ 4 hr 17 min

Make video calls

≈ 2 hr 46 min

1:1 at 720p: ≈ 1.08 GB per hour

Each result uses the whole allowance for that one activity. The results do not add up: maps, messages and other apps share the same data.

Taking photos or recording video on your phone does not itself use mobile data. Sending, watching or backing them up over the mobile network does.

Compare 1, 3, 5, 10 and 20 GB
Alternative uses of the same allowance
DataPhotos · 5 MB1-minute clips · 63 MBHD video · 3 GB/hrStandard video · 0.7 GB/hrVideo calls · 720p
1 GB≈ 200 photos≈ 15 clips≈ 20 min≈ 1 hr 25 min≈ 55 min
3 GB≈ 600 photos≈ 47 clips≈ 1 hr≈ 4 hr 17 min≈ 2 hr 46 min
5 GB≈ 1,000 photos≈ 79 clips≈ 1 hr 40 min≈ 7 hr 8 min≈ 4 hr 37 min
10 GB≈ 2,000 photos≈ 158 clips≈ 3 hr 20 min≈ 14 hr 17 min≈ 9 hr 15 min
20 GB≈ 4,000 photos≈ 317 clips≈ 6 hr 40 min≈ 28 hr 34 min≈ 18 hr 31 min
Where these estimates come from

Planning examples, not guaranteed totals. We use 1 GB = 1,000 MB, round down complete files and minutes, and exclude overhead, retries and background traffic.

  1. 5 MB is Verizon’s high-resolution photo example. Your files can be smaller after compression or much larger as originals or RAW. Check the actual file size on your phone. Verizon ↗
  2. 63 MB models a 1-minute H.264 Full HD export at 24–30 fps using YouTube’s recommended video and stereo audio bitrates. It is not a universal camera-file size or the cost of watching a clip. YouTube ↗
  3. Viewing examples use Netflix’s published rates: up to 0.7 GB/hr at Medium and up to 3 GB/hr in HD. Other apps and quality settings can differ; these are not YouTube playback rates. Netflix ↗
  4. The call example uses Zoom’s 1:1 720p bandwidth: 1.2 Mbps up and 1.2 Mbps down, together about 1.08 GB/hr. Group calls and higher resolutions can use more. Zoom ↗

Sources checked 2026-09-08

Make your data last

Maps and messages

Start with your usual usage. Download maps, your accommodation address and bookings before departure.

Social posts and photos

Allow extra data if Wi-Fi will be limited. Check whether your phone backs up photos and videos over mobile data.

Video and work

Check recent data use on your phone and the package’s hotspot rules. Budget separately for video calls and large downloads.

03 / Installation

How to connect an eSIM in Ethiopia

Your first eSIM? Here is what to open and what to tap.

Check the exact model, regional variant and system version. If Add eSIM or EID is missing, contact support before buying. A brand name alone does not confirm compatibility.

Manufacturer’s instructions · iPhone ↗

Manufacturer’s instructions · Google Pixel / Android ↗

Manufacturer’s instructions · Samsung ↗

Manufacturer’s instructions · Huawei ↗

Manufacturer’s instructions · Honor ↗

Manufacturer’s instructions · Xiaomi / Redmi ↗

Manufacturer’s instructions · Motorola ↗

Manufacturer’s instructions · OPPO ↗

Manufacturer’s instructions · OnePlus ↗

On iOS 26, a Turn On Travel eSIM notification may appear after arrival. Choose the travel line for data and check whether you also want to keep your home line active. If no notification appears, use the manual steps below.

Check when your package starts: at payment, installation or first connection. If it starts on installation, install nearer your trip. Installing later does not postpone a package that started at payment.

These screens show settings on the models named below. Your operator and eSIM labels will differ. Screens retain the source language; each caption translates and identifies the control to use. Tap any image for a closer look.

iPhone 17 · iOS 26 · Screen source ↗

Before your trip · install the eSIM

Use a stable Wi-Fi connection or hotspot. Your exact phone model must support eSIM and be unlocked for other operators.

  1. 01

    Open your eSIM installation

    Connect the phone you will use for your eSIM to Wi-Fi. Choose one of the two options below. If this eSIM is already installed, skip to choosing the line for mobile data.

    The app or email on this phone

    In the Letisim app, open My eSIMs, choose your purchased eSIM and tap Install. On the preparation screen, tap Copy name and install.

    Or open your eSIM email on this same phone and tap Install eSIM. If the link opens your order page first, use the installation button shown there.

    A QR code on another screen

    Open your eSIM’s QR code from the email or order on a computer, tablet or another phone. Point the camera of the phone you are installing the eSIM on at the code, then tap the installation prompt.

    Both options lead to the phone’s system setup. Continue with step 2.

    The button or camera did not open setup?

    You can add the eSIM by scanning its QR code in Settings. Follow the path below, choose the QR scanner and use the code for your own purchase. If the QR is on this same phone, see the options without a second screen below the guide.

    iPhone: Settings → Mobile Service / Cellular → Add eSIM → Use QR Code → Scan QR Code → Continue

    Google Pixel / Android: Settings → Network and Internet → SIMs → Add SIM → Set up an eSIM → scan your QR → Set up

    Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM → Scan QR code → Add → Next

    Huawei: Settings → Mobile network → SIM management → SIM 2 → Add eSIM → Add eSIM → Scan code → Add this eSIM

    Honor: Settings → Mobile network → SIM management → Add eSIM → Add eSIM or transfer from your device → Set up an eSIM → Set up

    Xiaomi / Redmi: Settings → Mobile networks → Use eSIM → Manage eSIM → Add eSIM → Add eSIM → scan your QR → confirm download

    Motorola: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs & mobile network → Download new SIM → Set up an eSIM → scan your QR → Set up

    OPPO: Settings → Mobile network → SIM & eSIM settings → Add eSIM → Set up an eSIM → scan your QR → Set up

    OnePlus: Settings → Mobile network → eSIM → Add eSIM → Add eSIM → Next → scan your QR → Set up

    Tap Add eSIM to add your travel eSIM.Enlarge screen ↗
    Tap Add eSIM to add your travel eSIM. Screen source ↗
  2. 02

    Confirm installation on your phone

    The install button or your QR code opens the phone’s system setup. Confirm that you want to add the eSIM, then stay connected to Wi-Fi until the profile finishes downloading. If the phone first asks how to add an eSIM, use your QR code. You do not need to transfer your home SIM from another phone.

    Continue / Add / Install / Set up → wait for the eSIM to download

    For the QR option: Choose Use QR Code to install using your QR code.Enlarge screen ↗
    For the QR option: Choose Use QR Code to install using your QR code. Screen source ↗
    After scanning, tap Continue to confirm installation of your eSIM.Enlarge screen ↗
    After scanning, tap Continue to confirm installation of your eSIM. Screen source ↗
  3. 03

    Give the new line a clear name

    For example, “Letisim Ethiopia”, so you can distinguish it from your home SIM. This is a label on your phone; it does not change the number or plan.

    iPhone: Settings → Cellular / Mobile Service → new eSIM → Cellular Plan Label → Custom

    Google Pixel / Android: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → new eSIM → Edit name

    Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM manager → new eSIM → Name

    Huawei: SIM management → SIM 2 → your eSIM → Card name. You can keep the existing label if no rename option is shown.

    Honor: SIM management → SIM 2 → eSIM name. Rename it if your MagicOS version offers this option.

    Xiaomi / Redmi: Manage eSIM → your plan → Change nickname, if available.

    Motorola: Open the new eSIM in SIM settings and use the edit-name option if available.

    OPPO: Open the installed profile in eSIM settings and change its label if your ColorOS version allows it.

    OnePlus: Open the installed eSIM and edit its name if the option is available.

    Line name: Letisim Ethiopia
    Open the new eSIM to edit its name. The example label may differ from yours.Enlarge screen ↗
    Open the new eSIM to edit its name. The example label may differ from yours. Screen source ↗

Installation adds the eSIM to your phone. Choose it for mobile data at your destination. Package validity still follows its own start rule.

At your destination · turn on data

  1. 04

    Choose the eSIM for mobile data

    Turn on the new line and select it for mobile data. You can keep your home SIM for calls and texts at its usual rates. Turn off automatic mobile-data switching between SIMs.

    iPhone: Settings → Cellular / Mobile Service → Cellular Data → Letisim. Turn off “Allow Cellular Data Switching”.

    Google Pixel / Android: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Mobile data → Letisim

    Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Mobile data → Letisim

    Huawei: In SIM management, enable the travel eSIM and select it as the default mobile-data SIM. Adding it may disable a physical SIM in slot 2.

    Honor: In SIM management, enable the eSIM and choose it for mobile data. Check which physical SIM remains active.

    Xiaomi / Redmi: Enable the travel plan in Manage eSIM, then select it for mobile data. Some models use eSIM instead of physical SIM 2.

    Motorola: Network & internet → SIM settings: enable the travel eSIM and select it for mobile data.

    OPPO: Enable the profile in Mobile network → eSIM, then select it for mobile data. The eSIM may occupy the SIM 2 position.

    OnePlus: In Mobile network, enable the travel eSIM and choose it for mobile data. Turn off automatic switching to the other SIM.

    Choose your travel eSIM for Mobile data. Keep your home SIM for calls.Enlarge screen ↗
    Choose your travel eSIM for Mobile data. Keep your home SIM for calls. Screen source ↗
  2. 05

    Check roaming in your package guide

    If your eSIM instructions require data roaming, enable it for the Letisim line. Keep data roaming off on your home SIM. If an APN is specified, use the exact value in your own package’s guide.

    iPhone: Settings → Cellular / Mobile Service → Letisim → Data Roaming (sometimes under Cellular Data Options)

    Google Pixel / Android: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Letisim → Roaming

    Samsung: First select Letisim for mobile data, then Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Data roaming

    Huawei: Open Mobile network → Mobile data and check data roaming for the travel SIM. Follow the settings in your package guide.

    Honor: In the mobile-network settings, open the travel SIM’s data settings and enable roaming only if your package requires it.

    Xiaomi / Redmi: In Mobile networks, open the travel SIM’s data-roaming settings. Use the roaming and APN values from your package guide.

    Motorola: Open the travel eSIM’s network settings and check Roaming against your package instructions.

    OPPO: Open the travel SIM’s mobile-network settings and enable data roaming if required by your package.

    OnePlus: Open the travel SIM’s settings and check Data roaming against the instructions for your own package.

    Open Data roaming or Roaming for the travel line. Enable it only if your package instructions require it.Enlarge screen ↗
    Open Data roaming or Roaming for the travel line. Enable it only if your package instructions require it. Screen source ↗
  3. 06

    Check your connection

    Turn off Wi-Fi and open a map or website. If it loads, mobile data is working. If it does not, turn airplane mode on for about 30 seconds, turn it off and wait for a connection. Recheck the selected line and package settings.

    Wi-Fi off → website loads → you are connected

    Turn Wi-Fi off using this switch, then open a website or map to check mobile data.Enlarge screen ↗
    Turn Wi-Fi off using this switch, then open a website or map to check mobile data. Screen source ↗
No second screen for your QR code?

If the scanner has a gallery button, save the QR from your order and choose that image. If your order includes manual installation details, choose Enter details manually and copy the fields exactly. The available methods depend on your phone and eSIM. If neither is available, contact support; do not scan a sample code from this guide or delete an installed eSIM.

Menu names can differ by phone model and system version.

04 / Operators

Mobile operators in Ethiopia

Compare network coverage separately from speed. A national result does not predict reception inside your hotel or along a mountain road.

Official sources confirm Ethio telecom and Safaricom Ethiopia as Ethiopia’s mobile network operators. The network used by a travel eSIM depends on the package shown on the product page.

Ethio telecom

Public 4G coverage page from the operator. It is useful for a route check before longer drives. [3] [4]

Check coverage ↗

Safaricom Ethiopia

The operator publishes network rollout news by city and region rather than a public mobile coverage map. Check recent launch updates for your route. [5] [6] [7] [8]

Official website ↗

The network in your chosen package is what matters. This country comparison does not mean every plan includes every operator. 5G depends on the package, phone and local coverage.

05 / Coverage

Coverage across Ethiopia

Check the addresses and roads you will actually use. Save maps and booking details before leaving Wi-Fi.

🇪🇹 Ethiopia
  1. Addis Ababa
  2. Awash National Park routes
  3. Bale Mountains National Park

Addis Ababa

In Addis Ababa, mobile data is most useful for maps, bookings and hotel messages. Before leaving the capital for longer road trips, check your operator and save an offline map on your phone. [9] [12]

Awash National Park routes

Trips toward Awash can include long road sections between stops. Save your route and key contacts in advance, and do a quick coverage check before you leave Addis Ababa. [10] [12] [4] [7] [8]

Bale Mountains National Park

Bale trips often combine mountain roads and time outdoors. Download offline maps before departure and do not assume the same mobile service at every lodge, trailhead or valley. [10] [11] [12]

Ethiopia · eSIM

Overview

Ethiopia’s mobile market currently includes two operators in official public sources: Ethio telecom, the long-established incumbent, and Safaricom Ethiopia, the newer private operator. For travelers, the most practical difference is how each operator presents coverage information. Ethio telecom offers a public 4G coverage page, while Safaricom Ethiopia publishes rollout and network launch updates for specific cities and regions. That makes a route check more useful than relying on a broad country-level assumption.

Travel patterns in Ethiopia often mix time in Addis Ababa with longer drives toward places such as Awash and the Bale Mountains. In the capital, mobile internet is mainly about maps, messages and bookings. On road trips, preparation matters more: save offline maps, keep hotel or driver contacts handy, and confirm your package details before departure. If your eSIM package starts on first connection, you can often install it in advance and turn it on when you are ready to begin using it.

Useful apps and travel tools

My Ethiotel ↗

Official Ethio telecom self-service app for account management, package purchase and top-ups. [13]

Before you buy

Check coverage by route, not by assumption

Ethio telecom publishes a public 4G coverage page, while Safaricom Ethiopia publishes rollout updates for specific cities and regions. For a trip in Ethiopia, it is more useful to check the places you will actually visit than to assume the same mobile service everywhere. [4] [7] [8]

Check when your package starts

Some travel eSIM packages start their validity on first connection. That makes early installation practical, but always confirm the start rule on the package screen before you turn the line on. [15]

06 / FAQ

Questions about eSIM in Ethiopia

Which mobile operators are available in Ethiopia?

Official sources show two mobile operators in Ethiopia: Ethio telecom and Safaricom Ethiopia. Before you buy, check the package page to see which network is used by the specific eSIM you choose. [1] [2] [3] [5] [6] [15]

Is there a public coverage map for Ethiopia?

Ethio telecom publishes a public 4G coverage page. Safaricom Ethiopia publishes rollout news by city and region rather than a public mobile coverage map, so it is best to check recent updates for your route. [4] [7] [8]

Can I install my eSIM before arrival in Ethiopia?

If your selected package starts on first connection, you can usually install it in advance and turn it on when you want service to begin. Always confirm the package start rule on the product screen before travel. [15]

What should I prepare for trips beyond Addis Ababa?

Download offline maps, save hotel or driver contacts, and check coverage before long road trips. This is especially useful for routes toward Awash and the Bale Mountains. [9] [10] [11] [12]

Which network will my eSIM use?

Check the package page before purchase. A supplier network shown in the catalog does not mean every package uses every network, so the package screen is the final reference for network details. [15]

Are there official apps for managing local mobile services?

Yes. Ethio telecom offers My Ethiotel for account tasks, packages and top-ups, and telebirr for payments and related digital services. [13] [14]

Sources and checks · Country research checked 2026-09-08
  1. About - ECA · Ethiopian Communications Authority
  2. Services - ECA · Ethiopian Communications Authority
  3. Ethio telecom profile · Ethio telecom
  4. Ethio telecom 4G Coverage · Ethio telecom
  5. Safaricom Ethiopia about · Safaricom Ethiopia
  6. Safaricom Ethiopia home · Safaricom Ethiopia
  7. Safaricom Ethiopia city coverage expansion in Assosa and Western Ethiopia · Safaricom Ethiopia
  8. Safaricom Ethiopia network coverage expansion in Somali Region Gode · Safaricom Ethiopia
  9. Addis Ababa and its surrounding · Ministry of Tourism - Ethiopia
  10. The Marvel East and Bale Mountains · Ministry of Tourism - Ethiopia
  11. Trekking and Horse riding · Ministry of Tourism - Ethiopia
  12. Ethiopia - Land of Origins · Ministry of Tourism - Ethiopia
  13. My Ethiotel - Apps on Google Play · Google Play / Ethio telecom
  14. telebirr SuperApp · Ethio telecom
  15. Letisim public catalog · Letisim