Description
Many people travel from the UK to Ethiopia to spend time with family in Addis Ababa and beyond, especially around holidays such as Timkat and Meskel. Others come for the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, the castles of Gondar, the ancient stelae of Axum and trekking in the Simien Mountains.
A travel eSIM gives you mobile data from arrival, so you can message relatives, arrange pick-ups and check domestic flight times. It sits beside your UK SIM rather than replacing it, keeping your UK number in the phone while the eSIM takes care of WhatsApp, maps and browsing during your visit.
Choose your Ethiopia data plan
There are 3 plans for Ethiopia. Pick the one that matches the length of your stay and how much you stream, video call or share photos.
| Plan | Price |
|---|---|
| 1GB – 7 days | £10.53 |
| 2GB – 15 days | £17.25 |
| 3GB – 30 days | £26.62 |
- Week in Addis or a short tour: 1GB for 7 days covers messaging, maps and the odd video call.
- Two weeks to a month with family: 2GB for 15 days, or 3GB for 30 days if you are staying longer or call home often.
How ordering works
- Choose a plan and place your order. Pay by UK bank transfer or PayPal.
- Once your payment is confirmed, we prepare your eSIM and send you the QR code by email or live chat. Orders are handled by hand, so we suggest ordering at least a day before you fly.
- Scan the QR code at home over Wi-Fi, then switch the eSIM on when you arrive in Ethiopia.
Installing your eSIM
- iPhone: Settings, Mobile Service (or Mobile Data), Add eSIM, then Use QR Code.
- Samsung Galaxy: Settings, Connections, SIM manager, Add eSIM, then Scan QR code.
- Google Pixel: Settings, Network and internet, SIMs, Add SIM, then Download a SIM instead.
Install it before you travel, while you have a steady Wi-Fi connection. A QR code can usually be installed only once, so do not delete the eSIM from your phone until your trip is over. When you land, turn on the eSIM line, set it as the line for mobile data and switch on data roaming for that eSIM.
Staying connected in Ethiopia
International flights land at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, which is also the hub for domestic flights to places such as Lalibela, Gondar and Bahir Dar. Data is helpful for ride apps in Addis, keeping track of flight changes and translating Amharic.
Coverage is better in Addis Ababa and larger towns. In the highlands, on trekking routes in the Simien Mountains and in rural areas, signal can be weak or absent. Mobile internet access in Ethiopia has at times been restricted, either nationally or in certain regions, which is outside our control.
Check your phone first
Your phone must be unlocked and support eSIM. Most iPhones from the XS and XR onwards, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, and Google Pixel 3 and later can use one. Some models sold in certain countries have no eSIM, so look for an Add eSIM option in your settings. If you are not sure, ask us before you order.
Good to know
- Data only: these plans give you mobile data, not a local phone number. Use WhatsApp, FaceTime or other apps for calls and messages.
- For travel only: the plans work in Ethiopia and are not meant for use in the UK.
- Your UK SIM: keep it in the phone to receive texts such as bank codes, but turn off data roaming on it so it does not use data abroad.
- Travel advice: the FCDO advises against travel to some parts of Ethiopia. Check the latest FCDO travel advice before you book and again before you travel.
- Internet restrictions: if mobile internet is restricted in an area during your visit, the eSIM will be affected in the same way as local SIMs.
Questions
Will it work in Lalibela and Gondar?
These towns usually have signal, though it can be weaker than in Addis. Outside the towns, coverage drops off.
Can I use it to call family in Ethiopia?
The eSIM gives you data, so you can call and message family on WhatsApp, Viber or similar apps wherever there is signal.
When should I buy my Ethiopia eSIM?
A day or more before you travel is best. That leaves time to receive the QR code and install it at home.
When do the days start counting?
The number of days is how long the plan lasts once it is active. Install it before you go and switch it on when you arrive.
Can I cancel after the QR code is sent?
No. Like our other codes, an eSIM cannot be returned once the QR code has been sent. See our refunds and cancellations page.
