Ethiopia – the country where the coffee bean originated from. So coffee lovers – than Ethiopia.
But you may not be visiting Ethiopia just to stare at coffee beans. Luckily for you, there are plenty of things to do in this country.
You can visit many markets throughout the country. But the Big Market in Addis Ababa will be another experience.
Lalibela has rock-cut churches and Mount Abuna Yosef.
And if you are more adventurous, you can visit Erta Ale – an active volcano with lava lakes.
Overall, it should be illegal to be bored when in Ethiopia.
While you may plan on sharing many photos and videos of your trip to this majestic country, you should be aware that international roaming can be expensive.
Plus, it is not worth it anyway when you learn how cheap SIM cards are in Ethiopia and the cost of mobile data.
You can get an Ethio Telecom SIM card for 30 ETB (0.70 USD) in Ethio Telecom stores. Ethio Telecom SIM cards are your only option in Ethiopia because it has a monopoly (for now). A data plan with 1 GB valid for 7 days will cost 75 ETB (1.70 USD).
Cannot see the video above? Watch it on YouTube.
For African standards, these prices are crazy low! Try finding a mobile operator that has low roaming rates like this – I will be waiting.
Even though Ethio Telecom is the sole mobile operator in the country, it still has a lot to offer.
In this guide, I will go over everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Ethiopia. Let’s get this done.
Original publication: 16th of June 2020. Last updated: 5th of August 2021.
Table of Contents
Can You Buy a SIM Card in Ethiopia?
Anyone living or visiting Ethiopia can buy an Ethiopian SIM card without restrictions.
You do need to be aware that you have to go through a SIM card registration procedure. Additionally, you need a phone that supports the frequencies used in the country (preferably all of them to have the most optimal experience while in Ethiopia). Finally, you need to have a SIM-lock-free (unlocked) phone to use local SIM cards.
Where Can You Buy a SIM Card in Ethiopia?
You can get an Ethiopian SIM card in Ethio Telecom stores. They are also available at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport
You can expect to pay the following for Ethiopian SIM cards:
- Ethio Telecom: 30 ETB
Can You Use Your Phone in Ethiopia?
Ethiopia uses GSM for its cellular communications, meaning that you need a GSM-capable phone to use your phone in the country. Fortunately, there is about a 99% chance your phone supports GSM.
Traditional European frequencies are used in Ethiopia, which are mostly used in ITU Regions 1 & 3 (Africa, Asia (including the Middle East), Europe & Oceania).
The Americas (North-, Central– & South America + the Caribbean – ITU Region 2) use American Frequencies, which differ from the European ones.
If you bought your phone in Africa, Asia, Europe, or Oceania (ITU regions 1 & 3), you should not experience any issues with using your phone in Ethiopia.
If you purchased your phone in the Americas (ITU Region 2) and have a low/medium-end device (without Tri-Band or Quad-Band) support, then there is a possibility you cannot use your phone when in Ethiopia or can only on 2G.
If you have a medium/high-end device with Tri-Band or Quad-Band support, you can use your phone in Ethiopia – even on 4G/LTE.
Mobile Operators, Networks & Frequencies in Ethiopia
Ethiopia has one mobile network operator:
- Ethiopia Telecom
The following frequencies are used in Ethiopia:
- 2G: 900 MHz
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1800 MHz (Band 3)
You can learn more about frequencies in the video below.
Cannot see the video above? Watch it on YouTube.
To check whether your phone will work in Ethiopia, check out this page by Will My Phone Work (may be outdated or inaccurate at times).
Again, make sure your phone is unlocked. Otherwise, you will not be able to use any SIM card except the one from your home operator (meaning you have to roam internationally or buy another unlocked phone that does support the frequencies listed above).
If you want to learn how international roaming works, this guide explains it in-depth. If you wonder why it is often so expensive to roam, this article explains the hidden reason they do not want you to know.
5G NR in Ethiopia
5G is not available in Ethiopia as of 2021, and the Ethiopian government has not made any indications of when they will auction 5G licenses.
Best SIM Card in Ethiopia
If you want to buy the best SIM Card in Ethiopia, then Ethio Telecom is your only option. It is the only mobile operator in Ethiopia.
SIM Card Registration in Ethiopia
SIM card registration, with the use of your passport information, is mandatory in Ethiopia. This will be done at the point of purchase.
Moreover, you should bring two passport-sized photos to the Ethio Telecom store to speed up the registration process. Not all Ethio Telecom stores have the necessary equipment to take pictures of you.
Ethiopia Mobile Speeds, Mobile Internet Prices & Insights
Africa can be a hit or miss in terms of mobile data rates. In some countries, the cost of mobile data is practically nothing. While in other nations, mobile data places are unaffordable for basically anyone.
Luckily for Ethiopia, the average cost of mobile data has stayed at reasonable levels over the years, even when considering that there is a monopoly in the country.
The average price for 1 GB of data in Ethiopia is 1.71 USD, far below the African average of 5.80 USD. The world average is 4.07 USD.
There are only 24 African nations where the average cost of 1 GB of data is below 2 USD, so Ethiopia is doing well.
Okay, mobile data rates are reasonable. But what about speeds?
Ethiopia's average mobile download speed is around 22 Mbps.
When you compare that to the global average, you may think this is extremely slow. I would not fault you for that – Ethiopia's average is less than half the global average.
But the thing is, mobile internet speeds in Africa are not known for being fast in general.
At the time of writing, the African country with the fastest mobile download speed is South Africa (45 Mbps). Also below the global average, but somewhat close.
Many more African nations have speeds Ethiopia offers or are slower, so do not get too demotivated quickly.
Remember when I said that Ethio Telecom has a monopoly on the telecommunications market in the country? Not for long.
The Ethiopian government has issued a license to Global Partnership, a consortium compromising of Safaricom (Kenya), Vodafone Group (from the United Kingdom and active worldwide), Vodacom Group (from South Africa and active throughout Africa), and Sumitomo Corporation (Japan).
The MTN Group (from South Africa) lost on this bid, but they are not giving up hope. Luckily for MTN, the Ethiopian government is interested in issuing another license in the near future. Then, there will be three players in Ethiopia.
For now, you have to deal with Ethio Telecom. With low SIM card prices, low cost for mobile data, slower-end mobile internet speeds, and fair nationwide coverage, you should have a good network experience in Ethiopia.
Currency in Ethiopia
Ethiopia uses the Ethiopian Birr with the symbol ETB (which will be used throughout this article). However, prices are often listed as just Br. For example, 25 ETB = Br. 25. For reference, below are some exchange rates between ETB and USD (US Dollars):
- 1 ETB = 0.02 USD
- 10 ETB = 0.25 USD
- 100 ETB = 2.25 USD
- 1000 ETB = 22.60 USD
- 10 000 ETB = 225.75 USD
For up-to-date ETB:USD exchange rates, search ETB to USD on Google, or replace USD with the currency you use.
If your credit/debit card charges you foreign exchange fees, get yourself a Wise Borderless Account and Debit Card. Their fees are MUCH lower than banks, and credit card companies charge you (and Wise is transparent about their fees, unlike banks). I have saved literal THOUSANDS of Euros, my main currency, when using Wise abroad when traveling compared to my debit and credit cards. Open a Wise account FREE!
Ethiopian Prepaid SIM Cards (Videos)
Below, I will guide you through Ethio Telecom and go through:
- Background information
- Mobile coverage
- SIM card types, prices, and availability
- Recharge / top-up information
- Combo plans, data plans, and special packs (such as social media packs)
With that being said, let’s see what Ethiopia has to offer to us.
Ethio Telecom
Ethio Telecom is, for now, the sole mobile operator in Ethiopia. The company is also the largest telecom operator with a monopoly worldwide. It is a government-run entity. From 2010 to 2013, Ethio Telecom was run by France Télécom (Orange) until the Ethiopian government stated that the outsourcing of the management did not meet its demands. Since then, it has been in government ownership again.
In 2020, it was announced that the Ministry of Finance wants to sell a minority stake of Ethio Telecom. In June 2021, the Expression of Interest (EoI) was announced by the Ethiopian government. France Télécom (Orange) seems to be ready for round two for entering the Ethiopian telecom market because it was the first to express interest in Ethio Telecom's stake.
Ethio Telecom uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1800 MHz (Band 3)
This is what you will learn about Ethio Telecom:
Click on the links above to jump to the section you are interested in
* Coverage
* How to Get an Ethio Telecom SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Ethio Telecom
Ethio Telecom has fair coverage throughout the country.
4G/LTE is close to non-existent throughout the country.
Although mobile coverage is great in Addis Ababa, it is good in cities. However, outside of urban areas, reception can mostly be found around the main roads.
Below is Ethio Telecom's coverage map:
SIM Card Price – Ethio Telecom
You can get an Ethio Telecom Telecom SIM card for 30 ETB with 15 ETB in credit and 100 MB every month for the first 3 months in Ethio Telecom stores. It is also possible to get SIM cards at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport at steep premiums.
Ethio Telecom SIM cards get deactivated if there has been no activity for 480 days (no top-up for 480 days or no activity for 480 days). However, there are a few steps the deactivation process goes through first.
- First 120 days – normal use: you can use your Ethio Telecom SIM card without restrictions. Each top-up will reset your SIM card's validity.
- 120 days without activity – one-way block: your SIM card enters the one-way block state for 330 days.
- You can receive calls
- You can receive SMS
- You cannot browse the web
- You cannot make calls (except for emergency numbers)
- You cannot send SMS
- 450 days without activity (normal use + one-way block): your SIM card enters the two-way block state for 30 days.
- You cannot browse the web
- You cannot make calls (except for emergency numbers)
- You cannot send SMS
- 480 days without activity (normal use + one-way block + 2-way block): your SIM card gets terminated and may be recycled immediately.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Ethio Telecom
Ethiopia Telecom top-up vouchers are sold in Ethio Telecom stores and other places, such as kiosks, convenience stores, and grocery stores.
The following top-up options are available:
- 5 ETB
- 10 ETB
- 15 ETB
- 20 ETB
- 50 ETB
- 100 ETB
- 250 ETB
- 500 ETB
- 1000 ETB
To top up your Ethio Telecom SIM card, dial *805*VoucherCode#, text the *VoucherCode# to 805, or call 903 -> 1 -> 1 -> VoucherCode.
For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *805*123456#, text 123456 to 805, or call 903, select option 1, select option 1 again, and enter 123456#.
Dial *804# to see your Ethio Telecom balance.
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Ethio Telecom
Ethio Telecom has ten data-featured plans:
- Flexi Mobile Packages (unit system)
- Good Morning Packages (daily morning combo)
- Mobile Voice + Data Packages (combo)
- Monthly Mobile Voice + Data Packages (combo)
- Premium Unlimited Monthly Mobile Package (combo)
- Recurring Unlimited Monthly Mobile Package (combo)
- Premium Plus Monthly Mobile Plans (combo)
- Long Validity Mobile Packages (long-term combo)
- Mobile Data Packages (data-only)
- Monthly Mobile Data Packages (data-only)
All Ethio Telecom plans can be activated by dialing *999#.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Flexi Mobile Packages – Ethio Telecom
The Flexi Mobile Packages are plans using a unit system (Flexi Units). Below are the rates:
- 1 MB = 2 Flexi Units
- 1 local minute = 6 Flexi Units
- 1 local SMS = 2 Flexi Units
The following Flexi Mobile Packages are available, which you can activate by dialing *999#:
| Price | Plan | Flexi Units | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 ETB | Flexi Daily | 300 Flexi Units | 1 day |
| 20 ETB | Flexi Daily | 410 Flexi Units | 1 day |
| 50 ETB | Flexi Weekly | 1150 Flexi Units | 7 days |
| 80 ETB | Flexi Weekly | 1900 Flexi Units | 7 days |
| 100 ETB | Flexi Monthly | 1900 Flexi Units | 30 days |
| 150 ETB | Flexi Monthly | 3200 Flexi Units | 30 days |
Good Morning Packages – Ethio Telecom
The Good Morning Packages are daily combo plans to be used between 6:00 and 9:00 one morning, featuring data, minutes, SMS, or all.
The following Good Mobile Packages are available, which you can activate by dialing *999#:
| Price | Data | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 ETB | N/A | 8 minutes | 5 SMS | 1 morning (6:00 – 9:00) |
| 2 ETB | N/A | N/A | 5 SMS | 1 morning (6:00 – 9:00) |
| 3 ETB | 25 MB | 8 minutes | 10 SMS | 1 morning (6:00 – 9:00) |
Mobile Voice + Data Packages – Ethio Telecom
The Mobile Voice + Data Packages are combo plans with data, minutes, and SMS. They are normally grouped as daily, weekly, weekend, monthly, and night packages.
The following Mobile Voice + Data Packages are available, which you can activate by dialing *999#:
| Price | Data | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 ETB | 145 MB | 10 minutes | 10 SMS | 24 hours |
| 19 ETB | 145 MB | 35 minutes | 10 SMS | 24 hours |
| 29 ETB | 500 MB | 10 minutes | 10 SMS | 24 hours |
| 36 ETB | 500 MB | 35 minutes | 10 SMS | 24 hours |
| 46 ETB | 1 GB | 10 minutes | 10 SMS | 24 hours |
| 52 ETB | 1 GB | 35 minutes | 10 SMS | 24 hours |
| 50 ETB | 500 MB | 60 minutes | 20 SMS | 7 days |
| 55 ETB | 500 MB | 80 minutes | 20 SMS | 7 days |
| 81 ETB | 1 GB | 60 minutes | 20 SMS | 7 days |
| 86 ETB | 1 GB | 80 minutes | 20 SMS | 7 days |
| 128 ETB | 2 GB | 60 minutes | 20 SMS | 7 days |
| 133 ETB | 2 GB | 80 minutes | 20 SMS | 7 days |
| 157 ETB | 2 GB | 100 minutes | 50 SMS | 30 days |
| 214 ETB | 2 GB | 300 minutes | 50 SMS | 30 days |
| 238 ETB | 2 GB | 400 minutes | 50 SMS | 30 days |
| 257 ETB | 2 GB | 500 minutes | 50 SMS | 30 days |
| 360 ETB | 2 GB | 1000 minutes | 50 SMS | 30 days |
| 270 ETB | 4 GB | 100 minutes | 50 SMS | 30 days |
| 328 ETB | 4 GB | 300 minutes | 50 SMS | 30 days |
| 352 ETB | 4 GB | 400 minutes | 50 SMS | 30 days |
| 371 ETB | 4 GB | 500 minutes | 50 SMS | 30 days |
| 466 ETB | 4 GB | 1000 minutes | 50 SMS | 30 days |
| 1514 ETB | Unlimited | 100 minutes | 50 SMS | 30 days |
| 1525 ETB | Unlimited | 300 minutes | 50 SMS | 30 days |
| 1549 ETB | Unlimited | 400 minutes | 50 SMS | 30 days |
| 1568 ETB | Unlimited | 500 minutes | 50 SMS | 30 days |
| 1663 ETB | Unlimited | 1000 minutes | 50 SMS | 30 days |
Monthly Mobile Voice + Data Packages – Ethio Telecom
The Monthly Mobile Voice + Data Packages are combo plans with data and minutes that auto-renew.
Monthly Mobile Voice + Data Package can be activated by dialing *999#:
| Price | Data | Local Minutes | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 157 ETB | 2 GB | 100 minutes | 30 days |
| 214 ETB | 2 GB | 300 minutes | 30 days |
| 238 ETB | 2 GB | 400 minutes | 30 days |
| 257 ETB | 2 GB | 500 minutes | 30 days |
| 270 ETB | 4 GB | 100 minutes | 30 days |
| 328 ETB | 4 GB | 300 minutes | 30 days |
| 352 ETB | 4 GB | 400 minutes | 30 days |
| 360 ETB | 2 GB | 1000 minutes | 30 days |
| 371 ETB | 4 GB | 500 minutes | 30 days |
| 466 ETB | 4 GB | 1000 minutes | 30 days |
Unused allowances will roll over for 30 days.
The Premium Unlimited Mobile Packages are combo plans with data, minutes, and SMS.
Premium Unlimited Mobile Packages can be activated by dialing *999#:
| Price | Plan | Data | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 440 ETB | Weekly Unlimited Voice Package | N/A | Unlimited | Unlimited | 7 days |
| 440 ETB | Weekly Unlimited Data Package | Unlimited | N/A | Unlimited | 7 days |
| 765 ETB | Premium Weekly Unlimited Voice + Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 7 days |
| 836 ETB | Bi-Weekly Unlimited Voice Package | N/A | Unlimited | Unlimited | 15 days |
| 836 ETB | Bi-Weekly Unlimited Data Package | Unlimited | N/A | Unlimited | 15 days |
| 1436 ETB | Premium Bi-Weekly Unlimited Voice + Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 15 days |
| 1510 ETB | Monthly Unlimited Voice Package | N/A | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days |
| 1510 ETB | Monthly Unlimited Data Package | Unlimited | N/A | Unlimited | 30 days |
| 2545 ETB | Premium Monthy Unlimited Voice + Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days |
Recurring Unlimited Monthly Mobile Packages – Ethio Telecom
The Recurring Unlimited Monthly Packages are combo plans with data, minutes, and SMS that auto-renew.
Recurring Unlimited Monthly Mobile Packages can be activated by dialing *999#:
| Price | Plan | Data | Local Minutes | International Minutes | Local SMS | International SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1514 ETB | Recurring Unlimited Monthly Data Plus | Unlimited | 100 minutes | N/A | N/A | N/A | 30 days |
| 1525 ETB | Recurring Unlimited Monthly Data Plus | Unlimited | 200 minutes | N/A | N/A | N/A | 30 days |
| 1549 ETB | Recurring Unlimited Monthly Data Plus | Unlimited | 400 minutes | N/A | N/A | N/A | 30 days |
| 1568 ETB | Recurring Unlimited Monthly Data Plus | Unlimited | 500 minutes | N/A | N/A | N/A | 30 days |
| 1663 ETB | Recurring Unlimited Monthly Data Plus | Unlimited | 1000 minutes | N/A | N/A | N/A | 30 days |
| 2940 ETB | Recurring Monthly Limited Premium Plans | 60 GB | 9000 minutes | 100 minutes | 870 SMS | 50 SMS | 30 days |
| 3530 ETB | Recurring Monthly Unlimited Premium Plus | Unlimited | Unlimited | 100 minutes | Unlimited | 50 SMS | 30 days |
Unused allowances will roll over for 30 days.
The Premium Plus Monthly Mobile Plans are combo plans with data, minutes, and SMS.
Activate Premium Plus Monthly Mobile Plans by dialing *999#:
| Price | Plan | Data | Local Minutes | International Minutes | Local SMS | International SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2490 ETB | Premium Plus | 60 GB | 9000 minutes | 100 minutes | 870 SMS | 50 SMS | 30 days |
| 3530 ETB | Unlimited Premium Plus | Unlimited | Unlimited | 100 minutes | Unlimited | 50 SMS | 30 days |
Long Validity Mobile Packages – Ethio Telecom
The Long Term Validity Mobile Packages are long-term combo plans with data, minutes, and SMS.
Activate Long Validity Mobile Package by dialing *999#:
| Price | Data | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 825 ETB | 12 GB | 450 minutes | 150 SMS | 90 days |
| 1095 ETB | 12 GB | 1500 minutes | 150 SMS | 90 days |
| 1365 ETB | 24 GB | 450 minutes | 150 SMS | 90 days |
| 1635 ETB | 24 GB | 1500 minutes | 150 SMS | 90 days |
| 4227 ETB | Unlimited | 450 minutes | 150 SMS | 90 days |
| 4497 ETB | Unlimited | 1500 minutes | 150 SMS | 90 days |
| 5205 ETB | 12 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 90 days |
| 5745 ETB | 24 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 90 days |
| 6872 ETB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 90 days |
| 7248 ETB | Unlimited | N/A | Unlimited | 180 days |
| 7248 ETB | N/A | Unlimited | Unlimited | 180 days |
| 10 872 ETB | Unlimited | N/A | Unlimited | 365 days |
| 10 872 ETB | N/A | Unlimited | Unlimited | 365 days |
| 12 216 ETB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 180 days |
| 18 324 ETB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 365 days |
Mobile Data Packages – Ethio Telecom
The Mobile Data Packages are data-only plans.
Activate Mobile Data Packages by dialing *999#:
| Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 3 ETB | 30 MB | 24 hours |
| 3 ETB | 70 MB | 1 night (0:00 – 6:00) |
| 5 ETB | 70 MB | 24 hours |
| 5 ETB | 150 MB | 1 night (0:00 – 6:00) |
| 7 ETB | 200 MB | 1 night (0:00 – 6:00) |
| 10 ETB | 145 MB | 24 hours |
| 15 ETB | 250 MB | 24 hours |
| 24 ETB | 250 MB | 7 days |
| 28 ETB | 500 MB | 24 hours |
| 30 ETB | 500 MB | 1 weekend (Saturday & Sunday) |
| 38 ETB | 500 MB | 7 days |
| 40 ETB | 500 MB | 30 days |
| 45 ETB | 1 GB | 24 hours |
| 50 ETB | 1 GB | 1 weekend (Saturday & Sunday) |
| 55 ETB | 750 MB | 7 days |
| 70 ETB | 1 GB | 7 days |
| 75 ETB | 1 GB | 30 days |
| 90 ETB | 2 GB | 1 weekend (Saturday & Sunday) |
| 120 ETB | 2 GB | 7 days |
| 130 ETB | 2 GB | 30 days |
| 250 ETB | 4 GB | 30 days |
| 450 ETB | 8 GB | 30 days |
| 520 ETB | 10 GB | 30 days |
| 890 ETB | 20 GB | 30 days |
Monthly Mobile Data Packages – Ethio Telecom
The Monthly Mobile Data Packages are data-only plans.
Activate Monthly Mobile Data Package by dialing *999#:
| Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 40 ETB | 500 MB | 30 days |
| 75 ETB | 1 GB | 30 days |
| 120 ETB | 2 GB | 30 days |
| 250 ETB | 4 GB | 30 days |
Monthly Voice Plus Data Tariffs (DISCONTINUED) – Ethio Telecom
The Monthly Voice Plus Data Bundles are bundles that come with both data and minutes. You can choose how you want to mix your data and minutes.
Data rates start from 55 ETB for 500 MB to 4900 ETB for unlimited data. For minutes, rates start from 60 ETB for 166 minutes to 1350 ETB for 4150.
In short, the minimum you have to pay for a Monthly Mobile Voice plus Data bundle is 115 ETB (500 MB (55 ETB) and 166 minutes (60 ETB)). The most you can pay is 6250 ETB (unlimited data (4900 ETB) and 4150 minutes (1350 ETB)).
Below is the complete Monthly Voice plus Data matrix:
APN/Internet Settings – Ethio Telecom
- Name: Ethiotelecom
- APN: etc.com
- Username (only if you cannot browse): etc
- Password (only if you cannot browse): etc
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Other Ways to Stay Connected When Traveling in Ethiopia
International roaming has its pros and cons. However, it is important to know how it works. This in-depth guide explains it all.
Find out whether your mobile operator has attractive roaming rates for Ethiopia here.
Using an International SIM Card or Travel SIM Card
International SIM cards are SIM cards made for the traveler in mind. Using them is often cheaper than international roaming. However, they are almost always more expensive than using a local SIM card.
There are many other advantages and disadvantages of getting international SIM cards, which you can learn about here.
Using a Mobile Hotspot (Pocket WIFI)
Mobile hotspots, or pocket WIFI, are small devices that connect to the local operators of the country you are visiting. Mobile hotspots are ideal for families or those traveling in a large group, as they allow you to connect multiple devices to one hotspot without the need of each traveler having to buy a SIM card.
You can either buy a mobile hotspot or rent one.
Using Free WIFI Networks
Using free WIFI connections is the cheapest way to stay connected because they are free. The major downside of trying to use WIFI hotspots is that you will have to locate them, and they are not available on every corner in Ethiopia.
Make sure to protect your internet traffic with a VPN so that hackers cannot steal your personal data.
The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Ethiopia
Getting a SIM card from Ethio Telecom would be your only option when considering an Ethiopian SIM card.
Local Prepaid SIM Card in Other African Countries
Visiting other countries in Africa? Check out my Africa SIM card buying guide, covering other African countries, such as:
- Ascension Island
- Algeria
- Angola
- Benin
- Botswana
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Cameroon
- Cape Verde
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Comoros
- Congo, Democratic Republic of (Kinshasa)
- Congo, Republic of (Brazzaville)
- Djibouti
- Egypt
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eswatini (Swaziland)
- Ethiopia
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Réunion
- Rwanda
- Saint Helena
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Senegal
- Seychelles
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- South Africa
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Tanzania
- Togo
- Tunisia
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Going to other places around the world? Then you should also check out my sim card buying guides for other destinations around the world.
Next Steps to Enhance Your Travel Experiences
Looking for the next steps to enhance your phone travel experiences? Here is what to do:
Check Out My Resource Page
Looking for the best companies and gadgets to enhance your travel experience? Check out my travel resources page for the best companies to use when you travel! Save money with international SIM cards, on plane tickets, bus rides, cruises, and accommodation. Besides that, I also list services and items I use to make my life easier – and I believe they will help you too!
Start Your Own Online Business – Make Money While Traveling
Do you want to learn how I started an online business that allows me to generate income while traveling? In my starting an online business guide, I tell you which tools, services, and products I have for this site and my YouTube channel. If I can start a business about something I am passionate about (phone travel), then you can do it too!
Learn About Your Phone Travel Options
You can buy local prepaid SIM cards, international SIM cards, mobile hotspots, or roam internationally. Each of these options has its pros and cons. Learn more about them, and find the best option for you.
Phone Travel Tips, Tricks & Hacks
I have written many articles with tips and hacks to save money on mobile costs while abroad. You surely want to check them out!
Sign Up for the Phone Travel Wiz Newsletter
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Let's Be Social
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Learn More About Who Adu Actually Is
Who is the guy behind Phone Travel Wiz? Well, find out on the Ernest Adu about page!