Coverage in Ethiopia: what to know
Ethio Telecom has a much larger footprint and keeps extending 4G to more cities, while Safaricom Ethiopia has focused on major cities and corridors. Outside those areas, Safaricom may be unavailable.
Checked 3 Nov 2026. Sources: techmoran.com, meatechwatch.com. Coverage changes, so check your route before you rely on it.
The short answer
The best eSIM for Ethiopia is the one that fits your trip and your networks. For two weeks of photos, maps and social, NUM picks 5 GB for 30 days at $19.19, as of 3 Nov 2026.
| Plans from | $5.79 on 3 Nov 2026 |
|---|---|
| Networks on local plans | Safaricom |
| A week | 3 GB, 15 days, $12.19 |
| Two weeks | 5 GB, 30 days, $19.19 |
| A month | 10 GB, 30 days, $34.79 |
| Phone number | None, data only |
| Payment | Apple Pay, Google Pay or card |
Questions people ask about Lalibela
Is there mobile signal at Lalibela?
A guide reports basic 4G in and around Lalibela, enough for maps and WhatsApp, but unreliable at some remote church sites.
How much does an eSIM for Ethiopia cost?
On 3 Nov 2026, Ethiopia plans started at $5.79 and went up to $71.09 for the biggest. The shop always shows today’s price, and the price on the pay button is the price you pay.
Which network works well in Ethiopia?
Ethio Telecom has a much larger footprint and keeps extending 4G to more cities, while Safaricom Ethiopia has focused on major cities and corridors. Outside those areas, Safaricom may be unavailable.
Which network works well in Ethiopia?
Ethio Telecom has a much larger footprint and keeps extending 4G to more cities, while Safaricom Ethiopia has focused on major cities and corridors. Outside those areas, Safaricom may be unavailable.
Why does my eSIM show another carrier’s name?
Many travel eSIMs are issued by one carrier and roam on local networks, so your phone can show the issuing carrier’s name while your data runs on a local network. Keep data roaming on for the eSIM.
Will it work on my phone?
Dial *#06# on the phone you’re taking. If you see an EID number, it takes an eSIM. Every iPhone from the XR and XS on does, and the SE from 2020, as do Google Pixel 3 and later and Samsung Galaxy S20 and later. The phone must be carrier-unlocked. Not sure? Text PHONE and your model and we’ll check.
When do I install it?
At home, on wifi, before you fly. Then switch it on when you land. Tell us your landing day and we text you the switch-on steps that morning.
Does it come with a phone number?
No. It’s a data-only eSIM. WhatsApp, LINE, iMessage and FaceTime all work over it, and your home number can stay on for calls and codes.
What if it doesn’t work?
If we can’t issue your eSIM, we refund you in full. If it won’t install or connect, text us and we help you get connected.