Planning a trip to Ethiopia? Staying connected is easy and affordable with prepaid SIM cards from Ethio Telecom and Safaricom Ethiopia. This complete, SEO-optimized guide covers everything you need to know — including where to buy SIMs, activation, prices, data bundles, eSIMs, coverage, top-up methods, balance checks, and more.
Basic Information
As of 2025, Ethiopia has two mobile network operators:
- Ethio Telecom – the long-established state provider with nationwide coverage.
- Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia (STE) – a newer competitor offering fast 4G and M-PESA mobile money services.
Both offer prepaid SIM cards suitable for tourists, expats, and residents who prefer flexibility.
Official Websites
- Ethio Telecom: https://www.ethiotelecom.et
- Safaricom Ethiopia: https://m-pesa.safaricom.et
These sites include official data package listings, coverage updates, eSIM details, and customer support information.
Availability — Where to Buy a SIM Card
You can easily buy prepaid SIMs from:
- Addis Ababa Bole International Airport: Both operators have kiosks in the arrivals area.
- Official Stores: Ethio Telecom and Safaricom outlets across major cities (Addis Ababa, Dire Dawa, Mekelle, Hawassa, Bahir Dar, etc.).
- Authorized Dealers: Many convenience shops and phone stores sell registered SIM cards.
- Online (for eSIMs): Some official stores and third-party vendors allow eSIM QR code activation.
👉 Tip: Always bring your passport or a valid ID for registration.
Network Frequencies, Coverage & Speed
| Network | 2G | 3G | 4G/LTE | 5G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ethio Telecom | 900 MHz | 2100 MHz | 1800 MHz | n78 (3500 MHz) |
| Safaricom Ethiopia | 900 MHz | 2100 MHz | 1800 MHz | Testing in cities |
- Ethio Telecom: Best for rural and national coverage; 5G active in Addis Ababa and expanding.
- Safaricom Ethiopia: Strong 4G in cities; 5G in pilot stages; rapid expansion expected in 2025.
Average download speeds range between 10–70 Mbps, depending on region and network.
At a Glance: Ethio Telecom vs. Safaricom Ethiopia
| Feature | Ethio Telecom | Safaricom Ethiopia |
|---|---|---|
| Network Coverage | Nationwide (urban + rural) | Urban-focused, expanding |
| SIM Price | From 50–100 ETB | From 100–150 ETB |
| eSIM | ✅ Available | ✅ Available |
| Tourist SIM | ✅ Yes (airport & main shops) | ✅ Yes (airport bundles) |
| Mobile Money | telebirr | M-PESA |
| Social Media Bundles | Yes | Yes |
| 5G | Limited rollout | Testing |
| Customer Care | 994 | 700 |
Biometric User Registration
Ethiopia enforces mandatory SIM registration under national telecom law.
You must:
- Present a passport or national ID.
- Provide a photo and biometric data (fingerprint or facial image).
- Register your SIM to your name (one ID per number rule).
Unregistered SIMs are deactivated, so ensure you complete KYC at purchase.
Device Registration
The government also tracks devices through IMEI registration. If you bring a foreign phone, it should automatically register when inserting an official SIM. In rare cases, you may need to visit a service center for manual registration
Official Apps
| Operator | App Name | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ethio Telecom | My Ethiotel | Manage account, check balance, buy bundles | Google Play |
| Ethio Telecom | telebirr | Mobile money app for recharges & payments | Google Play |
| Safaricom Ethiopia | M-PESA | For mobile payments, top-ups & transfers | Google Play |
SIM Card Prices
- Ethio Telecom: SIMs usually cost 50–100 ETB, often bundled with some data.
- Safaricom Ethiopia: SIMs cost around 100–150 ETB, sometimes including bonus data or calls.
- eSIM: Activation typically costs 85–100 ETB per device.
eSIM Availability
Both operators now support eSIM technology:
- Ethio Telecom eSIM: Available in main service centers (check compatibility).
- Safaricom eSIM: Offered in select stores; QR code provided for activation.
- Travel eSIMs: International eSIM providers like Airalo and Ubigi also sell Ethiopia data plans for short-term visitors.
Ethio Telecom — Prepaid & Data Packages
📦 Ethio Telecom Data Feature Packages
| Plan | Data | Validity | Price (ETB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Mini | 650 MB | 1 day | 43 |
| Small | 1 GB | 3 days | 60 |
| Medium | 5 GB | 15 days | 220 |
| Large | 10 GB | 30 days | 455 |
| Heavy | 50 GB | 30 days | 960 |
| Super | 100 GB | 30 days | 1,229 |
Social Media Packs
Special bundles for Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, Telegram, and TikTok are available — usually cheaper than general data.
Data-Only SIM
Perfect for tablets or routers. You can buy data-only SIMs at Ethio Telecom outlets.
Safaricom Ethiopia — Prepaid & Data Packages
Safaricom Ethiopia Data Feature Packages
| Plan | Data | Validity | Price (ETB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily | 500 MB | 1 day | 30 |
| Weekly | 2 GB | 7 days | 120 |
| Monthly | 10 GB | 30 days | 420 |
| Heavy | 25 GB | 30 days | 850 |
Social Media Bundles
Safaricom offers app-specific packs for Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and TikTok, ideal for social users.
Data-Only SIM
Great for MiFi, dongles, and laptops; available at all Safaricom stores.
Tourist SIM Cards
- Ethio Telecom Tourist SIM: Sold at Addis Ababa Bole Airport and city branches. Includes voice minutes, SMS, and data (e.g., 5–10 GB for 30 days).
- Safaricom Ethiopia Tourist SIM: Offers USD-priced bundles at airport booths with generous data and local call minutes.
Both are valid for 30 days and renewable.
Activation
- Insert the SIM or scan eSIM QR code.
- Restart your device.
- Follow on-screen SMS prompts.
- Complete registration (passport required).
- Dial the USSD code to activate data.
How to Check Remaining Balance
| Operator | USSD Code | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Ethio Telecom | *804# | Via My Ethiotel app |
| Safaricom Ethiopia | *704# | Use M-PESA app or *777# |
Helpline Numbers
| Operator | Helpline | International Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Ethio Telecom | 994 | +251 11 551 0500 |
| Safaricom Ethiopia | 700 | +251 11 553 7000 |
Top-Up Methods (Mathude)
- Voucher cards: Scratch & dial
*805*PIN#(Ethio Telecom) or*141*PIN#(Safaricom). - Mobile money: Use telebirr (Ethio) or M-PESA (Safaricom).
- Online: Recharge via official websites or apps.
- Retail stores: Pay cash at authorized agents or convenience shops.
- International top-ups: Use services like Ding, MobileRecharge, or Recharge.com.
Coverage & Travel Tips
- Ethio Telecom has the widest rural network, ideal for countryside travel.
- Safaricom’s 4G speeds are impressive in Addis Ababa and other large cities.
- Always check network maps on official websites for your destination.
- Carry an unlocked 4G/5G phone to ensure compatibility.
Conclusion
Getting a prepaid SIM card in Ethiopia is easy, affordable, and essential for travelers.
For nationwide coverage, choose Ethio Telecom.
For urban speed and M-PESA integration, try Safaricom Ethiopia.
Both networks now support eSIM, tourist bundles, and digital payments.
Whether you’re exploring the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela or the cafes of Addis Ababa, staying connected has never been easier.
Pro Tip: Keep these USSD codes handy —*804# (Ethio balance) | *704# (Safaricom balance) | 994 (Ethio help) | 700 (Safaricom help)