- Basics Information
- Official Websites
- Availability & Where to Buy
- Frequencies
- Coverage & Speed
- At a Glance Comparison
- Biometric User Registration
- What to Expect
- Device Registration
- Eritel App & Online Services
- SIM Card Price
- eSIM Availability
- Prepaid Plans & Data Add-Ons
- Data Add-Ons (Limited / Pilot Availability)
- Tourist SIM
- Activation Process
- How to Check Remaining Balance
- Help Line Numbers
- Conclusion
If you’re planning to travel or work in Eritrea, staying connected can be challenging. With limited telecom infrastructure and one state-run operator, mobile connectivity is slower and more restricted than in most other countries. However, it’s still possible to get a local SIM card for basic calls and SMS — and this guide explains exactly how.
Basics Information
Eritrea’s mobile services are operated exclusively by Eritrea Telecommunication Services Corporation (Eritel) — the only telecom provider in the country.
- Operator: Eritel
- Network Code: 657 01
- Technology: Primarily 2G GSM (900 MHz) with limited 3G in some cities
- SIM Type: Prepaid (voice & SMS), postpaid for locals and institutions
While mobile internet is heavily limited, a prepaid SIM can still be useful for local communication.
Official Websites
- Eritel Official Website: https://www.eritel.com.er
(Note: The website may load slowly and contains limited English information.)
For general telecom updates, you can also check:
Availability & Where to Buy
Prepaid SIM cards are only available through official Eritel offices or authorized resellers.
Where to buy:
- Eritel headquarters in Asmara (near Harnet Avenue)
- Branch offices in Massawa, Keren, Assab, and Mendefera
- Authorized telecom shops displaying Eritel signage
Requirements:
- Valid passport or national ID
- Proof of local address (for residents or long-term visitors)
- Tourists may face restrictions and should confirm eligibility in advance
Unlike other countries, you cannot buy SIMs at the airport or convenience stores.
Frequencies
| Network | Technology | Band | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eritel | 2G | GSM 900 | 900 MHz |
| Eritel | 3G (limited) | UMTS 2100 | 2100 MHz |
Note: Most connectivity is still 2G. Ensure your device supports GSM 900 MHz for calls and texts.
Coverage & Speed
- Coverage: Decent in Asmara and major towns, weak or absent in rural areas.
- Average Speed: 2G voice/SMS only; mobile data is slow (under 1 Mbps).
- Internet: Often disabled for prepaid users; better accessed via Wi-Fi hotspots or hotels.
Verdict: You can rely on your SIM for calls and SMS, but not for browsing or social media.
At a Glance Comparison
| Category | Eritel (Only Provider) |
|---|---|
| Coverage | 70–80 % of population |
| Technology | 2G GSM, limited 3G |
| 5G Availability | ❌ Not available |
| Internet Speed | Very slow |
| Tourist SIM | Restricted |
| eSIM Support | ❌ Not supported |
| Cost | Relatively high |
| Best For | 70–80 % of the population |
Biometric User Registration
All SIM cards in Eritrea must be registered to an individual. You’ll need:
- Passport or national ID
- Passport photo (sometimes required)
- SIM registration form completed at the Eritel office
There’s no biometric (fingerprint or face scan) requirement at this time, but your personal details are linked to your SIM.
What to Expect
- Voice & SMS: Reliable within major cities
- Data: Extremely slow or unavailable
- Customer Service: Basic; English-speaking support may be limited
- Top-Ups: Available at Eritel offices or through prepaid vouchers
Device Registration
There is no separate device registration process in Eritrea.
However:
- Your phone must be unlocked and support GSM 900 MHz.
- Some older or locked devices may not function properly.
Eritel App & Online Services
As of 2025, Eritel does not have an official mobile app for prepaid management.
Account management (balance check, recharges) must be done in person or via USSD codes.
SIM Card Price
| Item | Price (Approx.) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| SIM Card | 600–800 ERN (~$40 USD) | Includes local number |
| Replacement SIM | 400 ERN | For lost or damaged cards |
| Recharge Vouchers | 100–500 ERN | Sold at Eritel offices |
(Prices vary slightly depending on region and availability.)
eSIM Availability
Currently, Eritel does not support eSIM technology.
If you have an eSIM-capable device, consider an international data eSIM that works through roaming.
Popular global options:
- Airalo – Eritrea eSIM (roaming data only)
- Nomad eSIM – https://www.getnomad.app
- Ubigi – https://www.ubigi.com
These are not local Eritrean SIMs but can provide limited mobile data access via international networks.
Prepaid Plans & Data Add-Ons
Since Eritel’s prepaid offerings are basic, plans focus on voice minutes and SMS rather than data.
| Plan Type | Price | Inclusions | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Voice | 200 ERN | 30 min local calls + 20 SMS | 30 days |
| Standard | 400 ERN | 60 min + 50 SMS | 30 days |
| Premium | 800 ERN | 150 min + 100 SMS | 60 days |
Data Add-Ons (Limited / Pilot Availability)
| Add-On | Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light | 150 ERN | 100 MB | 7 days |
| Medium | 300 ERN | 250 MB | 15 days |
| Heavy | 500 ERN | 500 MB | 30 days |
⚠️ Data add-ons may not work on all prepaid SIMs; confirm in-store before purchasing.
Tourist SIM
There is no dedicated tourist SIM program in Eritrea.
Tourists may apply for a regular prepaid SIM through Eritel, but approval is not guaranteed.
If denied, your best option is to use:
- Hotel Wi-Fi
- Internet cafés in Asmara
- Roaming SIM/eSIM from your home carrier
Activation Process
- Visit an Eritel office with your passport.
- Fill out the SIM registration form.
- Pay for the SIM (cash only).
- Insert the SIM and restart your phone.
- Test by calling a local number.
Activation may take several hours or up to one business day.
How to Check Remaining Balance
| Method | Code / Process |
|---|---|
| USSD | Dial *121# (if supported) |
| SMS | Text “BAL” to service number provided |
| In-Store | Ask at any Eritel outlet |
| Call | Customer service line |
Always confirm the correct USSD code when purchasing, as it may vary regionally.
Help Line Numbers
| Service | Contact |
|---|---|
| Eritel Customer Care (Asmara) | +291 1 127 800 |
| Alternate Support Line | +291 1 120 000 |
| info@eritel.com.er |
Customer support is generally available during office hours (8 AM – 5 PM).
Conclusion
Buying a prepaid SIM card in Eritrea can be a challenge, but it’s possible if you understand the limitations.
Eritel remains the sole provider, offering voice and SMS services nationwide with limited data connectivity.
Quick Tips for Travelers:
- Purchase directly from Eritel’s office in Asmara.
- Bring your passport and patience — the process is manual.
- Rely on Wi-Fi or global eSIMs for reliable internet.
- Don’t expect fast data speeds or easy top-ups.
Despite the restrictions, a prepaid SIM ensures local calling ability — essential for communication, hotel confirmations, or coordinating travel within Eritrea.