Ethio telecom's International Visitors Plan
Ethio telecom's visitor plan page lists three standard packages sold in dollars or euros. At the time of checking, $10 or €10 bought 30 GB of data, 300 minutes of all-network calls and 300 SMS for 7 days, with 100 birr of airtime. $20 or €20 bought 60 GB with 30 international voice minutes for 15 days, and $40 or €40 bought unlimited data, unlimited all-network calls and SMS and 90 international minutes for 30 days. The page also shows a table headed Unlimited with 5, 10 and 15 dollars or euros against 7, 15 and 30 days, without saying what it includes, so confirm that one before you pay.
The terms say the plans apply to new and existing prepaid SIM cards, that the SIM price is included so a new SIM is free, and that visitors can buy several plans on one SIM. They add that the visitor package does not work for roaming outside Ethio telecom's home network, that calls to satellite and premium numbers are charged at pay-as-you-go rates, and that fair-use limits do not apply to the unlimited data. The page does not say where visitors buy the SIM or what identification is needed, so ask at the airport or an Ethio telecom shop.
The eSIM page, and what it does not say
Ethio telecom's eSIM page explains what an eSIM is, says activation is often as easy as scanning a QR code, and describes how to check compatibility: on Android, look for Add eSIM in the SIM manager, and on iPhone look for Add eSIM or Convert to eSIM in Cellular settings, or an eID under General then About.
The page does not say that a visitor can buy an eSIM, what it costs or how the QR code is delivered, and it talks about multiple profiles and enterprise use rather than tourists. We therefore do not claim a visitor eSIM from Ethio telecom. A foreign eSIM can still be used on the second line of a dual-SIM phone alongside a local physical SIM, if the handset supports it.
5G in Addis Ababa, and 4G claims
Ethio telecom says it has commercialised 5G at 145 sites in Addis Ababa, with monthly 5G packages of 150 GB for 2,320 birr and 250 GB for 2,760 birr, and unlimited packages above that, and an out-of-package rate of 11 cents. The terms say a 5G package needs a 5G SIM, a 5G-capable device and 5G coverage. Those are operator claims, listed in birr, and a visitor plan would not normally use them.
Its 4G page describes an expanding LTE Advanced network and links to a map, which we could not read as text. We found no independent coverage measurement. The Foreign Office's blunt line is that mobile networks outside Addis Ababa are not consistent or reliable, so plan on weak signal on the road between towns.
Regions to avoid, and networks that can be closed
The UK Foreign Office, updated on 1 October 2026, advises against all travel to parts of Ethiopia and against all but essential travel to other parts. It names areas within set distances of the borders with Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Kenya and Eritrea, and the whole of the Tigray, Amhara and Gambela regions, with parts of Afar and Oromia as well. Read the regional page for your route before you choose a plan.
It warns that protests, strikes and security operations can happen at little or no notice, leading to the temporary closure of roads, internet and mobile networks, and that the authorities may close networks with no notice. A phone with a data plan may therefore stop working in places, and offline maps, saved booking details and a paper copy of your itinerary are worth carrying. It also notes that fuel is scarce and queues are long.
E-visa, birr limits and the drone rules
The Foreign Office says British citizens need a visa and recommends applying online before arrival, with a 30-day single-entry tourist visa from the official e-visa platform. Overstaying costs 30 US dollars a day and you cannot leave until it is paid. You may carry up to 3,000 birr when entering or leaving, with a declaration for cash above 10,000 US dollars, and you should keep exchange receipts to change leftover money back.
It lists places where photography is not allowed, including the area near the Presidential Palace in Addis Ababa and anywhere with signs prohibiting it, and says drone use needs permission from the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority and the Information Network and Security Agency. Special equipment such as filming gear may need customs clearance, so check before you pack.
Emergency numbers
The UK Foreign Office gives 911 for police and emergencies in Ethiopia and 907 for an ambulance in Addis Ababa. Ethio telecom's standard visitor plans include calls. Our Ethiopia plan page offers data before you arrive.
Networks our Ethiopia plans use
These are the operators named on our plans for Ethiopia, taken from the plan data, so the list follows the catalogue.
- Ethio Telecom5G
- Ethio Telecom (ET)5G
- Safaricom5G