Ethiopia eSIM for Travel – Instant 4G/LTE Data
Instant mobile data in Ethiopia from £4.99. No roaming charges. Keep your UK number. Activates the moment you land.
Ethiopia's historic circuit – Lalibela, Aksum, Gondar – involves remote flights and long drives where data is the single source of truth on schedules. TripSIM provides an instant Ethiopia eSIM with coverage on Ethio Telecom, Safaricom Ethiopia, so you can land at Addis Ababa Bole (ADD) and be online before you reach the taxi rank. Ethiopian Airlines flies direct from London Heathrow; UK roaming partners are limited and patchy across the country. No physical SIM swap, no airport kiosks, no surprises on your next UK phone bill.
Ethiopia mobile networks
- Ethio Telecom — 4G/LTE
- Safaricom Ethiopia — 4G/LTE
How it works
- Buy your plan in GBP at our UK Stripe checkout.
- Scan the QR code we email you within minutes.
- Land in Addis Ababa and connect automatically.
Ethiopia eSIM FAQs
Does an eSIM work in Ethiopia?
Yes — TripSIM eSIMs work across Ethiopia on local 4G/5G networks (Ethio Telecom, Safaricom Ethiopia). You activate before you fly and it connects automatically when you land.
Can I keep my UK number while using a Ethiopia eSIM?
Yes. Your physical UK SIM stays active for calls, texts and WhatsApp. The TripSIM eSIM runs alongside it as a data-only line.
Is hotspot / tethering included?
Yes, every TripSIM plan supports personal hotspot.
When should I install the eSIM?
Install before you leave the UK while on WiFi. Activation only starts when you connect to a local network in Ethiopia.
Is TripSIM cheaper than UK carrier roaming in Ethiopia?
Almost always. UK carriers typically charge £7–£12 per MB on UK carriers in Ethiopia. Save up to 93% vs UK roaming.
Will a TripSIM eSIM work across Ethiopia?
Yes. TripSIM connects to Ethio Telecom, Safaricom Ethiopia, which together cover Addis Ababa, Lalibela, Aksum and most Ethiopia travel destinations. Coverage in remote regions may be more limited – check the coverage map before travelling off the main routes.
How much data do I need for 10 days in Ethiopia?
For typical UK-tourist use (maps, messaging, social, occasional video calls), 0.3–0.7 GB per day is a comfortable allowance. We recommend our mid-tier plans for shorter trips and unlimited for two-week stays.
Is the TripSIM Ethiopia eSIM faster than buying a SIM at Addis airport?
Buying a local SIM in Ethiopia usually means queueing at an arrivals kiosk, showing your passport, topping up in Ethiopian Birr and configuring APN settings. A TripSIM eSIM is QR-activated before you fly and online the moment your phone connects to a Ethiopia network.
Can I make voice calls or send SMS with a TripSIM Ethiopia eSIM?
TripSIM is a data-only eSIM. Voice and SMS are not supported – but you can call and message over WhatsApp, FaceTime, Telegram and other internet-based apps as normal. For UK emergency services, your physical SIM remains the appropriate route.
Does the TripSIM Ethiopia eSIM work alongside my UK SIM?
Yes. Dual-SIM phones (iPhone XS and later, most modern Androids) can run your UK number for calls/SMS and your TripSIM data plan in parallel. We recommend turning off mobile data on your UK SIM to avoid roaming charges.