Last Updated: August 22, 2023

Best eSim for Ethiopia: A Guide For Travelers

If you are planning a trip to Ethiopia then you are most likely wondering what the best way of staying connected to mobile data is while you are there.

You can buy a physical sim card on the ground in Ethiopia when you land, use expensive data roaming, or you can find the best eSim Ethiopia has to offer.

In this article, I will review all the global eSim providers and their eSim data plans which cover Ethiopia so that you can find the best eSim for Ethiopia for your travels.

ESIM Product Comparison


Maya Mobile

The only global eSim provider I can find that offers eSims for Ethiopia is Maya Mobile. Maya Mobile is renowned for its great selection of data plans, reliable coverage, and solid connection speeds and it is the same when it comes to their data plans for Ethiopia.

Here are all of Maya Mobile’s Ethiopia eSim plans for you to choose from:

It is nice that you have some plans to choose from and that they all last 30 days but the price per GB is extortionate across all these data plans. This means it might be best to just get a physical sim card when you get to Ethiopia as the pricing will be a lot more affordable.

Pros

  • Good coverage
  • Fast connection
  • Helpful customer service
  • A few plans to choose from

Cons

  • Very expensive
See Prices on Maya Mobile

Benefits of Getting an eSim in Ethiopia

There are quite a few benefits of getting an eSim Ethiopia, outside of the insane costs.

The convenience it brings is remarkable. Gone are the days of enduring the tedious task of visiting a store or enduring never-ending lines. Now, you can effortlessly purchase and activate your eSim online, right from the comfort of your own couch.

Managing top-ups has become a breeze as well. Just a few clicks online and you’re good to go. No more need to venture out to purchase scratch cards for your local sim card in Ethiopia.

One particularly appealing aspect of eSims is the immediate connectivity they provide upon your arrival in Ethiopia. There’s no more waiting to find a local sim card or struggling to connect to airport Wi-Fi. Simply activate your eSim before your flight and you’re all set!

Another remarkable feature is the ability to keep your home phone number active while traveling with eSims. This is particularly advantageous for staying in touch with loved ones and receiving important notifications from your bank.

Worries about losing your phone or it being stolen are alleviated as well, as transferring your eSim to a new device in Ethiopia is a straightforward process.

Lastly, bid farewell to the hassles associated with physical sim cards. With eSims, you can securely store and manage it within your phone, eliminating concerns about misplacing or losing it.

Local Mobile Operators Offering eSims in Ethiopia

Currently, there is only one local mobile operator offering eSims in Ethiopia and that is Ethio Telecom. You can go to Ethio Telecom’s website and search for an eSim data plan for your trip if you would like to.

Devices Compatible with eSim in Ethiopia

Not all devices are compatible with an eSim. eSims, short for “embedded SIM card,” are a special type of SIM card that is built directly into your smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch. Unlike a virtual SIM, an eSim is a physical card that is integrated within the device.

The good news is that many of the latest models of smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches already come equipped with eSim capabilities. So, if you own a new-ish device, there’s a high chance that it supports eSims. Here are some models known to support eSims:

  • iPhone XS, 12, 11, SE (2nd generation), and newer models
  • Samsung Galaxy S21, S20, Note 20, and newer models
  • Google Pixel 5, 4, 3a, and newer models
  • iPad Pro, iPad Air (3rd generation), and newer models
  • Apple Watch Series 6, SE, and newer models
  • Samsung Galaxy Watch 3, Watch Active 2, and newer models
  • Huawei Watch 3 and newer models

If you’re unsure whether your device supports eSims, don’t worry. There’s a quick trick you can try. Simply dial *#06# and make the call.

If you see an eSim identification number (EID) appear on your screen, voila! Your device is compatible with eSims. It’s as simple as that!

If your current device doesn’t support eSims, it might be an excellent opportunity to treat yourself to an upgrade that opens up a world of eSim possibilities.

Data Needed When Traveling to Ethiopia

When considering an eSim, one crucial aspect to take into account is determining your data requirements for your adventures in Ethiopia.

To find the right data plan, it’s essential to understand your average daily data usage. For most individuals, approximately 5 GB of data per week is typically adequate to stay connected, share captivating photos on social media, and keep in touch with loved ones.

However, if you’re an avid Netflix viewer and can’t resist indulging in binge-watching your favorite shows, it would be advisable to opt for a plan that offers closer to 15 GB per week to satisfy your streaming cravings.

Believe me, running out of data while exploring can be extremely disappointing. Therefore, it’s a wise idea to check your device’s data usage report to gain a better understanding of your regular consumption and estimate how much data you’ll require for your Ethiopian escapades.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get an eSim in Ethiopia?

You can get an eSim in Ethiopia by simply going online to an eSim provider’s website and buying the Ethiopia eSim data plan that suits you best.

Once bought, you will receive the eSim with activation details and an activation code.

How much does an eSIM cost in Ethiopia?

eSims in Ethiopia cost nothing as they are free and included in the eSim data plan you buy with your Ethiopia eSim.

How do I activate my eSim in Ethiopia?

Activating your eSim in Ethiopia is a straightforward process that you’ll breeze through. Just follow the simple steps provided in the email sent by your eSim provider when you made your purchase.

To begin, locate the activation code in your email, which usually appears as a QR code. Once you have it, connect to the internet and navigate to the settings app on your device.

Now, find the option to add a new cellular plan or eSim. When you find it, tap on it and select the eSim option.

Next, you’ll be prompted to enter the activation code manually or scan the QR code directly. If there are any additional steps involved, don’t worry. Just follow the helpful instructions that appear on your screen.

In case you encounter any difficulties along the way, customer support is readily available to assist you and ensure a smooth activation process.

Once your eSim is activated and operational, you’re all set to stay connected and enjoy seamless data access as you explore the breathtaking sights of Ethiopia.

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