Works in Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa is where most visitors to Ethiopia head first. The plan connects there and in the other main towns on Safaricom.
Ethiopia eSIM
11 plansUnlimited optionsInstant delivery5G where available
7 days
15 days
30 days
No plan of that length. Pick another.
1 day
No plan of that length. Pick another.
Lite gives you 1 GB a day at full speed and Heavy gives you 1 GB. After that the plan keeps working at a reduced speed until the next day.
Plan details
What the plan you picked above includes.
- Networks in Ethiopia
- Safaricom
- Technology
- 3G/4G/5G
- Routed via
- United Kingdom
- Tethering
- Supported
- Top up
- Available
- Calls and texts
- Data only, no phone number
- Fair use
- No daily cap
- Activation
- QR code by email, days start on first connection
QR code by email in secondsKeep your own numberTop up the same eSIMSecure checkout
Why RoamZivo for Ethiopia
Skip the rental counter
No pocket Wi-Fi or SIM counter to find when you land in Ethiopia, and nothing to return before you fly home. The eSIM is installed before you leave.
Share with your laptop
Hotspot is allowed on the plan selected above, so a second device can use the same data in a cafe or a hotel room.
How to get connected
Step by step guideCheck your phone
Your phone must be eSIM compatible and not locked to one carrier.
Install at home
Scan the QR code on WiFi before you fly. Your days do not start yet.
Switch on in Ethiopia
Choose the RoamZivo line for mobile data and turn on data roaming for it.
Stay online
Watch your data in My eSIMs and top up the same eSIM if you need more.
Ethiopia travel data guide
A Ethiopia eSIM from RoamZivo is a prepaid data plan for Ethiopia that you install before you fly. Plans in Ethiopia run on Safaricom, with 5G where the operator offers it. The eSIM is data only, so your own SIM stays in for calls and texts.
There are 11 plans to choose from. Data sizes run from 1 GB to 20 GB, validity from 1 to 30 days, and prices start at $8.99. Unlimited plans are listed too, each with its own fair use line. Hotspot sharing is supported on every plan. Top ups are available on the fixed data plans and go onto the same eSIM.
Your days start the first time the eSIM connects in Ethiopia, not when you buy, so you can install it at home days early. For a week of maps, messaging and social apps, most travellers are fine with 3 to 5 GB. Video calls or streaming need more, or an unlimited plan. Travel data in Ethiopia from RoamZivo arrives as a QR code by email, with a copy kept in your account.
Ethiopia FAQ
Does the eSIM work everywhere in Ethiopia?
It connects wherever Safaricom has signal, which is the same network local customers use. The eSIM is data only.
When do my days start?
On the first connection in Ethiopia, not at purchase. The plan selected above (3 GB) runs for 30 days from that moment. You can install the eSIM at home and the clock stays still until you connect.
Do I get a local phone number in Ethiopia?
No. The eSIM is data only. Your own SIM stays in for calls and texts, and WhatsApp keeps working over the eSIM data.
Can I share data with my laptop?
Yes. Hotspot sharing is supported on the plan selected above, so your laptop or tablet can use the eSIM data through your phone.
Is there an unlimited plan for a week in Ethiopia?
No. The unlimited plans for Ethiopia each last 1 day. For a week, the fixed plans are the sensible choice, starting at 1 GB for 7 days, and you can top up any of them if you need more.
Is 20 GB enough for a month in Ethiopia?
For most people, yes. 20 GB for 30 days is the largest plan for Ethiopia and covers daily browsing, video calls and some hotspot use. If you do run through it, top up is available on that plan as on all the others.
Which network does the Ethiopia eSIM connect to?
It connects to Safaricom, the only operator on the Ethiopia plans. Safaricom is listed at 5G and the plans are sold as 3G/4G/5G. What you see on the phone depends on the signal where you are.
When do I receive the QR code?
The QR code is emailed after payment and a copy is saved in your account. Install it before leaving for Ethiopia. Nothing starts counting at that point, because the plan begins when the eSIM first connects there.
Can I buy a one day unlimited plan in advance?
Yes. A 1 day unlimited plan for Ethiopia can be bought and installed ahead of time. Its day starts when the eSIM first connects to a network in Ethiopia, so switch the line on only when you want that day to begin.
How do I add more data in Ethiopia?
Use top up, which every Ethiopia plan supports. The extra data goes onto the eSIM already in your phone, so there is nothing new to install. If anything is unclear, support answers by email seven days a week.
Can I hotspot from the eSIM to my laptop?
Yes, hotspot is allowed on all Ethiopia plans. A laptop uses far more data than a phone, so the 10 GB or 20 GB plan is a better base for it. On a 1 day unlimited plan, tethering counts toward the full speed amount.
How do I top up if I run low?
Open My eSIMs, pick this eSIM and choose a top up. It goes onto the same eSIM, so there is no new QR code to scan.