PikoeSIM
Excellent
Ethiopia 1GB eSIM
Plan price€2.59
1 GB · 7 days
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- 4G/5G data
- One prepaid price
- Check compatibility first
- Hotspot included
Choose your plan
Data for 7 days
Data for 30 days
Tech specs
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Country coverage | Coverage is limited to Ethiopia; neighbouring countries are not included. |
| Local networks | Safaricom |
| Network technology | Connects to 4G/5G where the network offers it. |
| Data & validity | 1 GB for 7 days, or 3 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB and 20 GB for 30 days. Fixed total data, not unlimited. |
| Calls & SMS | Data-only plans with no local number, standard calls or SMS. Compare data plans and pricing before you buy. |
| Hotspot | The listed networks support hotspot. Any device you connect draws from the same data allowance. |
| Your phone | A carrier-unlocked phone that supports eSIM, plus a model sold in a compatible regional version. |
How it works
Pick a plan, add the eSIM to your phone, then connect once you're in Ethiopia.
01Choose your plan
Choose data and validity that cover your trip. Save the setup instructions for offline access.
02Install before you fly
Install over Wi-Fi using your plan's instructions. Check when the plan's validity starts.
03Connect in Ethiopia
On arrival, turn on the eSIM and select it for mobile data. Keep data roaming off on your regular SIM.
Compare ways to get online in Ethiopia
Use prepaid data on the phone you already carry. This is how PikoeSIM compares with a rental router, home-carrier roaming and a physical SIM.
Swipe or scroll to compare all four options
| What matters | PikoeSIMTravel eSIM | Pocket Wi-FiRental router | RoamingYour home carrier | Local SIMPhysical SIM card |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Getting connected | Download the eSIM to your phone, then follow the activation steps that come with your plan. | Book delivery or collect a rental router from the provider. | Turn on roaming and confirm your destination is covered by your home plan. | Buy a SIM card and insert it into a compatible SIM slot on your phone. |
| Extra equipment | None. You use the eSIM-compatible phone you already have. | A separate device to carry, charge and keep within range. | None. You keep using your existing phone and SIM. | A physical SIM card. You might need to remove your usual SIM to fit it. |
| Data & cost | From €2.59 for 1 GB / 7 days. You pick a fixed allowance when you order. | Rental fees and data terms vary by provider. Check delivery, loss and damage fees before booking. | Your carrier's rates apply. Some home plans already include roaming at your destination. | Prepaid prices, data allowances and validity periods differ between local operators. |
| Sharing your data | The listed networks support hotspot. Any device you connect draws from the same data allowance. | Connect phones and other devices to the router. They all need to stay inside its Wi-Fi range. | Tethering depends on your carrier and your roaming plan. | Check that the local plan allows tethering before you rely on it. |
| Calls & SMS | Data only. Make calls and send messages through internet apps. | Internet only. Regular calls and SMS still use your phone's mobile plan. | Calls and SMS are billed under your carrier's roaming terms. | A local number, calls and SMS depend on the specific plan you buy. |
| After your trip | There's nothing to send back when your trip ends. | Return the router and accessories on time. Late or missing returns can trigger extra fees. | No hardware to return afterwards. | You don't need to return any rental device. |
Frequently asked questions.
Answers to common setup and buying questions.
How do I pick the right Ethiopia eSIM plan?
Start from usage, not just trip length. The cheapest option is 1 GB for 7 days at €2.59, affordable for a short vacation of light maps and messages, but it won't cover a stay of 14 days. For 2 weeks or more, pick a 30-day plan: 3 GB at €7.19, 5 GB at €11.79, 10 GB at €23.39 or 20 GB at €46.59. If you're visiting family, video calls, YouTube and WhatsApp add up fast, so the best value and best price depend on your usage; no plan improves reception, so 'best coverage' follows where you go.
What network does this Ethiopia eSIM connect to?
Listed networks: Safaricom. Connects to 4G/5G where the network offers it. Speeds and signal vary with your phone, location and network conditions.
Is my phone compatible with this eSIM?
You need an unlocked, eSIM-capable phone, and it's worth checking the list of compatible phones plus your model's sales region and supported eSIM features before you buy. On iOS, look for Add eSIM under Cellular or Mobile Data and confirm No SIM Restrictions under General > About. On Android, paths vary by maker, so use the compatibility guide. An eSIM card is digital, so you can't move a physical SIM into another device.
What's the best time to install my Ethiopia eSIM?
Install on reliable Wi-Fi before you leave, rather than expecting instant installation after landing. The setup instructions tell you whether to scan a QR code or use another method. Installation alone doesn't necessarily start the plan's validity; follow its activation steps. In Ethiopia, turn on the travel line and set it as your data source.
Does the plan include standard calls, SMS or a local phone number?
No. These are data-only Ethiopia plans with no local phone number. WhatsApp and other messaging or internet-calling apps work over data, and call quality depends on your connection. SMS verification still relies on another line and its carrier, so keep access to any number you need for booking or banking codes.
Can I tether my laptop to this eSIM?
The listed networks support hotspot. Any device you connect draws from the same data allowance. The data hotspot and tethering feature is included, but every connected device draws from the same allowance. Turn off software updates and cloud sync before you tether a laptop.
Is the data allowance daily or for the whole period?
No. Each plan is a fixed total, not a daily allowance: 1 GB for 7 days, or 3 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB and 20 GB for 30 days. Thirty days is not the same as one month, so compare it with a monthly plan only after checking the purchase terms. Usage is deducted from the total across the whole validity period.
Will this plan work outside Ethiopia?
These offers cover Ethiopia only. The listed operator's brand or regional presence doesn't add other countries, so arrange separate coverage for any onward international travel.
What should I do if the eSIM shows a connection but no internet?
Confirm you're in Ethiopia, the travel line is set for data and the plan still has data and validity left. Apply the supplied roaming and APN settings, then toggle airplane mode briefly or restart. If reception is weak, move to a different spot. Keep the eSIM installed and share your device model, location and order reference when you contact support.
Can I top up my data or extend the validity?
Check the online options supplied with your order before relying on the ability to top up your data or extend the plan. A separate purchase won't automatically extend current validity or carry over unused data. These are fixed one-off purchases, and people often search for 'no contract' when comparing prepaid eSIMs; confirm the exact terms before you pay. Keep the installed profile until the instructions or support say otherwise.
How can I prevent my regular SIM from roaming?
Set the travel eSIM as your data line, turn off automatic data switching and leave data roaming off on your regular SIM. Apply any travel-plan roaming setting only to the travel line. Calls and texts on your home number may still trigger your carrier's charges.
What's the process for support and refunds?
Keep your order reference and installation details when you ask for help, and follow any recommendations from support. The purchase conditions set out the support contact and refund eligibility, especially after activation or use. Don't delete the profile while a connection issue is still being investigated.
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