Ethiopia eSIM

How much data you actually need

Roughly 800MB–1.5GB a day for maps, messaging, confirming domestic flights and reading up on sites as you go. Budget more if you plan to join online meetings during a long connection in Addis Ababa.

When you land

The main gateway is Bole International in Addis Ababa (ADD), a large regional connecting hub. Domestic routes use Bahir Dar (BJR), Gondar (GDQ), Lalibela (LLI), Dire Dawa (DIR) and Mekele (MQX). If you have a long layover in Addis, switching the line on as you step off the aircraft lets you check the gate and tell whoever is waiting at the far end what is happening.

Where coverage changes

Addis Ababa works well across the city, including along the light rail line, and northern towns such as Bahir Dar, Gondar and Lalibela have service in their built-up areas. Where it genuinely thins out is the long intercity road stretches across the highlands, the trekking routes in the Simien Mountains, and remote regions such as the Danakil Depression and the Omo Valley. Download maps and any important documents before you set off.

Cities travellers ask about

• Addis Ababa — High-altitude capital with light rail and city-wide coverage.
• Lalibela — Rock-hewn church town: fine in town, thin outside it.
• Gondar — Castle town and the way into the Simien Mountains.
• Bahir Dar — On Lake Tana, where you book boats out to the island churches.
• Dire Dawa — Eastern city and the access point for the old town of Harar.

Apps to install before you fly

• RIDE or Feres for booking cars in Addis Ababa
• The Ethiopian Airlines app for domestic flights and check-in
• An Ethiopian calendar and time converter so meeting times match
• Google Maps with the towns and routes saved offline