Your validity window starts when the eSIM first connects to a network in Ethiopia, not when you buy it — so you can install it before you fly and it only begins on arrival.
Will my phone work in Ethiopia?⌄
You need an eSIM-capable, carrier-unlocked phone (iPhone XR+, Pixel 3+, recent Samsung Galaxy). Check the compatibility page before you buy — and if it turns out your phone can’t use it, you get a full refund since nothing was installed.
Can I keep my number and WhatsApp in Ethiopia?⌄
Yes. Your vigxo plan is data-only, so your primary SIM stays active for calls, texts and your usual number. WhatsApp, iMessage and all your apps keep working over the eSIM data.
What if I run out of data in Ethiopia?⌄
If your plan supports it, you can top up an active eSIM in seconds from your dashboard — no reinstall needed. Otherwise just buy another plan; it stacks onto your eSIM.
How do refunds work?⌄
Full refund any time before installation, up to 120 days from purchase. Once an eSIM is installed the data is released to you, so it can’t be refunded after that.
Setup
Land in Ethiopia already connected
Set up your eSIM before you travel — it takes about a minute. Scan once, switch it on when you arrive, and you’re online.
On iPhone (iOS)
1After purchase, open the confirmation email and tap the install link — the eSIM adds itself (iOS 17.4+). Older iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → scan the QR from the same email.
2Label the plan (e.g. “vigxo travel”) and set your home line to keep calls/SMS.
3Turn on Data Roaming for the vigxo line — this uses the local partner network, not your home carrier.
On Android
1Tap the Android install link in your email (recent Android) — or Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Add eSIM and scan the QR.
2Download the profile and set vigxo as your Mobile data line.
What you can actually buy for Ethiopia
8 plans for Ethiopia, from 3 to 20 GB. Validity runs from 1 day to 30 days. 8 of them run on 5G where the local network has it.
5 plans can be topped up without installing a second eSIM. Plans run on Safaricom.
Counted from our live catalogue, not a marketing figure — the plan list above this section is the same data.
Regional plans that also cover Ethiopia
No regional bundle covers Ethiopia — a single-country plan is the only option here, which is usually the cheaper one anyway.
How eSIMs work in Ethiopia
A travel eSIM for Ethiopia is a digital SIM your phone downloads — no plastic card, no airport pickup counter. You buy online, tap the install link we email you (a QR code is included too), and it installs a second line alongside your existing SIM. It stays dormant until you arrive in Ethiopia, then connects automatically to Safaricom on 5G where available and LTE everywhere else. Your home number keeps working for calls and texts; the eSIM simply carries your data.
How much data do you need in Ethiopia?
Maps, messaging and rideshare apps are light — roughly 300–500 MB a day. Add photos, social and the occasional video and you’re closer to 1 GB a day. For a one-week trip a 5 GB plan is comfortable; for two weeks, sharing, or heavy use, choose 10 GB or more, or a reloadable plan you can top up on the go. Ethiopia plans start at $23.99 across 7 sizes, with the per-GB price shown on every one so the right choice is obvious.
Will you pay roaming charges in Ethiopia?
No. A travel eSIM for Ethiopia is a local data plan, not international roaming — you pay the price you see up front, with no per-megabyte bill from your home carrier. Set the eSIM as your data line and switch data roaming off on your home SIM, and there are no surprises when you get home. Full refund any time before you install, so there’s no risk in buying ahead.
Setting up your Ethiopia eSIM
1. Buy a plan — your install link and QR code arrive by email within seconds.
3
Enable Roaming for the vigxo line so it connects to the local network on arrival.
Good to know
•Works on eSIM-capable phones (iPhone XS+, Pixel 3+, recent Samsung Galaxy S/Note/Z). Older or carrier-locked phones may not support eSIM.
•Install before you fly on Wi‑Fi — you only need to enable it when you land, no signal required to set up.
•Data-only plans: keep your home SIM active for calls and texts. Use WhatsApp/FaceTime over data.
•Prices are final at checkout. Full refund any time before you install the eSIM.
2. While you’re still on Wi-Fi before you fly, tap the install link in your confirmation email — or open Settings → Cellular/Mobile Data → Add eSIM and scan the QR.
3. Land in Ethiopia, turn on data roaming for the eSIM line, and you’re online in about a minute.
