How to Call Ethiopia in 2026 | Ethio Telecom Rates & VoIP Options

Ethiopia is home to over 125 million people, and millions more are  abroad. No matter where your family is,  Addis Ababa, Dire Dawa, Gondar, or a small town,  being able to call home matters.

But calling Ethiopia from overseas is often more expensive and confusing than it should be. This guide makes it easy, explaining the right country code, how Ethio Telecom works, and the most affordable ways to call Ethiopia without any hidden costs.

Ethiopia Country Code & How to Dial Correctly

Ethiopia’s country code is +251.

When calling from abroad, remove the leading 0 from the local number and dial +251 instead.

Dialling Format Examples

• Ethio Telecom mobile (09X)
  091 234 5678 → +251 91 234 5678
  
• Ethio Telecom mobile (07X – 11 digits):
  071 234 5678 → +251 71 234 5678
  
• Addis Ababa landline:
  011 234 5678 → +251 11 234 5678

 Save Ethiopian contacts in full international format (+251) to avoid failed calls.

 Ethiopia introduced 11‑digit mobile numbers (07X) in 2019. Both +251 9X and +251 7X are valid.

Understanding Ethio Telecom (Ethiopia’s Main Network)

Ethiopia is unusual in having a single dominant operator. Ethio Telecom is the state‑owned provider serving over 70 million users across mobile and landline services.

For international callers, this simplifies things when your call almost always terminates on Ethio Telecom.
The exception is Safaricom Ethiopia, launched in 2022. Its numbers start with +251 70 and coverage is still mainly limited to Addis Ababa and a few large cities.

Network Coverage & Call Quality

• 4G: Major cities (Addis Ababa, Dire Dawa, Mekelle, Hawassa)
• 3G: Most towns
• 2G: Many rural areas

Because mobile data can be unreliable outside urban centres, calls that connect through regular phone networks are often clearer than app‑to‑app VoIP calls.

Why Calling Ethiopia Is Expensive on Standard Carriers

Calls to Ethiopia often cost more than calls to other countries due to high international termination rates, historically linked to the lack of telecom competition.

On standard mobile plans, international calls to Ethiopia typically cost:

• 30p–£1+ per minute
• Often plus connection fees

For frequent callers, these costs add up fast,  making dedicated international calling apps far more affordable.

VoIP Options for Calling Ethiopia (2026 Comparison)

Why Talk Home App Is the Most Reliable Option

Talk Home App connects calls directly to Ethiopian phone networks, not app‑to‑app VoIP. Your family just answers their regular Ethio Telecom phone,  no app or internet required on their side.

Key benefits:

• Calls to Ethio Telecom mobiles & landlines from ~3p/min
• No connection fees or subscriptions
• Works worldwide (UK, US, Europe, Middle East, Australia)
• Secure payments (Visa, Mastercard, PayPal)

Explore all rates on the Talk Home international calling app.

Best Time to Call Ethiopia

Ethiopia uses East Africa Time (UTC +3) year‑round.

• UK: +3 hours (winter), +2 hours (summer)
• New York: +8 hours
• Los Angeles: +11 hours
• Dubai: −2 hours

Best calling time: Morning in Europe or North America, which aligns with evening hours in Ethiopia.

How to Call Ethiopia with Talk Home (Step by Step)

1. Download Talk Home App (iOS or Android)
2. Create a free account
3. Select International Calls → Ethiopia
4. Enter the number in full format: +251…
5. Check the rate shown — that’s the total cost
6. Dial. Your recipient answers like a normal call

Prefer not to download an app?
Call directly via the talk home App website  from your browser.

Calling Ethiopia Should Be Simple

Once you know the correct dialling format and choose the right service, calling Ethiopia is easy and affordable.Talk Home App removes hidden fees, poor call quality, and unnecessary complexity,  so your family simply picks up the phone, and you stay connected for a fraction of standard carrier costs.

Download the Talk Home app on Apple devices or Android from the Google Play Store and start calling Ethiopia today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find quick answers to common questions about calling Ethiopia, including dialling codes, networks, costs, and whether internet access is needed.