Cheap Calls to Ethiopia — From $0.6476/min
Country code: +251
Landline
BEST VALUE10 min call = $6.59
Mobile
10 min call = $6.48
Call from your browser, or download our iOS / Android app
How Much Does a Call to Ethiopia Cost?
Quick reference at our base rate of $0.6476/min:
Rate Breakdown — Ethiopia
Rates vary by carrier and line type. Here's exactly what you'll pay per minute.
| Destination | Rate/min | 10 min call |
|---|---|---|
| Ethiopia - Mobile Addis Ababa | $0.6476/min | $6.48 |
| Ethiopia | $0.6590/min | $6.59 |
| Ethiopia - Mobile Others | $0.7562/min | $7.56 |
Rates are per minute, billed per started minute. No connection fees. Updated regularly.
Calling Ethiopia — Things to Know
- Telegram is the dominant messaging app in Ethiopia — far more popular than WhatsApp. Most Ethiopians use Telegram for messaging, groups, and channels.
- Ethiopia was a state telecom monopoly until 2022, when Safaricom Ethiopia launched as the first private operator. Ethio Telecom still has over 90% market share.
- Ethiopia uses its own calendar (the Ethiopian calendar) which is 7–8 years behind the Gregorian calendar and has 13 months. Dates may cause confusion.
- Ethiopia uses a unique time system where 1:00 local time means 7:00 AM on the standard clock (they count from sunrise). When scheduling calls, confirm using "international time."
- Internet access is growing but still limited outside major cities. Traditional voice calls are the most reliable way to reach people in rural areas.
- The Ethiopian diaspora in the US is concentrated in the Washington DC area, which has the largest Ethiopian population outside Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to call Ethiopia from the US?
With BubblyPhone, calls to Ethiopia start at approximately 5¢ per minute. Major carriers like AT&T charge around $2.00/min — 40 times more expensive.
What is the country code for Ethiopia?
Ethiopia's country code is +251. Dial 011-251 from a US landline or +251 from a mobile phone.
What is the area code for Addis Ababa?
Addis Ababa's area code is 11. Dial +251 11 followed by the 7-digit local number.
What are Ethiopian mobile number prefixes?
Ethio Telecom mobile numbers start with 91, 92, 93, or 96. The newer Safaricom Ethiopia uses prefix 94.
Why do Ethiopians prefer Telegram?
Telegram became dominant in Ethiopia due to its lighter data usage, channel/group features, and availability during periods when other apps were restricted. Most Ethiopian diaspora use Telegram.
What time is it in Ethiopia when it's noon in New York?
Ethiopia is 8 hours ahead of Eastern Time (7 hours during EDT). When it's noon in New York, it's 7 or 8 PM in Addis Ababa.
Can I use WhatsApp to call Ethiopia?
WhatsApp works in Ethiopia but requires data, which can be unreliable. For guaranteed connectivity, BubblyPhone's regular voice calls at 5¢/min are more reliable.
Is Safaricom available in Ethiopia?
Yes, Safaricom Ethiopia launched in 2022 as the first private telecom operator. They use the 94 mobile prefix and are expanding coverage across major cities.
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