Stay Connected in Eritrea
Network coverage, costs, and options
Connectivity Overview
Staying connected in Eritrea presents unique challenges that most travelers don't anticipate. The country has one of the most restrictive telecommunications environments globally, with limited internet access and heavily monitored communications. EriTel is the sole telecommunications provider, offering basic Mobile services with sporadic 3G coverage mainly in Asmara and other major towns. Internet speeds are among the slowest worldwide, and many popular websites and social media platforms are blocked or restricted. Data is expensive and unreliable, with frequent service interruptions. Most international visitors find connectivity frustratingly limited compared to other destinations. Planning ahead is crucial - don't expect the easy connectivity you're used to elsewhere. Many travelers rely on offline maps, downloaded content, and hotel WiFi for essential communications.
Get Connected Before You Land
We recommend Airalo for peace of mind. Buy your eSIM now and activate it when you arrive—no hunting for SIM card shops, no language barriers, no connection problems. Just turn it on and you're immediately connected in Eritrea.
Network Coverage & Speed
EriTel operates as Eritrea's monopolistic telecommunications provider, offering the country's only Mobile network infrastructure. Coverage is primarily concentrated in urban areas, with Asmara having the most reliable service. Outside major cities, expect patchy or non-existent coverage, particularly in rural and border regions. The network runs on aging 2G infrastructure with limited 3G availability - there's no 4G/LTE service. Internet speeds rarely exceed 1-2 Mbps even in optimal conditions, with frequent slowdowns during peak hours. Data costs are prohibitively expensive by international standards, often $20-30 for just a few hundred megabytes. Service interruptions are common, sometimes lasting hours or days without explanation. International calling rates are extremely high. The government heavily monitors all communications and blocks access to many international websites, social media platforms, and VoIP services like WhatsApp calling, Skype, and Viber. Even basic web browsing can be frustratingly slow and unreliable.
How to Stay Connected
eSIM
eSIM options for Eritrea are extremely limited, as the country's restrictive telecommunications environment doesn't support international eSIM services. Providers like Airalo don't currently offer Eritrea-specific data plans due to the lack of network agreements with EriTel. Even if regional eSIM plans were available, they wouldn't work within Eritrea's borders due to the isolated nature of the national network. This means you cannot rely on eSIM technology for connectivity in Eritrea, unlike most other travel destinations. The closed telecommunications system prevents international Mobile operators from providing roaming services through eSIM platforms. If you're traveling from Eritrea to neighboring countries, you might find regional eSIM plans useful for those portions of your journey, but they won't provide any connectivity within Eritrea itself. Your only realistic option for Mobile connectivity is purchasing a local SIM card from EriTel after arrival.
Local SIM Card
Obtaining a local SIM card from EriTel requires visiting their offices in major cities, with the main branch in Asmara being your best bet. You'll need your passport and must complete registration paperwork - expect a bureaucratic process that can take several hours. SIM cards cost around 50-100 Nakfa (roughly $3-7), but data packages are expensive, starting at 500+ Nakfa for minimal data allowances. Staff may not speak English well, so patience is essential. Activation can take 24-48 hours, and there's no guarantee the service will work reliably. Top-up cards are available at some shops, but finding them outside major cities is challenging. The process is time-consuming and frustrating, with no guarantee of satisfactory service quality. Even with a local SIM, expect significant limitations on internet access due to government restrictions. Many travelers find the entire process more trouble than it's worth given the poor service quality and high costs.
Comparison
In Eritrea's unique situation, none of the connectivity options are ideal. eSIM services aren't available due to the closed telecommunications system. Local SIM cards are possible but involve bureaucratic hassles, high costs, and poor service quality. International roaming is either completely blocked or prohibitively expensive when available. Most travelers end up relying primarily on limited hotel WiFi and offline preparation. The local SIM is your only real Mobile option, despite its significant drawbacks. Many visitors simply accept minimal connectivity as part of the Eritrea travel experience.
Our Recommendations
First-time visitors: Accept that connectivity will be severely limited regardless of your approach. Focus on offline preparation - download maps, translation apps, and essential information before arrival. Don't count on reliable Mobile internet. Budget travelers: Skip the expensive local SIM unless absolutely necessary. Hotel WiFi and internet cafes (where available) are more cost-effective for basic communication needs. Long-term stays (1+ months): Getting a local SIM becomes necessary despite the hassles, but manage expectations about service quality and costs. Business travelers: This is particularly challenging - inform clients/colleagues about communication limitations in advance. Consider satellite communication devices for critical connectivity needs. For all travelers, prepare offline entertainment, download important documents, and inform contacts about limited communication windows. Focus on the unique cultural experience rather than staying digitally connected.
Our Top Pick: Airalo
For convenience, price, and safety, we recommend Airalo. Purchase your eSIM before your trip and activate it upon arrival—you'll have instant connectivity without the hassle of finding a local shop, dealing with language barriers, or risking being offline when you first arrive. It's the smart, safe choice for staying connected in Eritrea.
Exclusive discounts: 15% off for new customers • 10% off for return customers