What is the rate to call Ethiopia from Saudi Arabia?

Sayfone charges 78¢ per minute to call Ethiopia from Saudi Arabia. The rate is shown before each call so you know the cost upfront.

Do I need to download an app?

No. Sayfone is browser-based, so you can call directly from your web browser without installing an app.

Can I call both mobile and landline numbers in Ethiopia?

Yes. The dialing format is the same for both—dial +251 + area code (for landlines) or 9 (for mobiles) + the number.

What if the call doesn't connect?

First, verify the number is correct and includes the country code and area code. Check your internet connection, and try again. If the problem persists, contact support.

Are there any hidden fees?

No. You pay only the transparent per-minute rate shown at the start of each call. There are no setup, connection, or hidden charges.

What is the best time to call Ethiopia from Saudi Arabia?

Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia are in the same timezone (UTC+3). Call between 8 AM and 5 PM EAT for business hours, or anytime that works for your contact.

Do I need a subscription?

Transparent per-minute pricing or contract is required. Pay per minute as you use the service.

Quick Answer

How to Call Ethiopia from Saudi Arabia

To call Ethiopia from Saudi Arabia, dial +251 + area code + local number. The entire process takes seconds via browser, with clear per-minute pricing at 78¢/min.

Start calling

Cost tools

🇸🇦From Saudi Arabia

To Ethiopia🇪🇹

$0.78

Per minute

+251

Country code

Call quality

Landline rate

$0.78/min

Mobile rate

$0.78/min

Same per-minute Sayfone rate for landline and mobile.

Average call quality

Steps at a glance

Enter +251 and the recipient's number
Review the rate and confirm
Place the call from your browser

Sources

1
Ethiopia Country Calling Code
Dialing format reference

STEP-BY-STEP

Dialing Steps

Follow these simple steps to place your call from Saudi Arabia to Ethiopia.

1
Enter the country code
Start with +251 (Ethiopia's country code) or 00251 if using a phone that does not support +.
```
+251 or 00251
```
2
Add the area code
Ethiopia uses 2–3 digit area codes. Common codes include 11 for Addis Ababa, 22 for Dire Dawa, and 33 for Mekelle.
```
+251 11 (Addis Ababa)
```
3
Dial the local number
Enter the 6–7 digit local subscriber number.
```
+251 11 123 4567
```
4
Review and call
Confirm the number and rate, then initiate the call from your browser.
```
Rate shown: $0.78/min
```

Dialing format reference

+251

Use these patterns when entering a full international number to +251.

Mobile

+251 9XX XXX XXX

Landline

+251 [area code] XXX XXXX

+251 11 123 4567
+251 22 256 1234
+251 912 345 678

Major city area codes

Addis Ababa11

Dire Dawa22

Mekelle33

Hawassa46

Sources

1
Ethiopia Numbering Plan
Number format and area code reference

DIALING RULES

Important Dialing Rules

Understand key rules for calling Ethiopia to ensure your calls connect reliably.

Always use the country code

International calls to Ethiopia must include +251 or 00251. Omitting it will result in a call failure.

Mobile numbers start with 9

Ethiopian mobile numbers begin with 09 when dialed domestically, or 9 after the country code when called internationally. Include the full digit in your dialed number.

Area codes are required for landlines

Landline numbers in Ethiopia require a 2–3 digit area code. Do not omit the area code or the call may not connect.

No leading zeros after country code

When dialing +251, do not include the leading 0 from domestic numbers. Dial +251 11 (not +251 011) for Addis Ababa.

CALLING TIPS

Best Times to Call & Etiquette

Timing your calls thoughtfully and understanding local conventions will improve your connections and reception.

Time & windows

Best Time to Call

8 AM – 5 PM EAT

Business and weekday hours in Ethiopia

Avoid Calling

6 PM – 7 AM EAT

Evening and early morning; consider local observances

🇸🇦Ethiopia timezone

EAT (UTC+3), no daylight saving

🇸🇦Saudi Arabia timezone

AST (UTC+3), no daylight savingSame timezone year-round

Calling tips

Call during business hours (8 AM–5 PM EAT) for the best chance of reaching someone.
Weekend calls may reach answering machines or voicemail; plan for next-business-day callbacks.
Network congestion can increase during peak hours; early morning calls often have clearer connections.
Test your internet connection before placing important calls.

Business etiquette

Greet in Amharic if possible ("Selam" = hello); it builds rapport with Ethiopian contacts.
Identify yourself and your organization at the start of the call.
Be respectful of local holidays and observances, including Orthodox Christian dates.
Allow extra time for pleasantries; relationships matter in Ethiopian business culture.

Sources

1
Time Zone Reference
Ethiopia timezone and DST information

TROUBLESHOOTING

Common Issues & Restrictions

Understand what might prevent a call from connecting and how to resolve it.

Call drops or poor audio

Check your internet connection quality. Switch to a stronger WiFi network or mobile data signal. Restart your browser if calls repeatedly fail.

Number not connecting

Verify you included the country code (+251), area code, and the full local number. Omitting the area code is the most common cause of landline call failures.

Special numbers may have restrictions

Some premium, toll-free, or government numbers may not be reachable via international calling. Try an alternative contact number if available.

Unexpected charges or call terminations

Sayfone displays rates before each call. If you see an unexpected charge, review the dialed number and contact support with the call details.

Savings

See what you could save

Adjust the tools below to compare Sayfone with typical retail pricing for calls to Ethiopia. Start with one call, then layer on monthly volume to see the bigger picture.

How to use these tools

Sayfone uses your live rate for calls to Ethiopia — the same basis as the rest of this page.
First, estimate savings on a single call length. Then, model a full month of minutes versus typical retail benchmarks.
Retail competitor rows are illustrative — not a quote from any carrier.