How to send airtime and data
to Ethiopia from the US.
Whether you want to top up a family member's Ethio Telecom line or send them a mobile data bundle — here's exactly how it works, and what it actually costs.
It lands on their line before you've put your phone down.
Beamline delivers airtime top-ups and mobile data bundles directly through Ethio Telecom — the same network your family's phone already runs on. You pick an amount or a data bundle, see the exact total (including Beamline's flat service fee) before confirming, and it arrives in seconds. The recipient doesn't need Beamline installed, an account, or anything else — just their phone number.
Three steps, start to finish.
-
01
Create your account
Download Beamline free from the App Store, sign up with your US phone number, and verify it with a one-time text code.
-
02
Add who you're sending to
Save their Ethiopian phone number, as 09… or +251… — either works. They don't need the app to receive airtime or data.
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03
Send it, instantly
Pick an amount or bundle, see the exact total, confirm with your card. Airtime and data arrive in seconds.
What does it cost to send airtime to Ethiopia?
You pay the airtime amount or bundle price plus a flat Beamline service fee. There's no exchange-rate markup layered on top and nothing added at the end — the exact total is on the confirmation screen before you pay.
| What you send | Price | Beamline fee | Arrives |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airtime top-up | The amount you choose, from $5 | $1.99 | Seconds |
| Mobile data bundle | The bundle's price, shown up front | $1.99 | Seconds |
| Unlimited data + call + SMS, 30 days | $13.25 | $2.99 | Seconds |
| Family Plan (several people, monthly) | Each person's bundle, less 5% for two or 10% for three or more | $2.99/mo per plan | Seconds, every month |
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
Bundle prices come from Ethio Telecom and can change. From time to time Beamline runs a launch promotion that reduces or waives the service fee; whatever applies to your order is shown before you pay. If you send to the same people every month, a Family Plan works out cheaper than sending each bundle on its own.
The details worth knowing.
What's the difference between airtime and a data bundle?
Airtime is credit on their Ethio Telecom account — they spend it on whatever they want: calls, texts, or their own data purchase. A data bundle is a specific package bought for them, like Unlimited data with calls and SMS for 30 days. Bundles usually give more value per dollar; airtime gives more flexibility.
How do I enter an Ethiopian phone number?
Either way works. Type the local form starting 09, or the international form starting +251. Beamline converts a leading 0 to +251 automatically, so a number copied straight out of a WhatsApp message is accepted as-is — no reformatting.
What if the top-up doesn't arrive?
You're refunded automatically to the card you paid with, without contacting anyone, and the order shows as refunded in the app's Activity list. You are never left paying for a delivery that didn't happen.
Can I set up a monthly top-up?
Yes. A Family Plan turns it into one monthly subscription covering several relatives at once, each with their own bundle, billed as a single charge. Two people save 5%; three or more save 10% against sending each bundle separately.
Which network do you deliver to?
Ethio Telecom — the network most families in Ethiopia already use. The top-up goes to the same line they use every day, so there's nothing for them to switch, activate, or set up.
What if I'm the one travelling to Ethiopia?
Then you want a travel eSIM rather than a top-up. Buy one in the app before you fly, install it in one tap, and land with data already working — from $16.50. See how the Ethiopia eSIM works.
Ready to send your first gift?
Create your account and send airtime or data in under two minutes.
Last updated 4 August 2026 · Beamline app version 1.5