Using telebirr: Ethiopia’s Mobile Money App
Ethiopia has one of Africa’s fastest-growing mobile money markets, and telebirr sits at the center of it. Launched by Ethio Telecom in 2021, the service has grown to more than 60 million users as of the 2025/26 fiscal year. It handles millions of transactions daily, from sending money to family to paying electricity bills.
For visitors and residents alike, telebirr offers a way to move money without carrying cash. But it is not a simple app to pick up and use. Registration requires specific documents. The interface has quirks. And some features work differently than similar apps in other countries.
This guide explains what telebirr is, how to register, what it costs, and what you need to know before relying on it during your time in Ethiopia.
What telebirr Is and Why It Matters
telebirr is a mobile money service operated by Ethio Telecom, Ethiopia’s state-owned telecom provider. It allows users to store money in a digital wallet linked to their phone number, send and receive funds, pay bills, and purchase goods and services.
The service is not a bank. Your telebirr balance is e-money, not a bank deposit. But it connects to the banking system. You can transfer money between telebirr and bank accounts, and receive international remittances directly into your wallet.
For many Ethiopians, telebirr was their first experience with digital payments. The service grew quickly because it was accessible through *127# on any phone, not just smartphones. Today, the telebirr SuperApp bundles dozens of services into one platform: banking mini-apps, ride-hailing, ticketing, and government payments.
How to Register for telebirr
Registration requires an active Ethio Telecom SIM card and a valid ID. Accepted documents include a kebele ID, passport, taxpayer ID, driver’s license, student ID, or employment ID.
There are three ways to register.
Option 1: Self-Registration via the App
Download the telebirr SuperApp from Google Play or the App Store. Choose “New Account,” then select “Self-Create Account.” Enter your mobile number and request a verification code. The app sends a six-digit code via SMS. Enter it, confirm your personal details, and submit. You receive a default PIN by SMS. Change it to activate your account.
Option 2: USSD Registration (*127#)
Dial *127# on your Ethio Telecom phone. Select registration, enter an invitation code if you have one (or skip), and follow the prompts. You will receive a default PIN. Dial *127# again, activate the account, and change your PIN.
Option 3: In-Person Registration
Visit an Ethio Telecom shop, authorized retail agent, or partner bank branch. Bring your active mobile number and proof of identity. Staff will register the account for you.
New user bonus: Ethio Telecom offers 15 Birr in opening e-float balance and 100 MB of mobile data (or 70 MB for app registration) as an incentive for new users. The opening balance can only be used for airtime, packages, or P2P transfers.
Sending Money with telebirr
Sending money is the core function. You can send to both telebirr users and non-users anywhere in Ethiopia.
Via the app:
- Open the telebirr SuperApp
- Select “Send Money”
- Enter or select the recipient’s phone number
- Enter the amount
- Confirm the details and enter your PIN
Via USSD:
- Dial *127#
- Select “Send Money”
- Enter the recipient’s phone number
- Enter the amount and confirm with your PIN
You receive an instant SMS confirmation for every transaction.
The app also supports “Group send money,” which lets you send funds to multiple recipients at once. This is useful for paying employees, supporting family members, or splitting costs.
telebirr Fees and Pricing
telebirr charges fees for certain transactions. The structure is tiered by amount. Key points:
Cash-in (deposits): Free for amounts up to 250 Birr. Above that, fees range from 1% to a capped amount depending on the transaction size.
Cash-out (withdrawals): Fees apply above 50 Birr. For example, withdrawing 100 Birr costs 2.4 Birr; withdrawing 1,000 Birr costs 8 Birr.
telebirr to telebirr (P2P) transfers: Free for amounts up to 100 Birr. Transfers of 101–500 Birr cost 2 Birr; 501–1,500 Birr cost 4 Birr; and larger amounts cost more.
telebirr to bank transfers: Fees start at 1 Birr for amounts under 100 Birr and scale up to 15 Birr for larger transfers.
Airtime top-up: You can purchase Ethio Telecom airtime and packages directly through the app or USSD.
Fees can change. Verify current rates in the app or on Ethio Telecom’s website before making large transactions.
Paying Bills and Buying Services
telebirr extends far beyond person-to-person transfers. The app and USSD menu allow you to pay for a wide range of services.
Utilities: Ethiopian Electric Utility bills, water and sewerage (Derash), and other utility payments.
Government services: Passport fees, document authentication, traffic penalty payments, and Addis Ababa city tax payments.
Telecom services: Airtime, data packages, and Ethio Telecom bills.
Entertainment and travel: Ethiopian Airlines tickets, Unity Park tickets, and other entertainment purchases.
Merchant payments: Pay at shops and restaurants by scanning QR codes. The app supports offline fuel transactions, meaning you can pay at gas stations even without a data connection.
Receiving Money from Abroad
One of telebirr’s most useful features for families is international remittance reception. Providers like Remitly, WorldRemit, and ShareMoney support direct deposits to telebirr wallets.
The sender needs your full name (as registered on your ID), your telebirr-registered phone number, and to select “Telebirr” or “Mobile wallet” as the payout option. Funds typically arrive within minutes to a few hours.
Remittances are credited at the official National Bank of Ethiopia rate, not the parallel market rate. This means the amount you receive may be lower than what informal hawala services advertise, but the transfer is regulated, traceable, and protected by law.
Practical Tips for Using telebirr
Keep your PIN secret. Your PIN is the key to your money. Never share it. If your phone or SIM is lost or stolen, contact Ethio Telecom immediately to suspend your account.
Use the app on mobile data, not Wi-Fi. The telebirr app requires an active mobile data connection from the registered SIM to log in. Wi-Fi login is not supported.
Download the app for bonuses. Creating your account through the app earns 100 MB of data, compared to 70 MB for other registration methods.
Check your transaction history. Review your balance and transaction records regularly. The app provides a full history of sends, receives, payments, and top-ups.
Use USSD when data is unreliable. The *127# menu works on any phone and does not require internet. It is a reliable backup when mobile data is slow or unavailable.
Quick Tips
- Register with your passport if you are a foreigner. A valid passport is an accepted ID for telebirr registration, alongside kebele ID and other documents.
- Top up your account before you need it. Cash-in is free up to 250 Birr. Deposit larger amounts ahead of time to avoid multiple small fees.
- Use QR payments at shops. Many merchants display telebirr QR codes. Scanning is faster than entering phone numbers.
- Verify fees before large transfers. The fee structure is tiered and changes. Check the current rates in the app before sending significant amounts.
- Keep your registered SIM active. Your telebirr account is tied to your phone number. If you change SIM cards, you may need to update your registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreigners register for telebirr in Ethiopia?
Yes. Foreign visitors can register using a valid passport as their identification document. You will need an active Ethio Telecom SIM card and to complete registration through the app, USSD, or an Ethio Telecom shop.
What are the fees for sending money with telebirr?
P2P transfers are free for amounts up to 100 Birr. Transfers of 101–500 Birr cost 2 Birr, 501–1,500 Birr cost 4 Birr, and larger amounts cost more. Check the app for current rates.
Can I receive money from abroad with telebirr?
Yes. International remittance providers including Remitly, WorldRemit, and ShareMoney support direct deposits to telebirr wallets. Funds are credited at the official National Bank of Ethiopia exchange rate.
Other Posts From EthioBrief
- Ethio Telecom vs. Safaricom: Data Package Comparison — How telebirr integrates with Ethio Telecom services.
- Ethiopia Travel SIM Cards: A Complete Guide — How to get connected before using telebirr.
- Sending Money to Ethiopia: Remittance Options Compared — Banks, telebirr, and other transfer methods.
- Ethiopia Travel Safety and Health — Practical advice including digital payment security.
- Living in Ethiopia: A Practical Guide for Expats — Long-term considerations including telebirr registration.
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