Verified Facts
The internet in Eritrea is limited and often unreliable, with slow speeds and restricted access, making it a challenging environment for tourists and remote workers to stay connected.
Quick Facts
Internet Overview
The internet in Eritrea is characterized by slow speeds and limited availability, with the average internet speed being around 2 Mbps download. This makes it difficult to perform even basic online tasks, such as browsing and emailing. The urban-rural divide is also evident, with Asmara, the capital city, having slightly better internet connectivity than the rest of the country. However, even in urban areas, the internet is often unreliable and prone to outages, making it a challenge for businesses and individuals to stay connected.
The Eritrean government has strict control over the internet, which contributes to the limited availability and poor quality of internet services. The government has been known to block access to certain websites and restrict online freedom, making it essential for tourists and remote workers to be aware of these limitations before traveling to the country. Despite these challenges, there are some efforts to improve internet connectivity in Eritrea, with the government investing in new infrastructure and telecommunication projects.
Getting a SIM Card
To get a SIM card in Eritrea, tourists can visit one of the main carriers, such as EriTel or Sudani, and purchase a prepaid SIM card. The cost of a tourist SIM card is approximately 20 USD, and it usually comes with a limited amount of data and credit. To purchase a SIM card, tourists will need to provide their passport and fill out a registration form. It is recommended to purchase a SIM card from an official carrier store or a reputable dealer to avoid any issues with the SIM card or the registration process.
| Carrier | Tourist Plan | Data | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EriTel | Prepaid | 1 GB | 10 USD | Valid for 30 days |
| Sudani | Tourist Plan | 2 GB | 20 USD | Includes 10 minutes of international calls |
| EriTel | Data Plan | 5 GB | 30 USD | Valid for 60 days |
| Zain | Prepaid | 500 MB | 5 USD | Valid for 15 days |
WiFi Availability
- Hotel WiFi quality is generally poor, with slow speeds and limited availability.
- Cafe WiFi culture is not well-established in Eritrea, and it is rare to find cafes with reliable WiFi.
- Coworking spaces are scarce, and most of them are located in Asmara.
- Public WiFi is limited, and it is not recommended to use public WiFi due to security concerns.
- Some restaurants and bars may offer WiFi, but the quality is often poor and unreliable.
For Remote Workers
- Coworking spaces, such as the Asmara Coworking Space, offer a reliable internet connection and a productive environment.
- Cafe Belenu is a popular spot for remote workers, with a relatively fast internet connection and a comfortable atmosphere.
- Backup internet options, such as portable WiFi hotspots, can be useful in case of internet outages or slow speeds.
- VPN services are necessary to access blocked websites and to ensure online security.
- EriTel and Sudani offer mobile data plans that can be used as a backup internet option.
Tips & Warnings
- Internet censorship is prevalent in Eritrea, and many websites are blocked, including social media and news sites.
- VPN services can help to bypass internet censorship and ensure online security.
- Roaming alternatives, such as international SIM cards, can be more expensive than purchasing a local SIM card.
- eSIM options are not widely available in Eritrea, and it is recommended to purchase a physical SIM card.
- Data security is a concern in Eritrea, and it is essential to use strong passwords and to keep software up to date.
- Internet outages can occur frequently, and it is recommended to have a backup internet plan in place.