How can I send money to Ethiopia?
Send money to Ethiopia directly to bank accounts or TeleBirr mobile wallets.
Delivery methods and speed
Find below the options for sending money to Ethiopia and what you need to know about each.
| Delivery method | Typical delivery time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bank transfer | 1-2 business days | Processed on business days only. Delivery times may vary depending on the recipient's bank and local public holidays. May take 2 working days to appear on your recipient's account. |
| Mobile wallet (TeleBirr) | Within minutes | Funds are delivered directly to your recipient's TeleBirr wallet. |
Supported banks: Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE), Bank of Abyssinia, Cooperative Bank of Oromia, Dashen Bank, Awash Bank, Zemen Bank, Amhara Bank, Berhan Bank, and other major Ethiopian banks.
Fees
Taptap Send always shows you the exact fee and exchange rate upfront; you'll see them on the very first screen before you confirm your transfer. There are no hidden charges.
Taptap Send does not charge a flat transfer fee for sending money to Ethiopia. We charge a small percentage on the exchange rate only.
Sending limits
Standard Taptap Send sending limits apply for Ethiopia.
| Delivery method | Sending limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bank transfer | Per transfer in ETB: Min 100 / Max 135,000 | No recipient-side limits |
| Mobile wallet | Per transfer in ETB: Min 1,000 / Max 63,000 | Depends on the recipient's wallet level. |
Your overall account sending limits are based on your verification level. For details, see the article What are my sending limits on Taptap Send?
Cancelling a transfer or requesting a refund
If your transfer has already been delivered, recalling the funds can be difficult and take time. It is sometimes easier for you to resolve this directly with the recipient who received your funds. Contact our support team through the app and we will look into what options are available for your transfer. If no options exist, we will let you know.
You can also refer to our global article Can I cancel or get a refund for my transfer?
For your recipient
Does my recipient need to do anything?
Bank transfer: No action needed. Funds are deposited directly into your recipient's bank account at their chosen Ethiopian bank.
TeleBirr: Your recipient must have a registered TeleBirr account linked to their Ethiopian phone number. If they don't have one, they can sign up through the TeleBirr app or by dialling *127#. Funds will not be delivered to an unregistered number.
What details does my recipient need to provide?
Bank transfer:
- Full name
- Bank name
- Account number.
Make sure you have the correct account number and the exact bank name before sending.
TeleBirr: The mobile phone number registered to your recipient's TeleBirr account.
How does my recipient cash out?
Checking your balance: once a transfer arrives, your recipient will receive an SMS notification from TeleBirr. They can check their balance in the TeleBirr app or by dialling 1274#.
Withdrawing cash — registered TeleBirr users:
- 1Open the TeleBirr app or dial *127# and select Cash Out
- 2Enter the agent's ID at the counter
- 3Confirm the amount and authorise with your TeleBirr PIN
- 4Collect your cash from the agent
Withdrawing cash — recipients without a TeleBirr account:
If your recipient doesn't have a TeleBirr account, they will receive a voucher PIN via SMS.
- 1Visit any TeleBirr agent or Ethio telecom shop
- 2Present the voucher PIN received by SMS
- 3The agent verifies the voucher and pays out the cash
Lost PIN: the PIN can be reset via the TeleBirr app or by dialling *127#. If that doesn't resolve the issue, contact Taptap Send through the app and we'll coordinate with our partner on your behalf.
Lost or stolen SIM card: visit an Ethio telecom store to get a replacement SIM with the same number. Once restored, the TeleBirr wallet and balance will be accessible again.
Bonus incentive: Ethio telecom may offer a bonus on remittances received via TeleBirr. If an incentive is active, recipients will receive a separate SMS from Ethio telecom with details. The bonus is credited to the wallet and can be used for any TeleBirr transaction.
Still need help? Contact our support team through the app.