This guide walks you through the process of sending money to Ethiopia using the Telebirr Remit app, from installation to completed transfer.
Before You Start
Make sure you have the following:
- A smartphone running Android or iOS.
- A Visa debit or credit card issued in a supported country (United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Israel, Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Africa, Italy, or Sweden).
- Your recipient's Telebirr-registered mobile number in Ethiopia. The number must be active and fully registered with Telebirr.
Step 1: Download the App
Search for "Telebirr Remit" on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. The app is published by Ethio Telecom. Make sure you download the correct app. It is separate from the main Telebirr app used inside Ethiopia.
The latest version as of early 2026 is 3.0.1.
Step 2: Create Your Account
Open the app and follow the registration process. You will need to provide your personal details, including your name, email address, and phone number. The app may ask you to verify your identity as part of know-your-customer (KYC) requirements.
Keep your login credentials secure. The app uses a secure PIN for transaction authorization.
Step 3: Add Your Visa Card
Navigate to the payment method section and enter your Visa card details. The payment processing runs through Bank of Abyssinia's CyberSource gateway. Your card information is encrypted and stored securely.
You can add more than one card if needed.
Step 4: Start a Transfer
Select "Send Money" or the equivalent option in the app. Enter the following:
Recipient's Telebirr number. This is the Ethiopian mobile number registered with Telebirr. Double-check the number before proceeding. Sending to the wrong number can be difficult to reverse.
Amount. Enter the amount you want to send in your local currency (USD, GBP, CAD, etc.). The app will show you the equivalent amount in Ethiopian birr based on the current exchange rate, along with any applicable fees.
Step 5: Review and Confirm
Before confirming, review the following details carefully:
- Recipient's name and phone number.
- Amount being sent and the amount the recipient will receive in birr.
- Exchange rate applied.
- Any fees charged.
Once everything looks correct, enter your PIN to authorize the transaction.
Step 6: Track and Confirm Delivery
After you confirm, the app will process the transfer. You will receive a confirmation notification, and the recipient will be notified that funds have arrived in their Telebirr wallet.
Transfers are typically delivered within minutes. If there is a delay, check the transaction history in the app for status updates.
What Your Recipient Can Do with the Money
Once the birr arrives in the recipient's Telebirr wallet, they can:
- Cash out at any Telebirr agent location across Ethiopia.
- Transfer to a bank account linked to their Telebirr wallet.
- Pay bills including utilities, school fees, and other services.
- Buy airtime or data packages for their Ethio Telecom line.
- Send to others within the Telebirr network.
Tips for a Smooth Experience
Confirm the recipient's number is registered. If the recipient has not completed full Telebirr registration, the transfer may fail or be limited. Ask them to check their registration status by dialing *127# on their phone.
Compare rates before sending. The exchange rate in Telebirr Remit may differ from other providers. Check Send Money on BirrValue to compare rates across Wise, Remitly, WorldRemit, and Telebirr Remit before each transfer.
Send during business hours if possible. While transfers are usually instant, any issues are easier to resolve when customer support is available.
Keep transaction receipts. The app stores your transaction history, but it is good practice to screenshot confirmations for your records.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Card declined. Make sure your card is Visa (Mastercard is not supported), has sufficient funds, and is authorized for international transactions. Some banks block unfamiliar transactions by default.
Recipient did not receive funds. Verify the phone number is correct and registered with Telebirr. Check your transaction history for status. Contact Telebirr Remit support if the issue persists.
App not available in your country. Telebirr Remit is currently limited to nine countries. If your country is not supported, consider alternative providers that deliver to Telebirr wallets, such as Remitly or WorldRemit. Compare options on Send Money.
For current exchange rates across all banks and providers, visit BirrValue.
This article is for informational purposes only. BirrValue does not provide financial advice.