Telebirr Remit is a mobile app built by Ethio Telecom that allows Ethiopians living abroad to send money directly from a Visa debit or credit card to a Telebirr mobile wallet in Ethiopia. It is a standalone app, separate from the main Telebirr app used inside Ethiopia.
How It Differs from Other Remittance Options
Most remittance providers like Wise, Remitly, or WorldRemit are third-party services that partner with Ethiopian banks or mobile wallets to deliver funds. Telebirr Remit cuts out the middleman for wallet deliveries. You send from your own Visa card, and the money arrives directly in the recipient's Telebirr wallet.
The payment processing is handled through Bank of Abyssinia's CyberSource payment gateway, which provides the Visa card processing infrastructure.
Who Can Use It?
Telebirr Remit is designed for Ethiopian diaspora members living in supported countries. As of early 2026, supported countries include the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Italy, and Sweden. Ethio Telecom has indicated the list will expand based on demand.
To use the app, the sender needs a Visa debit or credit card and a smartphone. The recipient needs an active, registered Telebirr account in Ethiopia.
Key Features
Direct wallet delivery. Money goes straight to the recipient's Telebirr mobile number. No bank branch visit needed on the receiving end.
Speed. Transfers are processed quickly, and recipients are notified almost instantly when funds arrive.
No receiving fee. The recipient does not pay a fee to receive the money. The sender may pay a transaction fee depending on the amount and payment method.
Reach. Telebirr has over 41 million subscribers and is integrated with 25 local banks in Ethiopia. Recipients can cash out at agent locations, transfer to a bank account, or use the balance for purchases and bill payments.
How It Connects to the Broader Ecosystem
Telebirr Remit is part of Ethio Telecom's broader push into financial services. In August 2024, Ethio Telecom partnered with Visa and Bank of Abyssinia to launch three services simultaneously: Telebirr Remit, Visa Direct (for receiving Visa-to-Visa transfers), and Ethiopia's first wallet-based Virtual Visa Card.
These services aim to bring more remittance volume into official channels and give the diaspora more direct control over how money reaches their families.
What It Does Not Do
Telebirr Remit is not a full banking app. You cannot hold a balance in the sender app, invest, or access loan services. It is a focused tool for sending money to Telebirr wallets in Ethiopia.
It also does not support sending to bank accounts directly. If the recipient wants the money in a bank account, they would receive it in their Telebirr wallet first, then transfer it to a linked bank account through the main Telebirr app.
Is It Worth Using?
Telebirr Remit is worth considering if your recipient already uses Telebirr regularly, you want direct wallet delivery without going through a third-party provider, and you are in one of the supported countries. Compare the exchange rate and fees against other providers on Send Money before each transfer, as rates vary.
For current bank and provider exchange rates, visit BirrValue.
This article is for informational purposes only. BirrValue does not provide financial advice.