Buying an Egypt SIM card: All you need to know

Egypt bound? Think ancient pyramids that’ll make your travel photos pop, bustling souks where your bargaining skills get tested, and boat rides down the Nile. But here’s the thing — none of that’s as fun when your phone’s offline and you’re stuck trying to find free WiFi that barely works.

Whether it’s searching for local shops that sell prepaid SIM cards, or figuring out which mobile provider won’t drain your travel budget — the last thing you want is to waste your trip stressing over phone connectivity.

But relax — we’ve got all the info you need to find and buy an Egypt SIM card without the hassle. This guide walks you through where to purchase one—whether at the airport, retail stores, or online—and how to set it up to ensure you get solid service at a fair price.

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Where can I buy a SIM card for Egypt?

There are two easy ways to grab a SIM card, so you can stay connected and use your cell phone in Egypt:

• Buy a SIM card before you arrive: If you like having things sorted ahead of time, this option is for you. You can buy an Egypt SIM card online and have it ready to go the moment you land. No searching, no stress, just instant connectivity as soon as your plane touches down.
• Buy a SIM card upon arrival: Prefer to shop around? You can buy a SIM card as soon as you arrive in Egypt. Airports, kiosks, and local shops have plenty of options, so you can choose the one that works best for you — just give yourself a few minutes to get everything set up.

Don’t worry; we’ll walk you through which option might be best for you, depending on your travel style and needs! 

Buying an Egypt SIM card before you arrive 

If you like being prepared before you even step foot in a new country, buying an Egypt SIM card ahead of time is the way to go. You can buy an Egypt SIM card online from Amazon, SimOptions, and other travel retailers.

These SIMs are prepaid, meaning you can compare various data and call packages ahead of time and pick the one that suits your travel needs. 

You can take your time, compare data plans across carriers, and carefully purchase a SIM card that suits your needs.

These SIM cards are then delivered to your home before your trip, so when you arrive in Egypt, it’s just a matter of popping them into your phone and connecting to the internet. 

But what happens if your SIM card doesn’t arrive on time? You could end up without it just before your trip, leaving you scrambling for an alternative. Delivery delays or shipping problems can turn the convenience of buying ahead into a source of stress​. 

If this sounds frustrating, you can also buy a SIM card once you arrive in Egypt.

Buying an Egypt SIM card upon arrival

If you prefer to wait until you’re on the ground, buying a SIM card in Egypt is often more affordable than purchasing one online before your trip.

Once you arrive in Egypt, you have two options for purchasing a SIM card:

• Local shops: Throughout Egypt, especially in larger cities like Cairo, you’ll find plenty of local shops and authorized dealer stores selling SIM cards. These stores typically offer a variety of plans tailored for tourists, and the staff can help you choose the right package for your needs. Heading to the city can save you a few dollars, as prices here are generally lower than at the airport.
• Kiosks at the airport: For ultimate convenience, all major airports in Egypt, including Cairo International, have kiosks from the main providers. As soon as you land, you can grab a SIM card at these kiosks and get connected right away. However, keep in mind that prices at the airport are usually higher due to convenience.​

Since Egypt is a popular tourist destination, many operators offer special SIM cards for tourists. However, to buy an Egyptian SIM card, you’ll need to provide your passport and the address where you’re staying (your hotel address is sufficient).

What is the best SIM card for Egypt?

There are four major mobile operators in Egypt: Vodafone, Etisalat, Orange, and WE. In this section we take a closer look at data usage, cost, coverage, and user feedback to help you decide which is the best fit for your trip.

1. Vodafone Egypt SIM card for tourists

Vodafone Egypt is one of the country’s largest and most established mobile network operators. It has been operating in Egypt since 1998 and is part of the global Vodafone Group.

Vodafone Egypt is particularly strong in both urban centers and remote areas, including popular tourist destinations like the Pyramids and the Sinai desert.

Here’s a quick look at their data-only packages: 

• 500 MB for EGP 10 ($0.32 USD)
• 1.1 GB for EGP 20 ($0.65)
• 1.8 GB for EGP 30 ($0.97)
• 2.5 GB for EGP 40 ($1.29)
• 4 GB for EGP 60 ($1.94)
• 6 GB for EGP 80 ($2.59)
• 8 GB for EGP 100 ($3.24)
• 12 GB for EGP 150 ($4.85)
• 20 GB for EGP 250 ($8.09)
• 40 GB for EGP 400 ($12.94)

Since these are data-only packages, they do not typically include voice call minutes or SMS by default.

However, the Vodafone Tourist Line, available at Vodafone airport and retail stores across the country, gives you a SIM package with data, local minutes, and international minutes for 28 days:

• 10 GB data for EGP 255 ($8) with 200 local minutes and 20 international minutes
• 30 GB data for EGP 50 ($16) with 200 local minutes and 30 international minutes

Note: Users have complained about Vodafone’s slow response times, unresolved complaints, and even unexpected data usage that couldn’t be explained.

Some users experienced slowdowns after reaching their data cap, with customer support failing to address the issue properly. 

2. Orange SIM card for Egypt 

Orange is one of the leading telecom providers in Egypt, well-known for its broad network coverage and strong customer support.

Its reliable 4G network makes it a solid choice for staying connected in cities and tourist hotspots. However, the Orange Holiday SIM plan for Egypt is somewhat limited compared to other top tourist SIM options, offering fewer data and service features.

It primarily offers a single data-only plan, which provides 10 GB of 4G/LTE data for €29.99 ($33.39). The validity of this plan is 14 days. 

Note: While this can be useful for short-term travelers who need reliable data, it doesn’t offer much flexibility if you’re looking for options beyond this, like calls or texts.

If your data needs exceed this or if you’re staying longer, this plan may not be ideal​.

3. e& (formerly Etisalat) SIM card for Egypt

e& (formerly Etisalat) is one of Egypt’s best-known telecom providers and a subsidiary of the Emirates Telecommunications Group (Etisalat).

Established in Egypt in 2006, Etisalat was the first to launch 3G services in the country, and it’s known for offering high-speed 4G connectivity and reliable coverage across Egypt.

The company offers a dedicated plan for tourists called Traveler Line. 

These packages include phone calls and mobile data:

• Traveler 200: $6.50 for 7 GB of mobile data plus 100 local minutes and 5 international calls
• Traveler 300: $9.25 for 12 GB of mobile data plus 250 local minutes and 10 international calls
• Traveler 450: $14.50 for 25 GB of mobile data plus 250 local minutes and 20 international calls
• Traveler 600: $19.50 for 40 GB of mobile data plus 400 local minutes and 30 international calls

You can also renew these plans up to three times, and if you still have minutes or mobile data, it will be added to your renewal!

Note: There have been reports of issues with receiving One-Time Passwords (OTPs) on Etisalat numbers, particularly from international companies such as Amazon, PayPal, and gaming platforms like Battle.net.

The problem seems to stem from Etisalat blocking certain foreign SMS gateway APIs, which prevents OTPs from being delivered to users in Egypt. This could affect tourists or business travelers who might need to access international services or banking apps while in Egypt.

4. WE SIM card in Egypt

WE is the mobile operator brand of Telecom Egypt, the country’s largest telecom company. Established in 2017, WE is a relatively new player in Egypt’s mobile network market.

WE offers a variety of mobile, internet, and data packages. Their Nitro mobile internet bundles are popular, providing high-speed 4G services. 

Here’s a quick look at their plans — all with 30-day validity:

• Nitro 10: 625 MB for EGP 10 ($0.32) up to 1,250 MB on social apps
• Nitro 20: 1,375 MB for EGP 20 ($0.64) up to 2,750 MB on social apps
• Nitro 40: 3,250 MB for EGP 40 ($1.28) up to 6,500 MB on social apps
• Nitro 70: 6,250 MB for EGP 70 ($2.24) up to 12,500 MB on social apps
• Nitro 100: 10,000 MB for EGP 100 ($3.20) up to 20,000 MB on social apps
• Nitro 200: 23,500 MB for EGP 200 ($6.40) up to 47,000 MB on social apps
• Nitro 450: 50,000 MB for EGP 450 ($14.40) up to 100,000 MB on social apps — this plan comes with a validity of 90 days.

Note: Some travelers have reported challenges with activating and setting up their WE SIM cards, particularly those who don’t speak Arabic.

This can make the process more difficult, especially when trying to navigate the settings or interact with customer service. 

How long does a SIM card last in Egypt?

The lifespan of a prepaid SIM card in Egypt largely depends on the provider and the plan you choose.

Most prepaid tourist SIM cards from providers like Vodafone, Etisalat, Orange, and WE are valid for 28 to 30 days, which is ideal for short-term visitors. After this period, you can either let the SIM card expire or top it up to extend its validity.

Some plans, especially those with larger data bundles, may offer extended validity periods, like 90 days for more expensive packages (e.g., WE’s Nitro 450 plan). However, if you don’t recharge or top up your SIM after it expires, it will eventually become inactive.

To avoid losing your number or having your SIM deactivated, make sure to recharge your balance before the expiration date. You can easily top up at local kiosks, stores, or through each provider’s app or website.

The best alternative to SIM cards for Egypt: eSIMs or virtual SIM cards

If you’re looking for an alternative to physical SIM cards, embedded SIMs (eSIMs) or virtual SIM cards are a popular and convenient option for staying connected in Egypt. 

An eSIM is a virtual SIM card that allows you to activate a mobile plan without the need for a physical SIM card, offering several advantages over traditional cards.

• Instant setup: With an eSIM, you can activate your data plan before you even arrive in Egypt. No need to hunt for a local SIM or wait in line at the airport. After purchasing, simply scan the QR code using your phone’s camera, and the eSIM profile will be automatically downloaded and activated.
• No SIM swapping: eSIMs allow you to keep your current phone number while adding an additional data plan, which is super useful if you want to keep your home number active for calls and texts while using data locally in Egypt.
• Multiple options: There are many providers that offer eSIM plans for Egypt. Each provider offers a variety of data packages so that you can choose one based on your usage and the length of your stay. Whether you need a short-term plan with limited data or longer coverage for extended trips, there’s an option to fit every traveler’s needs. 
• Flexible and convenient: eSIMs are perfect for short-term trips, and you can easily top up your plan online if you need more data. It eliminates the hassle of managing multiple physical SIM cards.

Before opting for an eSIM, it’s important to check if your phone is eSIM-compatible. Most newer smartphones, including recent models of iPhones (iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR (2018) onwards), Google Pixels (Google Pixel 3 series onwards), and Samsungs (Samsung Galaxy S20, S21, and newer, along with Galaxy Note 20), come with eSIM capability.

What is the best eSIM for Egypt?

Here, we compare popular eSIM providers such as Holafly, Ubigi, Flexiroam, and GigSky to help you decide which one is best suited for your trip to Egypt.

Let’s take a closer look at their offerings, including data limits, costs, and the overall user experience.

1. Holafly

Holafly is a popular option for travelers seeking a hassle-free way to stay connected in Egypt.

This eSIM provider offers unlimited data plans across 200+ countries, making it perfect for tourists who want to roam freely without the worry of running out of data.

With Holafly data roaming in Egypt should be smooth, with no need to worry about compatibility.

Here’s a quick look at the Holafly eSIM Egypt:

• 1 day for $7.90
• 5 days for $29.90
• 10 days for $39.90
• 20 days for $61.90​

Holafly provides 3G, 4G, and 5G speeds depending on network availability, with Orange Egypt as its partner network, ensuring strong coverage in major cities like Cairo, Alexandria, and Hurghada. You can share your data via hotspot, with 500 MB per day.

The Holafly App (available for iOS and Android) also makes managing your eSIM easier, allowing you to track usage, buy new plans, and troubleshoot—all in one place. 

2. Ubigi

With prepaid, data-only plans, Ubigi is popular with travelers who need only internet access — not local calls or SMS. 

Here’s a breakdown of what Ubigi offers for Egypt with a validity of 30 days:

• 1 GB for $7 
• 3 GB for $16 
• 10 GB for $46 

You can also easily top up your plan if you need more data through the Ubigi app, which also lets you monitor your usage.

However, some users have reported issues with Ubigi eSIM performance, particularly with activation delays.

In the same source, a  few travelers mentioned that it took longer than expected for the eSIM to activate, leaving them stuck on a screen saying, “waiting for Ubigi cellular connectivity.”

Despite reaching out to customer support, these users were frustrated by receiving the same instructions multiple times without resolution​.

Other users have also noted the need to manually adjust APN settings for the eSIM to work correctly, which can be an inconvenience if you’re not familiar with such technical adjustments​.

3. Flexiroam

Flexiroam’s network operates in over 100 countries, making it a great choice if you’re traveling beyond Egypt as well. It connects to Orange in Egypt, ensuring good coverage in cities and tourist areas.

Flexiroam offers the following data plans: 

• 1 GB for 7 days for $6.50
• 2 GB for 15 days for $12.50
• 3 GB for 30 days for $17.50
• 5 GB for 30 days for $26.50

However, customer support for Flexiroam receives mixed reviews. While some users report a smooth experience, others have noted delays in issue resolution and challenges with receiving timely assistance.

A few travelers have mentioned difficulties with activating their plans and problems related to currency settings in the app, which led to unexpected charges or complications during purchase

4. GigSky

Founded in 2010, GigSky provides connectivity in over 200 countries and you can easily purchase and activate data plans through the GigSky app. 

Here’s a quick look at GigSky’s eSIM plans for Egypt: 

• 1 GB for 7 days for $6.99
• 3 GB for 15 days for $17.49
• 5 GB for 30 days for $26.49
• 10 GB for 30 days for $43.99
• Unlimited Data for 7 days for $36.99
• Unlimited Data for 15 days for $50.99

GigSky also offers a free 100 MB trial for new users, which is great for testing the service before committing to a paid plan. 

While GigSky is widely praised for its convenience and broad coverage, some users have reported issues. Some users reported that the “unlimited” plan was misleading, as it actually had a 2 GB high-speed data limit.

After crossing this limit, their speeds were drastically reduced, and they felt this wasn’t clearly disclosed during the purchase.

How much is a virtual SIM card for Egypt from Holafly

The price of the Holafly eSIM in Egypt depends on the number of days the plan has included. Here’s a quick overview:

Enjoy your trip to Egypt with the perfect eSIM by your side 

Whether buying online from vendors like Amazon or trying your luck in local kiosks and airport stores, physical SIMs are still an option for your Egyptian vacation.

Providers like Vodafone, e&, Orange, and WE offer various packages for tourists. Your job is to see which best suits your travel needs – and budget. 

Still, with long delivery times and the potential to be lost or misplaced, physical SIMs can get in the way of what really matters: exploring the temples of Luxor, sailing the Nile on a felucca, or lounging along the Red Sea coast.

International eSIM providers like Holafly are an excellent alternative. There are plenty of eSIM options, but if you’re looking for the best, this is your perfect travel companion. 

Holafly even has a monthly eSIM option, Holafly Connect. Choose between unlimited data, 25 GB, or 10 GB a month and never have to think about running out of data again. The subscription keeps you covered in 170+ worldwide destinations. Whether regularly visiting family in Egypt or crossing off the Pyramids as part of a global adventure, Holafly Connect gives you peace of mind as you travel.

With a Holafly eSIM, you have unlimited data at your fingertips. Just scan and activate your eSIM in five minutes, and you’re ready to share every moment with the world!

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Based in Mumbai, Sharan Kaur Phillora has 6+ years of experience in the B2B writing industry. She has written for brands like Pocket52, Nexweave, Maze, NaNLABS, and Userpilot. When she's not working, Sharan can be found immersed in murder mystery novels or exploring Mumbai's streets on her bicycle in search of the perfect slice of pizza.

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