The best SIM cards for Egypt and how to buy them: The complete guide

How do SIM cards work in Egypt?

SIM cards in Egypt run on GSM networks — the same mobile standard used in many countries around the world. GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) lets your phone hook up to local networks for calls, texts, and data. 

To access a network, you’ll need a GSM-compatible SIM card. In Egypt, you’ve got two main options for that — prepaid and postpaid SIMs.

• Prepaid SIMs are the go-to choice for most travelers. You pay upfront, use what you’ve paid for, and top up whenever you’re running low. They’re super flexible and easy to manage. You can grab prepaid SIMs at airports, mobile shops, or even small convenience stores.

• Postpaid SIMs, on the other hand, work a bit differently. You sign up for a monthly plan, and you’ll either pay at the end of the month or upfront when you start using it. One slight inconvenience — you’ll likely need to show your ID or a passport, and you might even have to sign a contract. 

Overall, prepaid local SIM cards may be suitable for any travel. Postpaid plans are great if you plan to stay in Egypt for a long time, but they’re not the best for short trips.

What to know before getting a SIM card for Egypt

If you’re wondering, “Can I buy a SIM card in Egypt?", the answer is yes. In fact, most people choose to buy SIMs in Egypt. However, before you get a SIM card to use in Egypt:

• Check whether your phone is unlocked. If your mobile phone is locked to your home country's carrier, you might not be able to use Egyptian SIM cards. 

• Have your passport or a valid ID with you. Some SIM suppliers might want to see your documents and copy them, so keep them accessible.

• Watch out for overpriced or fake SIMs in tourist areas because scamming tourists is an old trick. Get your SIM from official stores or airport kiosks instead.

• Avoid signing contracts in languages you don't understand. Use translation apps or ask for copies in your language, so you don’t end up agreeing on terms you didn’t ask for.

• Consider an eSIM as a convenient alternative. With an eSIM, you ditch having to deal with tiny SIMs and avoid the hassle of extra steps. 

Do you need a SIM card for Egypt?

If you want to contact your friends and family back home, find out which tourist spots to visit, and navigate your way in Egypt, you need a SIM card, which will let you access mobile data much quicker. 

Of course, you can choose some alternative ways to connect to the internet, but they’re not always convenient. For example, you might prefer your home provider’s data roaming, though it usually comes with astronomical charges, especially for mobile data. Your carrier might offer travel plans, but even those may be limited or more expensive than a local SIM card, which allows you to use your phone without roaming charges.

Another option could be public Wi-Fi. But do you really want to spend your trip hunting for free Wi-Fi? Also, not only do you leave your internet connection entirely up to chance, but speeds can also be slow, and security isn’t always guaranteed. When you’re out and about, you might struggle to get online at times you need it the most.

Where to buy a SIM card for Egypt

Finding where to get a SIM card in Egypt might sound like an extra hurdle to deal with — and it certainly can be if you're unfamiliar with the language or the country itself. You’ve got a few options to get a SIM card for Egypt:

• Online before your trip. Some services let you order a SIM card for Egypt in advance and have it delivered to your home or hotel. It’s convenient, but this is usually more expensive.

• At the airport. Major airports like Cairo International have official booths for Vodafone, Orange, Etisalat, and WE. It’s one of the easiest and fastest ways to get connected as soon as you arrive.

• Mobile carrier stores. You’ll find official shops for each provider in cities and malls. These are good options if you need help choosing a plan or setting things up.

• Convenience stores and kiosks. Small shops often sell SIM cards, especially in busy areas. These are useful if you need a quick replacement or top-up, but you might still need to visit the main store if the SIM you choose requires registration.

• Hotels and hostels. Check if the place you stay at sells SIM cards at the front desk, because it might! If it doesn’t, you will get help with finding a carrier store nearby. 

How much does a SIM card cost in Egypt?

Now, you might wonder how much a SIM card costs in Egypt. The price can depend on factors such as the provider you choose, the amount of data you need, and how long the plan lasts. All these elements impact how much you’ll need to pay for a SIM card in Egypt.

Yet, no matter what your budget is, you’re bound to find a suitable option on the market. Whether you need a small amount of data for maps or a beefy plan for streaming and calling, everyone can find a SIM card that meets their needs.

The best SIM card providers for Egypt

If you’re looking for the best SIM cards for Egypt, then four leading providers cover most of the nation — Orange, Vodafone, Etisalat (now e&), and WE. 

All these services offer competitive plans, and each has its own perks when it comes to price and coverage. Depending on where you're headed and how much data you'll use, one might be a better fit for you than the others.

Orange

Orange Egypt is one of the largest mobile operators in the country. It offers 4G/LTE connectivity and wide network coverage for travelers. Orange also has data-only plans with a 28-day validity period, which are particularly ideal for long-term stay adventurers.

• Smaller plans like 1 GB of data cost EGP 20 (US$0.40), while 3.2 GB goes for EGP 50 (US$1).

• Bigger packages include 5.5 GB for EGP 80 (US$1.60) and 7.2 GB for around EGP 105 (US$2.10).

Vodafone

Vodafone Egypt offers 4G and 4G+ network coverage across major tourist destinations and 4G/LTE services. Its Egyptian SIM cards for tourists come with 28 days of validity. These plans are great for those planning to stay for an extended period. 

• If you're mostly browsing, smaller plans like 1.4 GB of data cost EGP 32 (US$0.64), 3 GB goes for EGP 60 (US$1.20), and you can grab 6 GB for EGP 105 (US$2.10).

• For users who need extra data, larger plans like 10 GB of data for EGP 155 (US$3.10) or 18 GB for EGP 260 (US$5.20) are available.

e& (prev. Etisalat)

Etisalat, now rebranded as e&, offers competitive prepaid plans and has extensive 4G LTE coverage paired with high-speed data services. Its plans are suitable for weekend getaway travelers who need smaller plans.

• For light data needs, you can grab 300 MB valid for 2 days for EGP 9.1 (US$0.18), or 425 MB valid for 6 days at EGP 11.55 (US$0.23).

• If you need just a bit more data — enough to handle some browsing and maps — you can get 500 MB valid for 7 days at EGP 13.65 (US$0.27) or 750 MB valid for 10 days at EGP 18.2 (US$0.36).

WE SIM (Telecom Egypt)

WE SIM offers dependable 4G services across the country. Data plan prices are budget friendly for those who need plans for short-term visits. 

• For smaller data needs, you can grab deals like 345 MB valid for 2 days at EGP 13 (US$0.26) or 490 MB valid for 6 days at EGP 16.5 (US$0.33).

• For slightly bigger data, some bundles include 635 MB valid for 7 days at EGP 19.5 (US$0.39), 865 MB valid for 10 days at EGP 26 (US$0.52), or 1,300 MB valid for 14 days at EGP 38 (US$0.76).

Which one is the best?

The best SIM for Egypt depends on your needs. Here is a comparative overview of the operators we’ve just taken a look at:

Each provider has its strengths. Think about your specific data needs and remember to take your budget and travel plans into consideration. 

For example, if you're looking for lighter data bundles for a short trip, Etisalat might be the one you’re looking for. On the other hand, if your pockets aren’t limiting you and you’re planning to spend a week or two in Egypt, Vodafone’s SIMs for Egypt might be worth checking out.

However, your options for mobile data aren’t limited to SIM cards only. In the next section, we'll discuss eSIMs, a digital upgrade to standard SIM cards that offers instant connectivity without swapping out physical SIM cards.

eSIMs: The best way to get internet access in Egypt

If you’ve not heard about eSIMs before, they’re the digital version of standard SIM cards you know of. An eSIM is built into your phone and works just like any physical SIM. 

But here’s the best part — you don’t have to insert a card. Instead, you download a plan directly to your device and connect to the mobile network right away. Most new mobile devices support eSIMs, including many iPhones, Androids, and tablets.

Using an eSIM can be the easiest way to get connected in Egypt. You can buy and install an eSIM before traveling. No more struggling to find a shop, waiting in long queues, or dealing with paperwork when you arrive. Since you don’t need to swap out tiny chips to connect, you don’t risk losing your home SIM on the go. 

Overall, with an eSIM for Egypt, you boost your travel quality as soon as you arrive. No stress, no hassle — just effortless internet access to help you stay connected worry free when you’re exploring Egypt.