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SIM cards and eSIM in Egypt

Which carriers matter, what buying a SIM involves, and when an eSIM is the smarter move.

Mobile internet eSIM Best option when traveling

Guac app icon

Guac

Recommended

Reliable mobile internet at better prices than most travel eSIMs, with polished iOS and Android apps and support for making and receiving phone calls.

App StorePlay StoreSee plans

Airalo

One of the biggest travel eSIM brands, with a very large destination catalog.

Holafly

Known for unlimited-data plans in many destinations, at a higher price per gigabyte.

Buying a local SIM card ID registration required

Registration
Bring your passport and expect both the SIM and the phone’s IMEI to be registered.
Tourist plans and prices
Vodafone tourist prepaid includes 30GB for 28 days and costs around 505 EGP (~$10).
Where to buy
Buy at an official carrier counter at the airport or at an official city store, and test the SIM before leaving.
Airport prices
Airport and city prices are generally similar for official carrier offers.

Good to know

Voice and video calls in common messaging apps are blocked; text chat still works.

Local carriers

  • Vodafone

    A solid alternative; compare current prepaid offers before buying.

  • Orange

    Strong in major cities, with weaker rural coverage.

  • e& (Etisalat)

    Strong in major cities, with weaker rural coverage.

  • WE

    The weakest network here; choose it only for a clear price advantage.

eSIM and SIM cards by country→
Sources and how current this is

Data checked July 2026

Source dates: NTRA official: 20 Jan 2026 | Traveltomtom Cairo airport: 17 Apr 2026 | Traveltomtom Hurghada: 30 Jan 2026 | Cloudwards VoIP list: 13 Nov 2025 (corroborated by BubblyPhone, 25 May 2026)

Sources disagree: Quoted prices or bundle details vary by seller and may change at short notice. Airport availability or pricing is not fully consistent.

Sources

  • tra.gov.eg
  • traveltomtom.net
  • traveltomtom.net
  • cloudwards.net

Frequently asked questions

Do I need my passport to buy a SIM card in Egypt?

Bring your passport and expect both the SIM and the phone’s IMEI to be registered.

Should I buy a SIM card at the airport in Egypt?

Airport and city prices are generally similar for official carrier offers.

What is the best eSIM for Egypt?

Guac eSIM covers Egypt with data plans starting from $1.50 per GB and instant activation, so your phone is online the moment you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular alternatives.

← All essential apps for Egypt