Obtaining A Data Pan For Egypt Travel: A Guide

If you're planning a trip to Egypt, you'll want to stay connected. While you may find free WiFi in some places, it's not always reliable and can be slow. So, if you need data to get around, call a cab, or translate Arabic, you may want to get a data plan for your travels in Egypt.

There are several options for data plans in Egypt, including prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs. Prepaid SIM cards can be purchased in person at international airports, mobile provider stores, and convenience stores, or online. eSIMs are a newer option that acts as a virtual SIM card inside your phone.

For prepaid SIM cards, the recommended providers in Egypt are Vodafone, Orange, and Etisalat. For eSIMs, Airalo, Holafly, and BNESIM are popular options.

eSIM vs Physical SIM Card

A SIM card, short for Subscriber Identification Module, is a small physical card that you insert into your phone to connect to mobile networks and access your network subscription information. The eSIM, or embedded SIM card, is a virtual SIM card that you can set up with nothing more than a Wi-Fi connection, provided you have a compatible phone. In this article, we will outline the pros and cons of each type of SIM card to help you decide which is best for your travel needs.

Pros of eSIM

• It is easier to switch networks as most carriers have an app that will quickly install network information onto an eSIM.
• They make testing multiple carriers and their free trials much easier.
• Many eSIM phones allow you to have two lines, with one being a physical SIM.
• You can temporarily change to another network without ordering a physical SIM card, which is especially useful when travelling to a new country.
• They are better for the environment as there are no plastic cards or shipping materials required.
• The embedded nature of an eSIM makes it more secure and harder to clone.
• It is harder for thieves to remove an eSIM, giving you more time to track down your device.

Cons of eSIM

• Switching phones is not as easy as you have to install an app or enter eSIM instructions directly and deactivate the existing device.
• Not all networks support eSIM, especially smaller MVNOs.
• Many carriers only support eSIM on major phones like the iPhone, Samsung Galaxy or Pixel series.
• It is more difficult to test for problems with your device as you can't stick your eSIM into a different phone to check if the problem is with your network or your device.

Pros of Physical SIM

• You can quickly switch phones as your network information is contained in a physical chip.
• Physical SIMs have the widest range of phone and network compatibility.
• A physical SIM can get damaged or lost, and it is easier to replace than an eSIM.

Cons of Physical SIM

• There are more hoops involved when switching networks as you will need to either go to a physical store or get a SIM card mailed to you.
• Physical SIMs take up valuable space inside modern smartphones.

Whether you choose an eSIM or a physical SIM will depend on your personal preferences and needs. If you are planning a trip abroad, it is important to consider the coverage, cost, and convenience of both options before making a decision.

Best eSIMs for Egypt

An eSIM is a digital SIM card built into devices like smartphones and tablets. It is a traveller's best friend as it allows you to switch to a local network without the hassle of obtaining a physical SIM card. Here are some of the best eSIMs for Egypt:

• Airalo Discover+ Global eSIM: This is the cheapest option on the market, offering data, calls and texts in Egypt and 129 other countries.
• Airalo Giza Mobile: This is another good option from Airalo if you are specifically looking for affordable data in Egypt.
• Holafly eSIM: This is a good option if you are looking for unlimited data. However, their customer service is not great and they do not allow data sharing.
• GlobaleSIM Egypt eSIM: This is a decent option, offering 1GB of data for 7 days at a starting price of $9.
• Maya Mobile eSIM: Maya Mobile offers a large, reputable carrier and has a top-up option. However, it does not offer calling or texting capabilities.
• Nomad eSIM: Nomad has good value eSIM deals, with prices that are competitive when compared to Airalo, SimOptions and Sim Local.

When choosing an eSIM for Egypt, it is important to consider factors like data speed, coverage, cost and data limits. It is also essential to ensure that your device supports eSIMs.

Best Physical SIM Cards for Egypt

When travelling to Egypt, it is highly recommended to get a local SIM card to avoid high roaming charges. In this article, we will explore the best physical SIM cards available in Egypt, along with their features and benefits.

Vodafone Egypt

Vodafone is the premier provider in Egypt, offering tourist SIM card bundles with generous data allowances and both local and international minutes. For 255 EGP, you get 10 GB of data, 200 local minutes, and 20 international minutes. If you need more data, they offer a larger bundle with 30 GB of data, 200 local minutes, and 30 international minutes for 505 EGP.

Orange Egypt

Orange Egypt is another popular choice, offering a prepaid SIM for 84 EGP. This plan includes 2,000 units for calls, along with a range of mobile data packages valid for 28 days. You can choose from various data packages starting from 5,000 MB for 40 EGP up to 90,000 MB for 400 EGP.

Etisalat

Etisalat is another major mobile operator in Egypt, offering prepaid SIM cards with data and voice bundles. Their plans include 11.5 GB data + 60 minutes for 140 EGP, 15 GB data + 60 minutes for 180 EGP, 20 GB data + 60 minutes for 230 EGP, and 25 GB data + 60 minutes for 275 EGP.

WE

WE is a smaller mobile operator in Egypt, but they offer competitive data package prices. Their SIM card costs 77 EGP and comes with 0 credit. You can then choose from a range of data packages, such as 1.7 GB data for 20 EGP, 7.8 GB data for 70 EGP, 12.5 GB data for 100 EGP, and more.

When choosing a physical SIM card in Egypt, it is important to consider your specific needs, such as data requirements, call and text usage, and budget. Each provider offers different plans and packages, so be sure to compare their features and prices to select the one that best suits your needs. Additionally, ensure that your device is unlocked and compatible with the local networks in Egypt to avoid any connectivity issues.

Buying an eSIM for Egypt

An eSIM is a digital SIM card that can be installed directly into your smartphone or other mobile devices. It is a convenient option for travellers as it eliminates the need for physical SIM cards and allows users to switch to a local network without the hassle of obtaining a new SIM card. In Egypt, eSIMs are available through Vodafone, Etisalat, and Orange Mobile, but only for their postpaid or contract customers. For travellers or those who prefer pay-as-you-go plans, an international eSIM may be a better option.

Holafly

Holafly offers unlimited data eSIMs for Egypt, starting from $8. Their plans are customizable, ranging from 1 to 90 days. They provide excellent coverage in major cities like Cairo, Hurghada, Alexandria, and Giza, but the quality of coverage may be unstable in desert areas. The eSIM is easy to set up and compatible with all smartphones that have eSIM technology enabled. However, it does not support calls or SMS, and can only be used for mobile data and apps like WhatsApp and Skype.

Airalo

Airalo offers a range of plans for Egypt, including the Airalo Giza Mobile eSIM, which provides data-only options from 1GB for a week to 5GB for a month, starting at $7. They also have the Discover+ Global eSIM, which covers Egypt and 129 other countries, with calling, texting, and data options. Airalo's eSIMs are easy to install and provide automatic installation in-app.

Maya Mobile

Maya Mobile offers Egypt eSIM plans ranging from $13 to $65, with data packages of 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, or 10GB, all valid for 30 days. They offer a top-up option, including an auto-renew process, ensuring you never run out of data. Data sharing is allowed, but calling and texting are not supported.

GlobaleSIM

GlobaleSIM provides affordable Egypt eSIM plans starting at $9 for 1GB of data for 7 days. Calling minutes can be added for an additional cost. While data sharing is not confirmed, topping up for more data is possible.

Orange

Orange offers prepaid eSIM plans for Egypt, with compatible devices including iPhones, iPads, Pixels, Galaxies, and more.

When choosing an eSIM provider, consider factors such as data speed, coverage, cost, and data limits, as well as device compatibility. Additionally, ensure you review the installation and activation instructions provided by the eSIM provider.

Buying a Physical SIM Card for Egypt

If you're planning a trip to Egypt, you'll want to stay connected. While eSIMs are a convenient option, you may prefer to buy a physical SIM card. Here's a guide to help you through the process.

Where to Buy

You can purchase a physical SIM card for Egypt at various locations, including:

• Cairo International Airport
• Hurghada International Airport
• Luxor International Airport
• Cairo city centre (e.g. Zamalek, Maadi)
• Mobile phone stores
• Convenience stores
• Kiosks

Major Networks in Egypt

When choosing a SIM card, it's important to consider the network provider. In Egypt, the major players are:

• Orange
• Vodafone
• Etisalat
• WE

SIM Card Sizes

Physical SIM cards come in different sizes: standard, micro, and nano. Most retailers offer nano SIMs, but if you need a different size, you can ask for an adapter.

Data Plans and Pricing

The pricing and data plans offered by each network provider vary. Here's an overview of what each provider offers:

Orange:

• 3.2 GB data = 40 EGP
• 5.5 GB data = 60 EGP
• 7.2 GB data = 80 EGP
• 11.5 GB data = 120 EGP
• 20 GB data = 200 EGP
• 49 GB data = 400 EGP

Vodafone:

• 10 GB data + 200 local minutes + 20 international minutes = 255 EGP
• 30 GB data + 200 local minutes + 30 international minutes = 505 EGP
• 20,000 MB = 2500 EGP

Etisalat:

• 11.5 GB data + 60 minutes = 140 EGP
• 15 GB data + 60 minutes = 180 EGP
• 20 GB data + 60 minutes = 230 EGP
• 25 GB data + 60 minutes = 275 EGP

WE:

• 1.7 GB data = 20 EGP
• 7.8 GB data = 70 EGP
• 12.5 GB data = 100 EGP
• 29 GB data = 200 EGP
• 62.5 GB data = 450 EGP

Registration and Activation

When purchasing a SIM card in Egypt, you'll need to provide your passport for registration. The whole process should be quick and easy, taking no more than a few minutes.

Frequently asked questions