Best eSIM cards for mobile data in Egypt

Introduction

Egypt is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Middle East. Millions of visitors come here every year to admire the ancient pyramids, explore the rich history, relax by the Red Sea, or discover the vibrant life of Cairo.

Many travelers visiting Egypt need reliable internet connection, but standard roaming can be extremely expensive. Finding a local SIM card after arrival can also be complicated due to language barriers and bureaucracy. That's why more and more tourists choose eSIM – a digital solution that doesn't require physical card exchange.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll look at the most suitable eSIM providers for Egypt, such as Airalo, Holafly, Yesim, eSIM4Travel, Jetpac, Global YO and GigSky. We'll explore their most popular data packages (2 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB, 20 GB or unlimited) and help you find the optimal solution for your trip.

With eSIM, you can avoid excessive roaming charges and handle everything online before departure. In the following sections, you'll find detailed installation guides, practical tips for traveling in Egypt, and comparisons of available plans, so you can enjoy your stay at the pyramids or beaches with perfect connectivity – without worrying about internet availability or unexpected expenses.

Best eSIM Providers for Egypt

eSIM4Travel in Egypt

4.4/5 ★★★★☆

eSIM provider eSIM4Travel from the USA offers very competitive prices for data plans and coverage in 170 countries. It doesn't offer an app, but allows easy setup via QR code and has excellent customer support through online chat.

Basic Information

170 countries, regional plans (Asia, Middle East, Latin America, Europe).

Supports data top-ups.

Hotspot allowed.

No speed limitations.

Pros and Cons

Simple installation and activation.

Very competitive prices.

Excellent customer support.

No mobile app.

Absence of unlimited data plans.

Testing

Go to eSIM4Travel website View full review

eSIM4Travel in Egypt uses the networks of Etisalat and Orange. These operators provide reliable coverage in most tourist areas. For travelers seeking an economical and reliable solution, eSIM4Travel represents an ideal choice. Their service features immediate functionality after installation, responsive customer support with the option to communicate with a real person, and competitive prices. The advantages include no speed limitations, no need to install additional applications, and the possibility of flexibly purchasing additional data directly on an already activated eSIM.

Airalo eSIM in Egypt

3.4/5 ★★★☆☆

Airalo is a popular eSIM marketplace with coverage in 211 countries, fast activation and affordable prices. However, it's not always the best choice for unlimited data.

Basic Information

211 countries, local, regional and global eSIM.

Excellent iPhone app. 4.6 from 61,000 reviews.

Excellent Android app. 4.5 from 72,000 reviews.

Supports data top-ups.

Hotspot allowed.

No speed limitations.

Pros and Cons

Wide coverage (211 countries) and easy activation.

User-friendly app and website.

Immediate functionality after installation without needing to restart.

Significantly higher prices compared to competitors.

Inability to purchase additional data without Wi-Fi after depleting the package.

Low rating on Trustpilot (2.6/5).

Testing

Go to Airalo website View full review

Airalo uses the Orange network in Egypt, which offers quality coverage in major cities and tourist destinations. Users appreciate Airalo for its simplicity and reliability not only in Egypt but also in other countries in the region such as Morocco, Tunisia, or the United Arab Emirates. eSIM activation takes just a few minutes, and the user-friendly Airalo app allows easy monitoring of data usage and the possibility to purchase additional packages during your trip.

Holafly eSIM in Egypt

3.5/5 ★★★☆☆

Holafly is a leading Irish eSIM provider with truly unlimited data in more than 160 countries. However, if you only need a small amount of data, it might be more expensive.

Basic Information

160 countries, local and regional unlimited eSIM.

Average iPhone app. 3.5 from 150 reviews.

Excellent Android app. 4.6 from 1,000 reviews.

Supports additional data purchases.

Hotspot mostly limited to 500 MB.

Speed limited according to Fair Use Policy (approx. 4.5 GB/day).

Pros and Cons

Truly unlimited data in 160+ countries.

Fast and helpful customer support.

Low transparency regarding FUP limits.

Hotspot not available in all countries.

Testing

Go to Holafly website View full review

Holafly collaborates with Orange and Etisalat networks in Egypt. These networks provide excellent coverage and speed in Cairo, Hurghada, Alexandria, Giza, and other tourist locations. In desert areas, signal quality may be unstable. Holafly distinguishes itself by offering exclusively unlimited data packages, ensuring that you'll never be limited by data caps during your stay. For trips to Egypt, unlimited package prices range from $7.90 to $144.90 with options to purchase for 1 to 90 days.

It should be noted that although the data is presented as unlimited, excessive usage (such as continuous HD streaming or downloading large files) may result in temporary speed restrictions. Users report that slowdowns may occur after using approximately 5 GB of data with intensive usage.

Yesim eSIM in Egypt

4.4/5 ★★★★☆

Yesim is a Swiss eSIM provider with coverage in 135 countries. It offers both fixed and unlimited data packages at very competitive prices.

Basic information

135 countries, local, regional and global eSIM (including unlimited).

Good iPhone app. 4.4 from 600 reviews.

Average Android app. 3.6 from 2,000 reviews.

Supports data top-ups.

Hotspot allowed.

May limit speed during excessive use.

Pros and cons

Top prices per GB.

Offers both fixed and unlimited packages.

More complicated installation than competitors.

Frequent spam notifications via email and app.

Go to Yesim website View full review

Yesim uses Orange and Etisalat networks in Egypt. Thanks to these operators, it offers seamless mobile connectivity in Al Mahallah Al Kubra, Alexandria, Cairo, Giza, Halwan, Madinat As Sadis Min Uktubar, Port Said, Shubra Al Khaymah, Suez, and other Egyptian cities. More detailed information about Yesim services can be found in our complete overview.

Jetpac eSIM in Egypt

3.8/5 ★★★☆☆

Jetpac offers eSIM plans with coverage in more than 150 countries. Data packages from 1 GB to 40 GB, attractive pricing and benefits such as access to airport lounges during flight delays.

Basic Information

150 countries, eSIM for individual and multiple countries.

Average iPhone app. 3.8 from 46 reviews.

Average Android app. 3.6 from 224 reviews.

Supports additional data purchase.

Hotspot allowed.

Speed limited according to Fair Use.

Pros and Cons

Low price per GB and stable speeds.

Free airport lounges and ExpressVPN.

No unlimited data plans available.

No SMS and call support.

Go to Jetpac website View full review

Jetpac collaborates with the Orange network in Egypt. This network provides reliable coverage in major tourist areas and cities. More details about Jetpac services and how they work can be found in our detailed guide.

Best eSIM Plans for Egypt

Here you'll find an overview of selected most popular eSIM data packages for Egypt. For a complete comparison of all available options, we recommend using our eSIM comparison tool for Egypt, where you can filter offers by data volume, validity period, and other parameters according to your specific requirements.

Free Data in Egypt

If you only need basic connectivity for checking emails or quick information searches, Roamless offers 350 MB of free data for Egypt.

Another option is to try GigSky, which provides a free eSIM with 100 MB of data without requiring payment details. This trial version allows you to test the functionality of the eSIM before potentially purchasing a paid package.

For more information about options for obtaining free data, visit our article Free eSIM | How to get free data for the USA and abroad. A complete overview of all available options including free offers can be found in our eSIM comparison tool.

Roamless

How to Set Up eSIM for Egypt

Setting up an eSIM for Egypt is a quick and hassle-free process that you can complete before departure. The main advantage is that you can handle everything from the comfort of your home, and upon landing in Egypt, you'll be immediately connected without having to search for SIM card vendors or deal with registration procedures in a foreign language.

• Detailed procedure for activating eSIM on iPhone
• Guide for setting up eSIM on Samsung phones
• Complete list of devices supporting eSIM

1. Check device compatibility: First, verify that your phone supports eSIM technology. Most modern smartphones from manufacturers like Apple, Samsung, or Google offer this feature. To be sure, you can look at our current list of phones with eSIM support or complete overview of compatible devices for 2024.

2. Choose a suitable provider: For Egypt, you have several proven providers available such as Airalo, Holafly, Yesim, eSIM4Travel, JetPac, Global YO or GigSky. When deciding on a data package, consider the length of your stay and planned activities – for regular browsing, navigation, and social media, 2 GB is sufficient, for more intensive use we recommend 5 GB or 10 GB packages. To find the optimal offer, use our eSIM comparison tool for Egypt, which allows you to filter offers according to your specific requirements.

3. Installation via QR code: After purchase, you'll receive an email containing a QR code or activation code. In your phone settings, find the "Mobile Data" or "Cellular" section and select "Add Data Plan" or "Add eSIM." Scan the QR code and follow the on-screen instructions. If you received only an activation code without a QR code, you can easily convert it to a QR code using online tools.

4. Connection setup: In most cases, the connection will configure automatically after completing the installation. If not, you may need to manually enter the APN (access point) according to the provider's instructions. Also, remember to enable data roaming for the eSIM profile in your phone settings – don't worry, in this case, you won't be charged any additional fees.

We recommend completing the entire eSIM installation and activation process well before your trip, ideally in an environment with stable WiFi connection. This way, you'll be certain that after arriving in Egypt, you'll be immediately connected without any complications. For more information on first-time setup, visit our guide First eSIM | Everything from A to Z.

Tips for eSIM in Egypt

Egypt offers visitors a fascinating combination of ancient history, beautiful beaches, and vibrant urban life. Whether you're heading to the pyramids in Giza, the Red Sea coast, or the bustling streets of Cairo, reliable internet connection will significantly facilitate your travel. Here are practical tips on how to maximize the use of your eSIM during your stay:

Security and Data Protection

Using a VPN in Egypt is highly recommended. Local authorities monitor and restrict access to certain websites and services, including popular communication apps. A quality VPN (Virtual Private Network) will not only ensure access to all commonly used sites and apps but also protect your privacy when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks in hotels and restaurants. We recommend installing and testing a VPN before arriving in Egypt, as VPN provider websites may be blocked in the country.

Data Limit Management

Monitoring data usage is key, especially if you're traveling with a limited data package. Most eSIM providers offer their own apps for monitoring consumption, or you can use the integrated tools in your phone. For efficient data use in Egypt, check out our article Saving Data on Vacation | Proven Tips and Tricks, where you'll find practical tips such as:

• Pre-downloading maps of Cairo, Alexandria, or resorts for offline navigation
• Limiting the quality of multimedia content streaming
• Deactivating automatic updates and background synchronization
• Using hotel Wi-Fi for data-intensive activities like backing up photos

If you're not sure how much data you'll need, read our guide How Much Data You Need for Various Activities, which will help you choose the optimal package. For precise comparison of all available offers, use our eSIM comparison tool, where you can filter by data volume and validity period.

Communication with Home

Most eSIMs for Egypt provide data services only without the option for traditional calls and SMS. However, this isn't a problem because with a data connection, you can use apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Skype, or FaceTime for free communication. It's important to know that some VoIP services may be partially restricted in Egypt, so having a VPN installed is recommended. For detailed information about calling from a data eSIM, visit our article Calling from a Data eSIM | How to Make Cheap Calls from Abroad.

Financial Services and Payments

Reliable digital banking is invaluable when traveling in Egypt. Services like Revolut or Wise offer favorable exchange rates for the Egyptian pound and the ability to pay without high fees. With a functional eSIM, you'll have constant access to your funds and the ability to immediately respond to unexpected expenses. Cash payment is still widespread in Egypt, so it's good to always have access to banking for potential ATM withdrawals.

Regional Travel

Planning to visit other countries in the region? Many providers offer advantageous regional eSIM packages for the Middle East and North Africa, which besides Egypt also cover Tunisia, Morocco, United Arab Emirates, and other countries. These packages are often more economical than acquiring separate eSIMs for each country. To find the most advantageous regional offer, use our eSIM comparison tool, where you can specify exactly which countries you plan to visit.

✈️ Expert advice: In Egypt, you may encounter unstable signals in remote areas and desert regions. Therefore, before a trip to such places, download all necessary information, maps, and guides for offline use. Also, save important contacts and reservation details in offline mode so you can access them even without an internet connection.

Alternative Internet Connections in Egypt

eSIM represents a modern and convenient solution for traveling, but it's not the only option for staying online in Egypt. If your phone doesn't support eSIM or you prefer a different solution, there are several alternatives:

Traditional Physical SIM Card

Local Egyptian SIM cards are available at international airports in Cairo, Hurghada, and Sharm El Sheikh, in official operator stores in larger cities, and some tourist centers. The main providers are Orange, Vodafone Egypt, Etisalat, and We (Telecom Egypt), who offer tourist packages with data, calls, and SMS.

The advantages of a physical SIM card include relatively low price (approximately $10-20 for a basic package) and the ability to use a local phone number. The disadvantage is mandatory registration, which requires presenting a passport, potential language barriers, and the need to wait in lines at the airport or find an official store.

If you decide to get a local SIM card, we strongly recommend purchasing only from official sellers. In Egypt, SIM card registration is mandatory, and unofficial sellers may offer pre-registered cards that may later be blocked. Remember that you'll need an unlocked phone, and if you don't have a dual SIM device, you'll have to temporarily remove your home SIM card.

Portable Wi-Fi Hotspots

Travel Wi-Fi devices represent a practical alternative especially for families or groups. These compact devices create their own Wi-Fi network to which you can connect several devices simultaneously - smartphones, tablets, laptops, or smartwatches, which is ideal for sharing one connection among multiple travelers.

Portable hotspots can be rented before your trip from specialized companies with delivery to the USA, or reserved online and picked up at the airport in Egypt. Some models also function as power banks, which is practical during day-long trips to the pyramids or during desert safaris. More information about these devices can be found in our guide Best Portable WiFi Hotspots for Travel.

The main disadvantage of these devices is the need to carry and charge an additional device. Also, the rental or purchase price is usually higher than for an eSIM or local SIM card, especially for short stays.

International Roaming

Using roaming services from your American operator is the simplest but usually the most expensive option. Roaming allows you to use your existing phone number and plan in Egypt without the need for any change in phone settings.

Roaming prices in Egypt are very high - typically around $3-4 per 1 MB of data, which means that 1 GB would cost you an astronomical $3,000 - $4,000. Even brief browsing of social media or checking emails can lead to a bill in the thousands of dollars. Some American operators offer special roaming packages for Egypt, which are more affordable, but still significantly more expensive than local solutions or eSIM.

Public Wi-Fi Networks

Egypt offers more limited coverage by public Wi-Fi networks compared to European countries. Free Wi-Fi can be found primarily in hotels, some cafes and tourist-oriented restaurants, and in modern shopping centers. The quality and speed of these connections can vary significantly and is often limited.

Security risks of public Wi-Fi networks are particularly serious in Egypt. Without proper security, your personal data and online activities may be exposed to cyber attacks. If you decide to use public Wi-Fi, it's absolutely essential to use a VPN to encrypt your connection and avoid logging into banking or entering sensitive information.

Relying exclusively on public Wi-Fi in Egypt is not recommended. It means you'll be offline for most of the time spent outside hotels or restaurants. This can be problematic when navigating complex historical sites, finding information about public transportation, or in emergency situations. Therefore, we strongly recommend having an alternative solution for mobile connectivity.

Mobile Networks and Operators in Egypt

Egypt has a developed telecommunications infrastructure with several major operators providing services to both locals and tourists. Understanding the local market will help you choose the most suitable eSIM or other connection option for your trip.

Main Egyptian Mobile Operators

Orange Egypt (formerly Mobinil) is one of the largest operators in the country with extensive coverage in cities and tourist areas. The Orange network is known for its reliability and good speed, especially in Cairo, Alexandria, Hurghada, and Sharm El Sheikh. Orange offers quality 4G connectivity in most tourist destinations.

Vodafone Egypt represents another significant player in the Egyptian market with very good coverage throughout the country. Their network is popular among locals and tourists due to stable connectivity and competitive prices. Vodafone Egypt offers an extensive network of stores and customer centers in most tourist areas.

Etisalat Misr is the third major operator with quality coverage primarily in cities and popular tourist destinations. Their network is rapidly expanding and in some areas offers an excellent price-to-performance ratio. Etisalat is known for its attractive offers for tourists and short-term visitors.

We (Telecom Egypt) is the youngest operator in the Egyptian market, which launched mobile services in 2017. As a state-owned company, it has access to extensive infrastructure, but their mobile coverage is currently best in large cities and is gradually expanding to other areas.

Coverage and Signal Quality

The quality of mobile signal in Egypt varies significantly by location. In large cities like Cairo, Alexandria, or Port Said and in tourist resorts like Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, and Marsa Alam, you can expect very good 4G coverage. In some parts of Cairo and tourist zones, operators are beginning to test 5G technology, but its availability is still limited.

In more remote areas and desert regions, coverage may be significantly weaker or completely absent. When taking trips to the Western Desert, more remote parts of the Sinai Peninsula, or some areas along the Nile outside the main tourist routes, expect limited signal. At popular tourist sites such as the pyramids in Giza, the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, or the temple in Abu Simbel, coverage is usually good.

For current information about coverage in specific areas of Egypt, we recommend using interactive coverage maps from individual operators or the nPerf.com service, which allows you to compare the signal strength of different operators in places you plan to visit.

Which Networks Do eSIM Providers Use?

International eSIM providers collaborate with local Egyptian operators to ensure their services. Here's an overview of which Egyptian networks the most popular eSIM services use:

• Airalo: Uses the Orange Egypt network
• Holafly: Collaborates with Orange and Etisalat networks with excellent coverage in Cairo, Hurghada, Alexandria, Giza, and other tourist destinations
• Yesim: Provides access to Orange and Etisalat networks with quality coverage in all major cities and tourist areas
• eSIM4Travel: Uses e& egypt (Etisalat) and EMS Mobinil networks
• Jetpac: Collaborates with the Orange Egypt network
• GigSky: Offers access to several networks in Egypt with automatic switching for optimal signal

When choosing an eSIM provider, consider your travel plans in Egypt. For common tourist routes including Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, and coastal resorts, any provider will work well. If you plan to visit more remote areas, we recommend choosing a service that uses multiple networks for maximum coverage. For easy comparison of all available options, use our eSIM comparison tool for Egypt, which will help you find the optimal solution according to your needs.

How to Call from Egypt

Maintaining contact with loved ones or business partners is an important part of any travel. With an eSIM in Egypt, you have several options for effective communication without having to pay high fees for international calls.

Internet Calling via Data eSIM

The vast majority of eSIM packages for Egypt include only data services without traditional voice services. However, this is not a problem because with a data connection, you can use various applications for internet calling (VoIP - Voice over Internet Protocol).

WhatsApp is among the most popular communication apps in Egypt and the surrounding region. It offers quality voice and video calls and is widely used by both locals and tourists. Other popular options include Facebook Messenger, which is useful for contacts from your Facebook circle, and Skype, which allows you to call traditional phone numbers at favorable rates.

It's important to note that in Egypt, some VoIP services may be partially restricted or unstable without using a VPN. We recommend having a quality VPN app installed that will allow you to bypass any restrictions and ensure reliable communication.

More detailed information about internet calling can be found in our specialized article Calling from a Data eSIM | How to Make and Receive Calls Cheaply from Abroad.

Specialized Services for International Calling

For regular calling to standard phone numbers in the United States or elsewhere in the world, there are specialized services offering more advantageous rates than standard international calling.

Rebtel is a proven service for international calls with competitive rates. It works over WiFi or mobile data and provides quality connection. Calling to the United States starts at approximately 3 cents per minute, which is substantially less than regular international rates. Rebtel also offers the ability to receive calls, which is practical especially during longer stays.

Viber Out represents another popular option, which is widely used in the Middle East region. It offers advantageous rates for calling landlines and mobile phones worldwide. The advantage is that Viber is commonly used in Egypt, so you can easily communicate with local contacts as well.

eSIM with Calls and SMS

Some eSIM providers are beginning to offer more comprehensive packages that include traditional voice services and SMS in addition to data. These services use local networks and allow you to call similarly to a regular SIM card.

Maya Mobile is one of the providers that offers eSIM with integrated voice services for Egypt. These packages are ideal for travelers who need a local Egyptian phone number for reservations, taxi services, or communication with local business partners.

Airalo Global Calls is a supplementary service that Airalo offers in some countries including Egypt. You can activate this service as an extension to your data package and gain the ability to call international numbers at advantageous rates.

Frequently Asked Questions about eSIM in Egypt

Summary

Traveling in Egypt is much more convenient thanks to modern eSIM technology. There's no need to search for physical SIM card vendors, deal with mandatory passport registration, or pay excessive amounts for roaming. You can secure internet connection easily before departure and be immediately online after landing in Egypt.

In this guide, we've analyzed the most popular eSIM solutions for Egypt, including providers such as Airalo, Holafly, Yesim, eSIM4Travel, Jetpac, Global YO and GigSky. Each offers specific advantages, and the optimal choice depends on the length of your stay, planned activities, and individual data requirements.

Among the most popular data packages are 5 GB for standard use during a shorter vacation, 2 GB for weekend stays or city trips, 10 GB or 20 GB for longer stays, or unlimited plans for demanding users, digital nomads, or families sharing a connection.

For an economical and reliable solution, eSIM4Travel is worth considering, offering fast activation, competent customer support, and competitive prices. Their service doesn't require installing additional applications and allows flexible additional data purchases as needed.

For travelers preferring unlimited data, Holafly is an ideal choice thanks to its offer of truly unlimited data packages with excellent coverage in tourist destinations throughout Egypt.

We strongly recommend installing and activating your eSIM before departure. This ensures a worry-free start to your vacation with immediate connection upon arrival in Egypt, which is especially valuable when orienting yourself in a new country, finding transportation from the airport, or communicating with accommodation.

For the most accurate and current comparison of all available eSIMs for Egypt, use our specialized comparison tool, which allows you to filter offers by data volume, validity period, and other parameters exactly according to your needs and travel plans.