Mobile Internet in Egypt: How Much Does It Costs, How to Connect

Egypt, a land of ancient wonders and breathtaking beauty, attracts millions of tourists every year. In today's digital age, staying connected is crucial, and mobile internet plays a significant role in enhancing your travel experience.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on accessing mobile internet in Egypt for tourists, ensuring you remain connected throughout your journey. In this comprehensive guide, we will elucidate the process of acquiring a SIM card in Egypt for accessing mobile internet services.

We will delve into the distinctive aspects of eSIM technology within the country, as well as the characteristics of traditional Egyptian physical SIM cards. Furthermore, we will provide detailed information on the cost structure of mobile internet in Egypt and explore the diverse options available for establishing a connection.

SIM cards in Egypt

Options for buying a physical prepaid SIM card in Egypt:

• Online by pre-order while in your home country. Egypt prepaid SIM cards are also sold on Amazon, eBay and other international marketplaces. You can order a SIM card Online on the websites of local operators as soon as you arrive in Egypt.
• Offline immediately after crossing the border. All tourists have the opportunity to buy a SIM card at Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada airports. Usually, starter packs are sold at the counters of mobile network operators.

Whether you plan to buy SIM-card in Marsa Alam, Dahab, Port Said, Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, Aswan, Kom Ombo, Ismailia or Edfu, we recommend that you immediately replenish the balance and ask a consultant to activate the mobile internet package to check its operation. We do not recommend buying SIM cards in souvenir stores and shops — there is a high risk of getting a used card at an inflated price.

To purchase an Egyptian SIM card, you need a passport and the address where you plan to stay. The hotel address will also work.

There are 4 national telecom operators in Egypt that provide network coverage throughout the country, including major cities and popular tourist destinations:

• mobile internet in Hurghada works at a sufficient speed;
• the variety of mobile internet data plans in Sharm el-Sheikh is impressive.

As Egypt is a tourist country, there are special packages for tourists, designed with short-term visitors in mind. There are packages with a Family Sharing option that allow you to share the internet on multiple devices.

Pros of Egyptian SIM cards:

• good coverage in resort areas and major cities;
• a wide range of tariff packages.

Cons:

• lack of unlimited mobile internet;
• additional commissions are possible in packages;
• tax on mobile communication.

Taking into account the listed disadvantages, the most convenient mobile Internet in Egypt is the international eSIM technology. If your smartphone supports it, the virtual card is already in your gadget. This means that you don't need to buy additional SIM cards in Egypt or in your home country.

Activation and setup take place online using a simple algorithm:

• install the app;
• select your country;
• pay for the service;
• activate your profile.

Activation is possible via mobile application or QR code.

Only the latest versions of gadgets support eSIM technology. Therefore, we recommend checking the smartphone model for compatibility with the eSIM virtual card on this page of the service.

Let's take a closer look at the best SIM cards in Egypt for tourists.

1. Yesim

Experience the ultimate convenience and connectivity with Yesim, a leading mobile provider offering exceptional eSIM virtual card services for your smartphone. By choosing Yesim, you can enjoy high-speed mobile internet both in Egypt and across the globe.

As a forward-thinking and innovative mobile provider, Yesim ensures its users remain connected to the world with unparalleled coverage and reliability. Embrace the future of mobile connectivity by opting for Yesim's eSIM virtual card, and experience the freedom and flexibility that comes with a cutting-edge digital lifestyle.

If you have an eSIM virtual card available in your smartphone, we recommend you to take advantage of Yesim mobile provider's offer. It is the most convenient high-speed mobile internet both in Egypt and around the world.

Yesim provider offers for Egypt:

• 1 GB for 7 days for 9.5 EUR;
• 3 GB for 5 days for 25.5 EUR;
• 5 GB for 7 days for 35 EUR;
• 10 GB for 14 days for 55 EUR.

By the way, do not hesitate to try other travel destinations like Turkey and Albania as Yesim will make your vacation unforgettable anywhere in the world.

Read also: SIM vs eSIM: what are the differences and which is better

2. Vodafone

Vodafone Egypt is a leading telecommunications company, offering a comprehensive range of services including mobile, fixed, and broadband communication solutions to cater to the diverse needs of its customers. As a part of the global Vodafone network, Vodafone Egypt is committed to delivering innovative and reliable services to its users, ensuring they stay connected and empowered in today's fast-paced digital world.

Offers travelers a choice of prepaid plans such as:

• 2 GB for 30 days for $0.65;
• 3.5 GB for 30 days for $1.08;
• 6 GB for 30 days for $1.51;
• 8 GB for 30 days for $1.94;
• 12 GB for 30 days for $2.81.

3. Orange

Orange Egypt is committed to providing exceptional network quality and customer satisfaction by continuously investing in network expansion and service enhancement. The company offers competitive plans and packages for voice, messaging, and data services, allowing customers to choose the options that best align with their individual needs.

Offers the following connection terms to visitors to Egypt:

• 10 GB for 30 days for $8.63;
• 40 GB for 30 days for $21.58.

4. Etisalat

Etisalat Egypt, formerly known as Mobinil, is a prominent telecommunications company that offers a wide range of mobile, internet, and fixed-line services to cater to the diverse needs of its customers. As a part of the Etisalat Group, a leading telecommunications provider in the Middle East and Africa, Etisalat Egypt is dedicated to delivering innovative and reliable communication solutions to ensure users remain connected and empowered in today's digital world.

This operator has the widest selection of data plans for travelers:

• 3.5 GB for 30 days for $1.29;
• 5 GB for 30 days for $1.94;
• 7 GB for 30 days for $2.59;
• 16 GB for 30 days for $4.32;
• 28 GB for 30 days for $6.47;
• 50 GB for 30 days for $10.79;
• 90 GB for 30 days for $17.26;
• 145 GB for 30 days for $25.89.

5. We

Telecom Egypt, a prominent telecommunications provider in Egypt, has gained widespread popularity and serves over 6 million customers who rely on its internet and calling services. Established in 2017, Telecom Egypt has since expanded its offerings to include both calling services and internet connectivity.

Local mobile operator offers for travelers:

• 18 GB for 30 days for $12;
• 40 GB for 30 days for $24.

Roaming in Egypt

Roaming in Egypt refers to the ability of mobile phone users to access and use their network services outside their home country while traveling in Egypt. This service is particularly useful for tourists, business travelers, and Egyptians who frequently visit other countries.

To use roaming in Egypt, you need to ensure that your mobile device is unlocked and compatible with the local networks. It is essential to check with your home network provider to verify the supported networks in Egypt and any additional charges that may apply.

Roaming is activated as soon as you cross the border. The price of mobile internet is much higher than the services of mobile operators. For example, 1 GB for a week will cost EGP 210 and 30 GB for a month will cost EGP 8300.

Portable Wi-Fi

A pocket router or modem is another option to connect your smartphone to the internet in Egypt. But you need to clarify the availability and possibility of renting such a device at the office of the mobile operator in Sharm el-Sheikh or Hurghada. Internet devices are also offered in excursion offices. Some tourists prefer to rent Wi-Fi from European or American companies, receiving them by mail and sending them back in the same way. The cost of such a service is about 2000 EGP per week with the possibility to use from 1 GB per day.

The disadvantage of this option is high compensation in case of damage or loss of the device, as well as the associated postage costs.

Free Wi-Fi

There is free internet access in public places (squares, parks, promenades) in Egypt's major cities.

Locations with free Wi-Fi in Egypt:

• Soho Square, Sharm el-Sheikh;
• Naama Bay area, Sharm el-Sheikh;
• Marina Bay, Hurghada.

But the signal is usually limited in speed and can be interrupted. During the daytime, internet speed is slow due to the large number of people. This makes it difficult to plan work and use internet services that require a fast connection. In addition, using free Wi-Fi makes you vulnerable to cybercriminals, who steal users' personal data through public Internet access points. Therefore, we recommend using more secure options to connect to the mobile Internet, for example, through a virtual eSIM card.

Read also: What is eSIM: what is it for and how to use it

Wi-Fi in hotels

A free service, the quality of which varies greatly from hotel to hotel (even 5-star hotels). There are often situations when Wi-Fi internet in Hurghada works only near a reception or in a lobby. In rooms the speed of such internet will be very low.

You can get a higher speed for an additional fee. Tariffs are set directly by a hotel administration. But the distribution of Wi-Fi outside the territory of a hotel ends, so this service is financially disadvantageous.

The best option for tourists is to install the Yesim mobile application and solve working and personal issues at any time of the day.

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