Comparison of eSIM plans in Egypt: the optimal choice.

Plan a trip to Egypt without relying on the hotel's Wi-Fi! Thanks to your smartphone's eSIM compatibility, set up your connection before departure for instant browsing upon arrival. Explore our best eSIM offers for Egypt

What is the operating method?

eSIM, a digital SIM card, makes life easier for travelers by eliminating the need for a physical SIM card. Available online, it offers prepaid plans with limited data usage over defined periods. Compatibility varies, but many smartphones, such as the iPhone 11/12/13 and some Android phones, support it. If your phone doesn't support it, you can opt for a physical SIM card as a complement. However, most eSIM offers focus on data, without offering free call minutes. With some smartphones, outgoing calls are not supported, but you can still receive calls via your traditional SIM card.

Comparison of mobile plans for Egypt.

You can quickly and easily find the eSIM plan that suits you in our comparison tool. Just select the duration of your trip and the desired data volume, and you will be guided to the perfect solution in no time.

The most cost-effective provider.

While Maya Mobile offers cost-effective eSIM plans with options of 1, 3, 5, or 10 GB, all valid for up to 30 days, Airalo stands out with a more diverse range of plans.

In our extensive eSIM comparison, Airalo and Maya Mobile excel as providers offering the most competitive rates in many destinations, while also allowing you to choose your network operator (such as Orange in Egypt). If you're looking for an all-in-one solution without the need to constantly hunt for the best deal, we have what you need.

Billing based on consumption.

If you're not sure about the amount of data you need, MTX Connect and Surfroam offer a flexible solution. You pre-load your eSIM with credit, for example, €10, and only pay for what you use. MTX Connect charges just 1.2 cents per MB, much cheaper than Surfroam's 3 cents. Additionally, MTX offers a free chat option, available for 7 days after eSIM activation and 15 days after each recharge, allowing you to chat via WhatsApp, Telegram, and other platforms.

Mobile internet subscription with no expiry date.

Purchasing data volume through BNESIM with no expiration date is an option available to anyone traveling regularly to Egypt. While it is significantly more expensive than offers with a limited timeframe from other providers, it allows for highly flexible usage. If you use the data volume sparingly, you can benefit from it for an extended period.

Expanded Connectivity

Unfortunately, only Airalo, Holafly, and BNESIM reveal the eSIM operator in Egypt. The options include:

• Etisalat Egypt
• Orange Egypt
• Vodafone Egypt
• Telecom Egypt (branded as WE)

In major cities and tourist areas, Orange and Vodafone generally provide the best network coverage.

Censoring the web and blocking VPN access.

Internet freedom in Egypt is severely restricted. Voice communication apps like Skype and WhatsApp are blocked, and most VPNs are also unavailable. If you rely on these services, consider using suitable VPNs like NordVPN or alternatives like Signal.

Alternative: purchasing a local SIM card.

eSIMs are convenient but costly compared to local SIM cards in Egypt. You often can't use your own SIM card with them unless you have a phone with two SIM card slots. Purchase a local SIM card at the airport for cost-effective deals, but be prepared for queues. Vodafone offers the Vodafone Tourist for visitors, with data options. Stay vigilant, as some vendors may deceive you about the amount of data provided. EgyptSIMs are an option for those who prefer to plan ahead, but they are slightly more expensive than those bought at the airport.

Conclusion

An easy and relatively cost-effective option to avoid complete dependence on Wi-Fi during your vacation in Egypt is to choose an eSIM. They are more expensive than local SIM cards, but you can set everything up before your departure, ensuring that you remain reachable at all times on your own mobile phone number (for iPhones only).