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How to buy a prepaid SIM card for Egypt?
If you plan on going to Egypt anytime soon, you’re probably in the middle of planning all the things you’ll see and do. Although you’ll surely have a great experience in this beautiful country, it’s good to take all the steps to ensure that. First of all, consider how you’ll be getting around and communicating while you’re there.
To ensure your holiday in Egypt is nothing short of enjoyable, consider swapping your UK SIM card for an Egypt SIM card. This will help you avoid unnecessary expenses and allow you to use translation apps and maps without having to rely on Wi-Fi.
Also, if you need a cost-effective way to handle your finances across borders, check out the Wise card from the money services provider Wise. It can help you get ready for your stay in Egypt and save money while travelling abroad. You can pay and withdraw cash like a local for low fees at mid-market exchange rates.
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Why should you buy a prepaid SIM card when travelling to Egypt from the UK?
Using an Egypt SIM card during your vacation is a great way to save money. Since international calls or data usage usually aren’t included in UK monthly plans, they’re an extra expense. So, better to have an Egypt SIM card than to get charged extra by your provider for using your phone abroad.
Since you won’t have to depend on Wi-Fi, it will be easier to stay in touch with friends and family. You’ll have better network coverage and be connected throughout your stay. Also, having an Egypt SIM card will allow you to use translation apps and maps, which are all travel essentials.
If you’re still not convinced, you could rely on international roaming instead. Many networks, such as VOXI or Virgin Mobile, offer global roaming packages that include Egypt. Others, like Tesco Mobile or Three, will have you pay roaming charges as you go.
How much does a SIM card cost in Egypt?
The cost of an Egypt SIM card mostly depends on the amount of data included in the plan. For example, Orange’s 10 GB SIM card can set you back as little as £3.
It’s the same with eSIMs and their prices. They start at less than £1 for a day of usage.
How to buy a prepaid SIM card for Egypt?¹
The process of getting an Egypt SIM card is rather straightforward. There are plenty of selling points, including convenience stores and counters at some hotels and restaurants.
The safest way to get a SIM card in Egypt is to visit a mobile operator’s store. Egypt’s main mobile providers are Vodafone, Orange, Etisalat and WE.²
Once you make your choice, prepare your passport and make sure your phone is unlocked. The store employees will register your card for you and explain how you can activate it.
You can pay with cash, as well as your credit card or debit card.
Where can you buy a SIM card for Egypt in the UK?³
There are ways to buy an Egypt SIM card in the UK, but your options will be limited and more expensive. For example, you can order one through SimCorner for £29 and use it for up to 15 days.
The best option would definitely be buying an Egypt eSIM while still in the UK. Some providers only sell country-specific eSIM cards, while others have regional or even global plans. Either way, there’s plenty of options to choose from.
Can you buy an Egypt SIM card at the airport?¹
Yes, you can get a local SIM card as soon as you land in Egypt. Many airports, such as Cairo International Airport or Hurghada International Airport have shops or counters where you can buy them.
You can activate your Egypt SIM card immediately, so you won’t have to spend a penny on international roaming.
Best prepaid SIM cards for Egypt
Unfortunately, there isn’t a lot of information available online about the prepaid SIM plans in Egypt and their prices. However, here are some you could use on your holiday in Egypt.
Orange⁴
Orange has two package options for travellers - the Holidays and Holidays Super tariffs.
The Holidays plan costs around £3 and it includes 10 GB of data, 400 local minutes and 20 international minutes. The Holidays Super tariff also has 400 local minutes, but it has 40 GB of data and 30 international minutes for around £8.
Etisalat⁵
Etisalat offers data bundles made specifically for tourists. The smallest one has 7 GB of data, 100 local minutes and 5 minutes for international calls. On the other hand, the largest plan includes 40 GB of data, 400 local minutes and 30 minutes for international calls.
Make sure you contact Etisalat directly to get the most recent prices.
Vodafone⁶
Vodafone has a plan for tourists called Tourist line. It has 30 GB of data, 20 international minutes and 300 local minutes. You’ll need to get in touch with Vodafone directly to get the latest updates on their prices.
Best e-SIM cards for Egypt
The most convenient way to avoid roaming fees while in Egypt is getting an eSIM. You can even get one while still in the UK, as long as you activate it when you arrive.
Before getting an eSIM, make sure you check whether your phone is compatible with them. And if it is, here are some of the best eSIM cards for Egypt.
Airalo
Airalo has plans for Egypt, but also for Africa and worldwide coverage as well.
Airalo’s Egypt eSIMs start at $7 for 1 GB over the course of a week and $12.5 for 2 GB in 15 days. They have three 30-day plans at $17.5, $26.5 and $44. The difference between them is the amount of data - 3 GB, 5 GB or 10 GB.⁷
Holafly⁹
Holafly offers unlimited data eSIMs and allows you to share up to 500 MB with others. Their prices start at £6 for one day, but the more days you buy, the better the deal.
For example, Holafly’s 7-day Egypt eSIM costs £29, while getting it for 20 days will set you back £49.
Global YO¹⁰
At the moment, you can get a Global YO Egypt eSIM for only $1. It has 1 GB of data and it’s valid for a day only.
Some larger options include their 15-day eSIM which has 5 GB of data and costs around $18 and their 30-day plan which will set you back $29.
Spend like a local in Egypt with Wise
While you’re picking an Egypt SIM card for your trip, you’ll also want to check out options for holiday spending.
The Wise card, from the money services provider Wise, is a convenient choice. For a one-time cost of just £7, you can spend and withdraw like a local in Egypt and 150+ more countries. You can also send money to pay for a rental car, accommodation, or the like while still in the UK.
WIth the Wise card, your pounds are automatically converted at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend. You’ll just pay a small conversion fee, or no fee if you already have the currency in your Wise account.
Sources used for this article:
- Gigago - Egypt SIM cards for tourists: detailed guide
- esims.io - Local mobile networks (MNOs) in Egypt: Which one is the best?
- SimCorner - Egypt travel SIM card
- Orange - Holidays Line
- Etisalat - Travelling to Egypt
- Vodafone - Vodafone Tourist line
- Airalo - Egypt eSIM
- Airalo - Africa eSIM
- Holafly - Egypt eSIM for travellers
- Global YO - Egypt eSIM
Sources last checked on date: 06-June-2024
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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