Best eSIM providers and plans for Egypt in 2024
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An eSIM is a software alternative to a physical SIM card with outstanding benefits for avid travelers. eSIMs reduce expensive roaming charges working with local mobile carriers, which often provides better connection speed. Instead of looking for SIM card shops, the best eSIM Egypt services get you online the moment you arrive.
Choosing a suitable eSIM for Egypt can be challenging, as numerous providers offer services there. In the end, it comes down to your needs. Some Egypt eSIMs offer international text and call options; meanwhile, others have more affordable regional plans.
I've tested several eSIM services to help you make an informed decision. You will find options for longer or shorter stays, as well as plans for neighboring countries. Continue reading for a list of the 5 best eSIM Egypt providers.
Top 5 eSIMs For Egypt – shortlist
- Saily – the best Egypt eSIM service overall
- Airalo – an eSIM for Egypt with regional plans
- Nomad – Egypt eSIM with flexible plans
- Jetpac – eSIM with the cheapest 1GB plan
- aloSIM – allows phone calls for extra charge
How to choose an eSIM plan for Egypt
A good traveling eSIM gives you uninterrupted internet access in Egypt, however long you stay. Even so, you must prepare beforehand; as of now, it is impossible to buy an eSIM after arriving in Egypt. Major mobile carriers like Vodafone, Etisalat, Orange, and WE offer only physical prepaid cards to tourists. Here are a few tips to pick the best eSIM for Egypt:
- Travel destination. Make sure your chosen eSIM provides services in Egypt. The country's 5G network is still expanding, so I recommend checking its availability on this 5G coverage map. In turn, an Egypt eSIM will save you money, as global roaming charges there can reach up to $10/MB!
- Phone calls or mobile data. Most eSIM services in Egypt focus only on mobile data, like Saily. For travelers that require a phone call and text message support, I've included Airalo eSIM, which provides these features for an extra charge.
- Travel duration. eSIM plans significantly differ in plan duration and available data. Pick one that covers your whole stay and has enough gigabytes to keep you comfortable. Choose more data if you plan to watch videos, share hotspots, or upload tons of pictures to social media.
- Tethering functionality. You will find reliable internet access in metropolitan Egypt, but the farther you go, the slower it becomes. Choose an Egypt eSIM that allows data sharing to create a hotspot for all nearby devices.
- Price. Affordable prices are one of the main eSIM selling points. You will get the best value if you choose the data amount and plan duration accordingly. Furthermore, pick a regional plan if you’re going to visit neighboring countries. Nomad offers a Middle East plan that covers 8 countries for a cost of one.
The best eSIMs for Egypt – our full list
We've tested popular international eSIM services to compile the list of the 5 best eSIM Egypt providers. We considered each regional coverage, connection quality, pricing, plan flexibility, and additional features like tethering. Our tests reveal that these are the five best Egypt eSIMs:
1. Saily – fast and affordable Egypt eSIM service
| Supported networks: | 3G, 4G, 5G |
| Country coverage: | 150+ |
| Starting price: | $6.29/week |
Saily is the best eSIM in Egypt, offering fast and affordable internet access. Currently, it has 4 different Egypt plans, which all support tethering if you have multiple devices or are traveling in a group.
Plan options. Saily offers local and data-only eSIM services to provide affordable internet access in chosen destinations. The plans vary from 1GB for 1 week to 20GB for a month, starting from as low as $3.99.
Egypt plans pricing. You can choose out of 4 eSIM for Egypt plans that differ in data and duration. Saily's 1GB of data for 7 days costs $6.29. However, you can get a much better value by ordering 10GB for 30 days for $38.99 for one of the best price-value ratios I've seen. Saily also offers 3GB or 5GB Egypt plans for $14.99 and $22.99 respectively, valid for 30 days.
Network coverage. This eSIM service covers 150+ countries with 3G, 4G, and 5G cellular networks. Remember that eSIMs work with local mobile carriers, so the available cellular network varies for each country. Although Saily does not disclose its Egypt partners, it is making the best of the available 4G network in the region.
Activation process. Activating Saily eSIM in Egypt takes only a few clicks and requires internet access, so it's best done just before you leave. After installing the app and subscribing to a plan, go to the 'Your eSIMs' section, locate the 'Activate' button, and tap on it. Saily does not require eKYC and offers activation via QR code, which takes no more than 2 minutes.
Customer support. This eSIM has a 24/7 live chat, help center, and email support options, as well as a useful FAQ section on its website.
2. Airalo – Egypt eSIM with an international phone number
| Supported networks: | LTE, 3G, 4G, 5G |
| Country coverage: | 200+ |
| Starting price: | $7.00/week |
Airalo is the best Egypt eSIM for tourists who require an international phone number or plans that extend to neighboring countries. It stands out regarding plan flexibility and worldwide coverage, climbing highly on our list.
Plan options. Airalo offers local, regional, and global eSIM plans. Furthermore, you can upgrade its global Discover plan to Discover+, which includes an international phone number for calls and texts at an additional charge. Most plans vary from 1GB to 20GB with 30 days validity, and I recommend the Middle East and North Africa plan that covers 15 countries, including Egypt.
Egypt plans pricing. There are 5 eSIM plans for Egypt, starting at $7 for 1GB and valid for 1 week. At most, you can get 10GBs for $44 with a 30-day validity. If you're a citizen of the world and Egypt is just one among many destinations, the Discover plan lasts up to 365 days for $69 for 20GB of data.
Network coverage. Airalo cooperates with Orange in Egypt’s eSIM network, which is the oldest cellular network operator in the country. It focuses on the vicinity of Cairo, so this might be your top choice if you're staying in the capital. Airalo utilizes the LTE network in Egypt but supports 5G wherever it is available.
Activation process. You can buy Airalo Egypt eSIM plans in-app or on the website via PayPal, ApplePay, Google Pay, credit and debit cards, Alipay (only on the mobile app), and with the in-app reward system currency Airmoney. There is no eKYC requirement, and you can quickly install Airalo using a QR code.
Customer support. Airalo runs an active blog and a vast knowledge base with FAQ sections. You can also reach them by email or by submitting a ticket, but there is no 24/7 live chat support.
3. Nomad – eSIM for Egypt and neighboring countries
| Supported networks: | LTE, 3G, 4G, 5G |
| Country coverage: | 170+ |
| Starting price: | $6.00/week |
Nomad is an excellent eSIM card for Egypt if you're going to visit other countries in the region. It works with two local mobile carriers and has two regional plans, which include Egypt.
Plan options. You can choose between local or regional eSIM plans, but there’s no global one. Like Saily, Nomad doesn't support international calls. However, it provides a virtual phone number for SMS messages in the US and Canada, expanding to other countries, so keep an eye out for Egypt updates.
Egypt plans pricing. Nomad's eSIM for Egypt price starts at $6 for 1GB for 7 days, similar to other Egypt eSIM providers. The 20GB for 1 month costs $46 for 30 days. Egypt is also included in Africa and the Middle East regional plans, which cost $45 and $34 for 10GB respectively.
Network coverage. This eSIM works with Orange and Etisalat mobile carriers in Egypt for 3G, 4G, and 5G cellular network support. You should expect 3G and 4G in Egypt most of the time, but Nomad promises to use 5G whenever possible for the best connection speed.
Activation process. You can buy Nomad eSIM card Egypt plans from their website or using the mobile app. Nomad accepts credit or debit cards, Apple Pay, or PayPal. To activate it, enable data roaming on your device and click the 'Activate Data Now' button on the website or the mobile app.
Customer support. The only way to contact Nomad's support is via the ticketing system without live chat support, which places Nomad lower on this list. However, there's an online self-help center and an active blog where you can find solutions to the most common Egypt eSIM problems.
4. Jetpac – Egypt eSIM with flexible data plans
| Supported networks: | 3G, 4G |
| Country coverage: | 100+ |
| Starting price: | $1 for four days |
Jetpac is another Orange eSIM Egypt service that utilizes this mobile carrier to get you online. This service offers 8 different Egypt plans, compared to 4 or 5 found on most other Egypt eSIM providers.
Plan options. Jetpac plans are considerably flexible so that you can align the price with your exact trip duration. Its plans vary from 1GB to 40GB for up to 30 days, including regional and global plans that cover 100+ countries. However, it's a data-only service, so take a look at Airalo if you require a phone number.
Egypt plans pricing. Jetpac's Egypt eSIM plans start at $1 and offer 1GB of data for 4 days. It's the cheapest gigabyte I've seen, but the prices go up to the market average afterward. You can get 10GB for $40, 20GB for $70, and even 40GB for $120, all valid for 30 days.
Network coverage. This service covers 100+ countries with 3G, 4G, 5G, and LTE cellular networks. In Egypt, Jetpac works with the Orange operator, which, like Airalo, is most widespread in the capital city of Cairo.
Activation process. You can pay for this service using debit or credit cards, ApplePay, and Google Pay. You can buy Jetpac on its website or download the mobile program and purchase plans in-app.
Customer support. Jetpac offers 24/7 live chat support, which is also accessible on its website. Additionally, you can send them an email or browse the online knowledge base, blog, and FAQ sections.
5. aloSIM – eSIM for worldwide texts and phone calls
| Supported networks: | LTE, 4G, 5G |
| Country coverage: | 175+ |
| Starting price: | $7.00/week |
aloSIM is among the best eSIM Egypt services that support international texts and calls. However, it requires a third-party app called Hushed.
Plan options. This eSIM offers plans from 1GB to 20GB, valid from 7 to 30 days, similarly to others on this list. Although it has neat regional plans, none of them include Egypt.
Egypt plans pricing. 1GB of aloSIM Egypt eSIM data costs $7. The 10GB plan goes for $44, valid for 30 days, providing the best price-value ratio. To make phone calls and texts, you'll have to get a Hushed app for an additional price, but aloSIM offers 30 minutes and 50 texts for free.
Network coverage. aloSIM serves 170+ countries and uses the Orange mobile carrier in Egypt. aloSIM advises expecting LTE speeds, which is nearly 10Mbps download speed sufficient for comfortable browsing or streaming on standard definition.
Activation process. You can buy aloSIM plans in-app or on their website. To activate this eSIM in Egypt, launch the app, go to your profile, and see the 'How to install your eSIM' section. It will walk you through manual, automatic, or QR code activation.
Customer support. aloSIM offers a live chat on its website and app. Simultaneously, you can contact them via email and read the online blog, self-help, and FAQ sections.
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How to activate an eSIM card in 5 different ways
Activating an eSIM is generally straightforward, but the process varies per provider. Below, I'll provide brief instructions on 5 different ways to activate an eSIM. For more elaborate information, read our Activating eSIM on iPhone guide and the article on how to use it on Samsung.
- QR code entry. Subscribe to an eSIM plan and request a QR code activation. Go to your smartphone's cellular network settings and locate the add eSIM option. Open the camera, scan the QR code, and follow the instructions to activate it.
- Manual entry. Request from the eSIM provider an SM-DP+ address. Tap to add eSIM in the same smartphone cellular network setting and choose a manual entry. Enter the SM-DP+ address and follow further instructions.
- Use the provider's app. Download the eSIM app from Google Play or the Apple App Store. The setup depends upon the chosen provider, so let's take Saily as an example. After subscribing to a plan, go to the 'Your eSIMs' section, tap on 'Install eSIM, ' and follow the on-screen instructions. Then tap the 'Activate' option, and you're all set.
- Use a provider's website. Some eSIMs have a more exceptional activation process, so go to their website to find the QR codes and exact setup steps.
- Activate in their store. You can visit a physical store that sells eSIMs and have their representative walk you through the activation process.
Does my phone support eSIM?
Because eSIMs are relatively new technology, they do not work on older devices. I strongly recommend checking your smartphone's eSIM compatibility options before purchasing. Here are general guidelines for Android and iPhone eSIM compatibility.
eSIM compatibility on iPhone
Only newer smartphones support eSIMs, but there's no need to panic, as there are ample options that do. The iPhone XR and later models are eSIM compatible, but the iPhone 6S, 7, and 8 are not. Furthermore, the iPhone 15 series in the US are eSIM only and do not have a physical SIM card slot at all. For more details, read our eSIM activation on iPhone guide.
eSIM compatibility on Samsung
To check your eSIM compatibility with Samsung, check the EID number, which is a strong indicator that your device is compatible. Go to your Samsung settings in the 'About phone' or 'About device' section and locate the 'Status' or 'IMEI information' options. You should see the EID number if your Samsung is eSIM compatible. Check our eSIM for Samsung article for exact compatible Samsung models.
Benefits of using an eSIM in the Egypt
A good Egypt eSIM has some exceptional benefits compared to other popular travel destinations. Internet coverage in Egypt is still expanding, so you might find yourself needing internet access in many places, especially farther from metropolitan areas. If you're asking does Egypt has eSIM shops, the answer is no, so it's best to prepare one before you arrive there. Here are the essential benefits of the eSIM card in Egypt.
Flexible. An Egypt eSIM lets you switch between network providers without physically changing a SIM card. You can get better connection quality using different mobile carriers when visiting the Egyptian regions.
Convenient. You can set up an eSIM for Egypt prior to leaving your country to have immediate internet access the moment you arrive.
Secure. You can lose a physical SIM card, or someone can snatch it from you after you buy it from the shop. Because eSIMs are embedded in your smartphone, they are more secure from such risks.
Compact. Devices like the iPhone 15 USA model do not have a physical SIM card slot, so they are slimmer and lighter and have space for additional features or larger batteries.
Sustainable. Because you no longer need a physical SIM card, which is mainly made of plastic polyvinyl chloride, you don't produce environmental waste when disposing of an old SIM card.
How to make calls with eSIM in Egypt
Most eSIMs in Egypt are data-only because they focus on speedy internet access and VoIP apps, like WhatsApp, for calls and messaging. However, sometimes such apps are unavailable, so here's how to make calls with some Egypt eSIMs.
- Check if the eSIM provider allows calls and SMS. Verify whether your chosen eSIM provider allows calls and SMS. On this list, Airalo offers a phone number on the Discover+ plan, and aloSIM is compatible with the Hushed app for international calls.
- Use a domestic SIM card. If you're in a location where none of Egypt's mobile carriers provide internet access, you'll have to resort to a domestic physical SIM card. Either use your original SIM with roaming charges or buy a domestic one from a store.
- Try VoIP apps. These apps are one of the most comfortable ways to communicate using an eSIM. Furthermore, because eSIMs offer up to 20GB data plans and more, you will not run out of data using WhatsApp, Skype, Zoom, and other VoIP apps.
Final thoughts on eSIMs for Egypt
Egypt eSIM can make your voyage more comfortable and worry-free. Whether you need to check the maps, locate your hotel, or contact your relatives about a safe arrival, eSIMs get you online the moment you arrive.
Our tests outline that Saily is the best eSIM for Egypt. Its affordable prices accompany a user-friendly app with a straightforward setup process, which is simple enough even if you have never used an eSIM before. Because eSIMs are not sold in any Egyptian shops, I recommend purchasing one and preparing activation just before you depart.
FAQ
When will eSIM be available in Egypt?
Although you cannot purchase an eSIM in Egyptian shops, you can use services like Saily, which works with local mobile carriers to provide Egypt eSIM services. I recommend setting it up just before you will because getting online with eSIM once you arrive could be troublesome.
Is there 5G in Egypt?
Yes, there is a 5G network in Egypt, but in the very early stages. The state-owned Telecom Egypt got the license to test the expanding 5G network in January 2024, and the commercial launch is anticipated by the end of the year.
Can I buy an Egyptian eSIM before arriving in Egypt?
Yes, buying an Egypt eSIM before you depart is highly advisable. This way, you can pick the right plan, set it up, get used to using an eSIM, and activate it. The moment you arrive in Egypt, it will connect to a mobile network, providing you with internet access.
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