Travel eSIM in Egypt
Heading to Egypt? Get easy and fast mobile data with an eSIM card in Egypt. The eSIM works without having to switch your regular SIM card or find a local prepaid card. You just need to install a new app, which contains the electronic SIM card. Getting mobile data in Egypt couldn’t be simpler.
Cairo and Egypt in general is notorious for its many street vendors. Choosing an eSIM won’t save you from all of them, but it will save you from the ones pushing prepaid SIM cards.
Easier than Traditional SIM Cards
The price of mobile data in Egypt is unfortunately a bit steeper compared to other countries in the Middle East. This applies to both eSIMs and physical prepaid cards (SIM cards). The cheapest provider at the moment is GlobaleSIM which offers a great selection of egyption eSIMs.
All New iPhones Can Use eSIM Cards
Buying and installing an eSIM card is super easy. The only requirement is that you need to have a newer mobile phone. All iPhones produced after 2018 supports the eSIM technology. The same goes for many newer Android phones. You can find a complete list of compatible mobile phones right here.
Three Easy Steps to Get Data on Your Phone
If you own a eSIM compatible phone, you are just a few steps away from having easy and affordable mobile data. Follow these three simple steps:
- Purchase the eSIM via the links below
- Follow the instructions sent to you via email
- Either scan a QR code or install via an app.
Follow our installation guide if you need any additional help.
Mobile Data across the Middle East
Visiting other Middle Eastern countries? In that case, you should consider the regional eSIM which include mobile data usable across 15 different countries in the Middle East.
With the regional eSIM card, you don’t have to worry about having to buy new local prepaid cards or eSIM cards during your trip. Your regional eSIM got you covered, and can be used across the region.
The Middle East
- Prices from €14.6 ($15)
- 1-3 GB
- As low as €12.6 / GB
- 7-30 days
- Egypt + 14 countries in the Middle East
Review of GlobaleSIM in Egypt
In November 2024, I traveled to Egypt and had the opportunity to test an eSIM from GlobaleSIM. Overall, the eSIM worked very well, and the only factor that lowers my rating is the quality of one of local mobile network that GlobaleSIM uses in Egypt. This, however, was quickly solved and I’ll come back to this issue.
The installation was simple and I had signal throughout my journey with solid speed. As so, the overall experience with GlobaleSIM was great.
I installed my eSIM in the airport before flying out, which allowed me to gain a signal immediately upon landing in Cairo. Note that the first time you use your eSIM, it may take a few minutes before the signal appears.
The installation process was smooth, and I followed the installation guide found here on eSIMTravelHub.com. I traveled from Cairo to Aswan and then to Luxor, and I had 4G signal throughout the trip. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the chance to test the 5G network during my journey.
Tip: Try the Other Mobile Networks
After a week traveling in southern Egypt, we returned to Cairo and suddenly experienced problems with the mobile signal. This issue affected everyone using the “EMS Mobinil Egypt” network, including people who hadn’t purchased their eSIM from GlobaleSIM.
Fortunately, GlobaleSIM allows you to access multiple local mobile networks. As a GlobaleSIM user, I could manually switch to a different network, which immediately restored my signal and internet access.
I highly recommend using the network provider “e& etisalat and”, which was also the network used for the speed test in the picture.
Network Speeds Vary Between Urban and Rural Areas – But Are Still Plenty Fast!
I continuously tested the speed of the eSIM and noticed a clear difference between the cities and the rural areas. In Cairo, the speed was excellent (around 50 Mbps), while in rural areas, such as the road between Luxor and Aswan, it dropped to about 10 Mbps. This of course, is an issue of the local network provider and not GlobaleSIM.
That said, the speed was still more than sufficient for regular mobile use, and the slower speeds were only noticeable when downloading music or videos.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
What is an eSIM card, and how do I install it?
eSIM stands for "embedded SIM." An eSIM is an electronic SIM card that most new mobile phones have built into them. It works like a traditionnel SIM card, but only digital. You can read more about what an eSIM card is by clicking here.
The installation of an eSIM card is done entirely digital. You do not need to remove your physical SIM card from your phone while using your eSIM. You can install it from home or upon arrival in Egypt. You can find a detailed guide by clicking here.
Are these eSIMs mobile subscriptions?
No, these eSIMs are prepaid SIM cards. This means you pay for them upfront. After their validity period expires, they automatically stop working.
The eSIM is set up as your secondary SIM card. Meaning it works independently of your regular mobile subscription and mobile number. You can actually use both the eSIM and SIM card simoutaniusly thanks to dual-SIM.
Can I make local calls and texts?
By default, the eSIMs from GlobaleSIM listed above comes as data-only eSIMs meaning that no, you cannot make either phone calls or send texts. You're of course still able to use WhatsApp, iMessage etc.
However, if you'd like to make calls while you're in Egypt, GlobaleSIM offers the possibility of buying this as an add-on. You can buy 100 minutes for $10 or 200 minutes for $17. This price is added on top of the price of data listed above.