SIM & Internet: how it works in Egypt — first-hand
Real experience of people from chats on «SIM & Internet» in Egypt — as it is, no fluff. For your case — ask Luky.
From real experience
User purchased an eSIM via Trip.com, connected to Orange Egypt. LTE is showing, but internet is not working. Troubleshooting steps: check eSIM roaming settings, set eSIM as default number, ensure all network configurations are complete. Common issues include incorrect APN settings or network compatibility problems. Reinstalling the eSIM or contacting Orange Egypt support might be necessary.
eSIMs for Egypt can be purchased via Trip.com (mobile application recommended, blue icon with white text). Prices are dynamic and can change multiple times daily. Travelers have reported purchasing 30GB for ~600 EGP or 10GB for ~593 EGP. An alternative cost-saving strategy is to buy daily packages, starting from approximately 16 EGP per day. The internet connection typically activates upon landing.
To check the remaining data or balance for an Orange Egypt SIM card, use the 'My Orange' mobile application. For eSIMs, the ICCID can be found in the email containing the QR code for activation.
When using a pocket router in Egypt, there's a risk that routers brought from Russia might not be compatible with local SIM cards. It's recommended to purchase a local pocket router with a SIM card in Egypt. The price for such a device starts from 1500-2000 RUB (approx. 15-20 USD). Local routers are often locked to a specific operator's SIM. SIM card and router shops can be found on streets, in shopping malls, and located via Google Maps. eSIM is generally a more reliable option for connectivity if the phone supports it.
In Egypt, using a local SIM card in a phone previously used in the country (even two years ago) can lead to phone blocking. This rule applies to tourists as well. Solutions include using eSIM on a compatible device, purchasing a new physical SIM card, or renting a portable Wi-Fi router with a SIM card at the airport for approximately 1500 EGP. Blocked phones can still function via Wi-Fi. Egyptian SIM cards can also be beneficial for registering with certain services, like AI platforms, due to cost advantages.
When attempting to pay a phone tax via a local telephony application in Egypt, foreign users often encounter issues with passport scanning (the app may prompt 'tilt document' and fail to recognize international passports). Users with a local Egyptian ID card (not a tourist visa/passport) generally report successful registration and payment. A workaround for foreigners is to use a colleague's or local friend's ID card for the transaction.
User purchased a SIM card in Egypt before their trip, initially concerned about data limits. They found that 13GB was more than sufficient, using it to provide internet for family members and experiencing stable connections at tourist locations like the pyramids and during sea excursions. The remaining data was brought back, indicating ample data allowance for typical tourist usage.
In Egypt, phones (especially iPhones) can have their IMEI blocked if used with local SIM cards multiple times or for extended periods. Once an IMEI is blocked, local SIM cards will not work, and the phone will only have Wi-Fi connectivity unless a tax is paid to unblock it. Sellers in airports may not inform tourists about this. eSIM from non-Egyptian providers is a viable alternative and generally not subject to this blocking rule. However, if the phone's IMEI is already blocked, eSIM might not work either. The blocking primarily applies to local physical SIM cards.
In Egypt, travelers can purchase local tourist SIM cards. Alternatively, consider getting an eSIM before arrival, as this is suggested to be a more optimal solution. Availability and specific providers may vary.
In Egypt, there's a policy regarding mobile phone usage with local SIM cards. If a phone is used with an Egyptian SIM card for more than 90-120 days, its IMEI may be blocked from working with local telecom operators. This means neither new local SIM cards nor eSIMs will function for calls or mobile data; only Wi-Fi connectivity will be available. Russian roaming SIM cards may also not work on a blocked device. Unblocking requires paying a tax, reportedly up to 38% of the phone's value. Some travelers report issues with phones purchased prior to certain dates (e.g., 2025) being blocked. A potential (unconfirmed and disputed) workaround mentioned is to contact border guards upon re-entry to the airport for block removal, though others state only tax payment works.
Purchasing an Egyptian SIM card can be cost-effective for registering with AI services like Claude, as it allows access to region-specific pricing that may be more advantageous than in other countries. The SIM card should function normally in Russia, but it's advisable to confirm roaming capabilities or check for potential restrictions.
Etisalat Egypt customers sometimes encounter discrepancies between purchased data packages and displayed balances (e.g., seeing 6.75 GB instead of 30 GB). Recommended actions: verify the validity of the promo code used during activation, check if the data is split between 'regular' and 'bonus/social' buckets, and contact Etisalat support via the MyEtisalat app or by calling 333.
Users in Egypt are unable to access Russian streaming services like Kinopoisk. Support states it's not available. Some users report success using VPNs (specifically 'Russian VPN') to bypass geo-restrictions, though it's not always effective as services may detect non-Russian IP addresses. A VPN is a potential workaround but not guaranteed.
Mobile data plans in Egypt can be misleading. Advertised data amounts (e.g., 30GB) may not reflect the actual usable data. Often, large data packages are split into sub-packages, with the second only becoming active after the first is depleted. Users should be aware that the advertised total might not be immediately available and clarification on plan structure is advisable.
A user in Egypt has a surplus of 5GB data for their ESIM, valid for 5 days, due to a purchase error. They are offering it to someone who genuinely needs it.