Prepaid SIM Cards in Egypt: A Complete Guide

Egypt is one of the most visited countries in North Africa, and staying connected while exploring the Pyramids, the Red Sea, or the Nile Valley is essential. Whether you’re arriving for tourism or business, getting a local prepaid SIM card in Egypt is easy, affordable, and gives you access to reliable data and voice services across the country.

Basic Information

Egypt has four major mobile network operators:

  1. Vodafone Egypt
  2. Orange Egypt
  3. Etisalat Egypt (now branded as “Egypt” or “Etisalat Misr”)
  4. WE (Telecom Egypt Mobile)

All offer prepaid SIM cards, eSIM options, and extensive 4G coverage. 5G rollout is still limited as of 2025.

Official Websites

Availability & Where to Buy

Prepaid SIM cards are available:

  • At Cairo International Airport (arrivals area)
  • At mobile operator stores in major cities (Cairo, Giza, Luxor, Aswan, Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada)
  • In shopping malls and authorized dealers
  • Some hotels and travel agencies also sell tourist SIM packages

Bring your passport, as ID is required for registration.

Frequencies

Network2G3G4G/LTE
Vodafone Egypt900 / 1800 MHz2100 MHz1800 / 2600 MHz
Orange Egypt900 / 1800 MHz2100 MHz1800 / 2600 MHz
Etisalat Egypt900 / 1800 MHz2100 MHz1800 / 2600 MHz
WE (Telecom Egypt)900 / 1800 MHz2100 MHz1800 / 2600 MHz

Coverage & Speed

  • Vodafone Egypt: Best nationwide coverage, especially in remote and desert areas.
  • Orange Egypt: Strong 4G speeds in cities and along the Nile.
  • Etisalat Egypt: Reliable data coverage and competitive pricing.
  • WE (Telecom Egypt): Growing network with good urban 4G performance.

Average download speeds range between 15–45 Mbps, depending on location.

At a Glance Comparison

ProviderCoverage4G SpeedTourist SIMeSIMApps Available
VodafoneExcellentFastMy Vodafone Egypt
OrangeVery GoodFastMy Orange Egypt
Etisalat EgyptGoodModerate–FastMy Etisalat Egypt
WEGoodModerateMy WE

Biometric User Registration

Egypt requires biometric registration (passport photo and fingerprint) when purchasing a SIM card. This ensures user identity verification and prevents misuse. Tourists must show their passports at the point of sale.

Device Registration

Foreign devices usually connect without issue. If your phone is carrier-locked, ensure it is unlocked before travel. No IMEI registration is required for tourists.

SIM Card Price

ProviderPrice (EGP)Includes
Vodafone Egypt~50–100 EGPSIM + some data/voice credit
Orange Egypt~50–100 EGPSIM + welcome package
Etisalat Egypt~50–100 EGPSIM + starter data
WE~40–80 EGPSIM + bonus data

eSIM Availability

All four major providers support eSIM for compatible smartphones (iPhone, Samsung, Pixel). You can activate eSIMs in-store or via the provider’s app.

Vodafone Egypt

Availability

Widely available at airports, city centers, and malls.

Vodafone Egypt Data Feature Packages

PlanPrice (EGP)DataValidity
Basic301.5 GB7 days
Monthly Mini1007 GB30 days
Super20020 GB30 days
Max40050 GB30 days

For Social Media

Vodafone offers Social Bundles (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, TikTok):

  • 10 EGP = 500 MB (7 days)
  • 30 EGP = 1.5 GB (30 days)

Data-Only SIM

Ideal for tablets or modems. Packages start from 25 EGP for 1 GB.

Prepaid Plans & Data Add-Ons

Add-ons can be purchased via the My Vodafone app or USSD (*200#).

Orange Egypt

Availability

Sold at airports, Orange stores, and convenience outlets.

Orange Data Feature Packages

PlanPrice (EGP)DataValidity
Easy251 GB7 days
Go 70706 GB30 days
Go 15015015 GB30 days
Go 25025040 GB30 days

For Social Media

Special Go Social bundles:

  • 15 EGP = 1 GB for Facebook/Instagram/WhatsApp
  • 50 EGP = 5 GB for all social apps

Data-Only SIM

Starting at 50 EGP, with data packs from 1 GB to 100 GB.

Prepaid Plans & Add-Ons

Activate via My Orange App or dial *100#.

Etisalat Egypt (Now Branded “Egypt”)

Availability

Found in airports, stores, and tourist cities.

Data Feature Packages

PlanPrice (EGP)DataValidity
EasyNet 25252 GB7 days
EasyNet 10010010 GB30 days
EasyNet 20020025 GB30 days

For Social Media

“Social Plus” bundles start from:

  • 10 EGP = 1 GB for Facebook/Instagram
  • 25 EGP = 3 GB (multi-app)

Data-Only SIM

Perfect for travelers with tablets or hotspots. Starting from 25 EGP.

Prepaid Plans & Add-Ons

Purchase via My Etisalat App or *566#.

WE (Telecom Egypt Mobile)

Availability

Sold in WE stores, malls, and tourist areas.

Data Feature Packages

PlanPrice (EGP)DataValidity
Start251.5 GB7 days
Smart 70708 GB30 days
Smart 15015018 GB30 days
Smart 25025040 GB30 days

For Social Media

Social plans start at:

  • 10 EGP = 1 GB for Facebook/Instagram/WhatsApp
  • 30 EGP = 3 GB (valid 30 days)

Data-Only SIM

Available starting from 30 EGP with data packs up to 100 GB.

Prepaid Plans & Add-Ons

Manage via My WE App or dial *999#.

Tourist SIM Cards in Egypt

Most operators offer Tourist SIMs, available at airports and official stores.

  • Validity: 30 days
  • Typical inclusions: 10–20 GB data + local calls
  • Registration: Requires a passport only

Activation

SIMs are activated instantly upon registration. Insert the SIM, restart your phone, and wait for an activation SMS. eSIMs activate via a QR code scan.

How to Check Remaining Balance

ProviderCode
Vodafone*868#
Orange*100#
Etisalat*555#
WE*550#

Help Line Numbers

ProviderCustomer Care
Vodafone Egypt888
Orange Egypt110
Etisalat Egypt333
WE111

Top-Up Methods

  • Scratch cards (available at kiosks & stores)
  • Mobile apps
  • Online recharge with Visa/MasterCard
  • USSD codes for recharging (*858*code# for Vodafone, *102*code# for Orange, etc.)

Conclusion

Buying a prepaid SIM in Egypt is simple and provides excellent value for travelers. Vodafone Egypt leads in coverage, while Orange and Etisalat offer competitive data bundles. WE is a budget-friendly choice for urban users.
With prices starting under $3 USD, tourists can enjoy fast internet, local calls, and social media connectivity anywhere from Cairo to Sharm El Sheikh.

Leave a Comment