Buying a Prepaid SIM Card for Egypt
Egypt offers a variety of SIM card options from major telecommunications providers, including Etisalat, Orange, and Vodafone. Each provider has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to consider your needs and preferences when making a decision.
Factors to Consider
- Coverage: Etisalat has the widest coverage in Egypt, followed by Orange and Vodafone. If you’re planning on traveling to rural areas, Etisalat is the best option.
- Data Speed: All three providers offer fast data speeds, with Vodafone having a slight edge in major cities. If you’re planning on streaming video or doing other data-intensive activities, Vodafone is the best option.
- Price: All three providers offer a variety of prepaid plans at different price points. Etisalat is generally the most expensive, followed by Orange and Vodafone.
- Customer Service: All three providers have good customer service, but Vodafone is known for its excellent English-speaking staff. If you’re concerned about getting help if you need it, Vodafone is the best option.
Recommended SIM Cards
- For travelers who want the best coverage: Etisalat
- For travelers who want the best data speed in major cities: Vodafone
- For travelers who are on a budget and don’t need the fastest data speed: Orange
Where to Buy SIM Cards
SIM cards can be purchased at the following locations:
- Airports: SIM cards can be purchased at most major airports in Egypt.
- Telecommunications stores: Etisalat, Orange, and Vodafone have stores all over Egypt.
- Convenience stores: SIM cards can also be purchased at some convenience stores.
How to Activate SIM Cards
To activate a SIM card, you will need to follow the instructions that come with the card. This will usually involve providing your passport information and making a top-up payment.
Additional Tips
- Purchase more data than you think you’ll need. It’s always better to have too much data than not enough.
- Top up your SIM card regularly. Most prepaid plans expire after a certain period of time, so be sure to top up your card before it expires.
- Use a local phone number if you’re planning on making calls to Egyptian numbers. This will save you money on international calling rates.
- Download important apps and maps before you go: This will save you data usage and ensure you have access to essential information offline.
Vodafone Egypt Data Packages
| Price | Data | Time | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|
| LE 0.75 | 10 MB | 1 hour | *2000*01# |
| LE 1.50 | 30 MB | 3 hours | *2000*03# |
| LE 2.50 | 60 MB | 6 hours | *2000*06# |
| LE 2 | 50 MB | 7 days | *2000*72# |
| LE 3 | 100 MB | *2000*73# | |
| LE 7 | 350 MB | *2000*77# | |
| LE 5 | 150 MB | 28 days | *2000*5# |
| LE 10 | 500 MB | *2000*10# | |
| LE 20 | 1.1 GB | *2000*20# | |
| LE 30 | 1.8 GB | *2000*30# | |
| LE 40 | 2.5 GB | *2000*40# | |
| LE 60 | 4 GB | *2000*60# | |
| LE 80 | 6 GB | *2000*80# | |
| LE 100 | 8 GB | *2000*100# | |
| LE 150 | 12 GB | *2000*150# | |
| LE 250 | 20 GB | *2000*250# | |
| LE 400 | 40 GB | *2000*400# |
Orange (formerly: Mobinil) Data Packages
| Package | Time | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online 1 | 24 hrs | 25 MB | LE 1 |
| Online 7.5 | 30 days | 200 MB | LE 7.50 |
| Online 15 | 600 MB | LE 15 | |
| Online 30 | 1.5 GB | LE 30 | |
| Online 45 | 2.5 GB | LE 45 | |
| Online 60 | 3.5 GB | LE 60 | |
| Onlime 75 | 5 GB | LE 75 | |
| Online 100 | 8 GB | LE 100 | |
| Online 150 | 12 GB | LE 150 | |
| Online 250 | 20 GB | LE 250 | |
| Online 400 | 40 GB | LE 400 | |
| Online 150 | 1 year | 500 MB/mo. | LE 150 |
Etisalat Data Packages
| Package | Data | Soc. Media | Price | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connect 10 | 350 MB | 350 MB | LE 10 | *22*10*2# |
| Connect 20 | 750 MB | 750 MB | LE 20 | *22*20″2# |
| Connect 35 | 1.5 GB | 1.5 GB | LE 35 | *22*35*2# |
| Connect 65 | 3.25 GB | 3.25 GB | LE 65 | *22*65*2# |
| Connect 130 | 10 GB | LE 60 | *22*130*3# | |
| Connect 200 | 16 GB | LE 100 | *22*200*3# | |
| Connect 300 | 25 GB | LE 300 | *22*300*3# |
WE by Telecom Egypt Data Packages
| Data | Time | Price | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 MB | 1 days | LE 1 | *999*01# |
| 1 GB | 30 days | LE 10 | *999*10# |
| 2.5 GB | 30 days | LE 20 | *999*20# |
| 6 GB | 30 days | LE 40 | *999*40# |
| 18 GB | 30 days | LE 100 | *999*100# |
| 40 GB | 30 days | LE 200 | *999*200# |
References:
https://capturetheatlas.com/sim-card-for-egypt/
https://esims.io/en/blog/esim-plans-egypt
Hello, I’m Herman C. Miller, the founder of InternetPKG.com, your ultimate destination for all things Mobile Internet and Telecommunication Services. With a BSc in Telecommunication Services and over 6 years at AT&T, my passion for the industry led to this platform. At InternetPKG.com, we prioritize keeping you informed with the latest package offers, ensuring our content stays current. Our team, including a dedicated Internet Package and Mobile Data Plans Researcher, tirelessly researches emerging trends, identifies market opportunities, and provides expert product recommendations.