How to buy a prepaid SIM card in Egypt

Planning a trip to Egypt, whether to explore the ancient wonders of the Pyramids of Giza and Luxor, or to visit the incredible coral reefs of the Red Sea, involves careful preparation. One of the most important aspects of your preparation is ensuring you have reliable, affordable mobile data. But, if you’re travelling from the UK, navigating international roaming fees and local Egyptian options can be confusing.

In this guide, we break down your options and explain why an eSIM for Egypt is a convenient and cost-effective way to stay connected.

eSIM T&Cs apply.

Why reliable mobile data is essential for your Egypt trip

Beyond the obvious need to share your holiday snaps, connectivity is vital for several reasons:

• Navigation: using apps like Google Maps or other digital maps to navigate complex road networks or find remote historical sites
• Communication: talking to locals using translation apps
• Ride-sharing: booking transport like Uber or Careem
• Safety: having access to emergency numbers and resources the moment you need them

Without an Egypt SIM card, you rely entirely on hotel or café Wi-Fi, which can be patchy, slow, and, in some cases, unsecure.

Can I use my UK SIM card in Egypt?

The answer is yes, but it's almost always the most expensive option. Since Brexit, many UK mobile networks (like Vodafone, EE, and Three) have re-introduced or increased daily charges and out-of-bundle rates for roaming outside Europe.

The high costs of roaming with a UK SIM card

The UAE is one of the most expensive roaming zones for most UK providers. While specific rates vary, you could face charges relating to:

• Daily passes: paying a daily fee (often between £6–8) to unlock your home plan's data allowance. These can quickly add up on a 2-week trip.
• Pay-as-you-go (PAYG) rates: if you don't buy a pass, the charges are often expensive. Data can cost upwards of £1 per MB (megabyte), meaning a few minutes of video streaming or a simple map download could cost a lot.
• Hidden use: even background apps updating or receiving a simple text message can trigger minimum daily charges or start accumulating fees you won't see until your bill arrives.

If you're travelling on a budget or plan to stay in the country for more than a few days, using your UK mobile plan isn't a good idea. It's usually best to switch off data roaming as soon as you land in Egypt to avoid bill shock.

Local Egypt SIM cards: your traditional options

Egypt has 4 main mobile network operators: Vodafone, Orange, Etisalat, and WE (Telecom Egypt).

These operators offer dedicated prepaid SIM card plans, which provide a fixed amount of high-speed data and sometimes some local calling credit for a set number of days.

Leading Egyptian mobile operators and plans

Coverage can vary between operators, but here's a brief look at what they typically offer:

• Vodafone Egypt is the main operator in Egypt, known for offering wide network coverage and good overall reliability, particularly in more remote areas or along coastal routes. Its tourist packages are robust and widely available.
• Orange Egypt is a strong competitor, providing good 4G coverage and fast speeds in metropolitan areas like Cairo and Alexandria. It often has competitive data bundle prices for tourists.
• Etisalat Misr offers good service and speeds in urban centres and is a reliable third option. However, its coverage may not be as extensive as Vodafone's when venturing into the desert or deep into Upper Egypt.
• WE (Telecom Egypt) is the newest operator in the market, often offering low prices and high data allowances. It's a good budget option if you're primarily staying in cities or well-developed tourist zones.

Where can I buy a physical Egypt prepaid SIM card?

• Airports: the most convenient spot is usually the cluster of kiosks for all 4 operators located immediately after baggage claim at major international airports like Cairo (CAI) or Hurghada (HRG). This is the best place to buy a physical SIM card, as staff are experienced in dealing with tourists and can complete the necessary registration.
• Official stores: visiting an official shop in a city centre is an option, but airport kiosks are generally more convenient for tourists needing immediate activation and support.
• Other vendors: avoid purchasing SIM cards from unverified small shops or kiosks outside the official stores to ensure correct registration and plan activation.

If you choose the traditional route, be prepared for some bureaucracy and a brief delay.

Important: Egyptian law requires all mobile SIM cards to be registered to a valid ID. When purchasing a physical SIM, you need to show your passport and a copy of your entry visa/stamp to the vendor. The SIM is linked to your passport, ensuring compliance with local regulations. This process is necessary for activation, and you should ensure the vendor completes it before you leave the shop.

The modern alternative: why an Egypt eSIM is the smarter choice

While buying a local prepaid SIM card is better than relying on expensive UK roaming, it still involves hassle and takes time. This is where embedded SIMs (eSIMs) offer a solution, and we're leading the charge for travellers.

An eSIM is a digital SIM profile embedded in your phone's hardware. Instead of swapping out tiny pieces of plastic, you simply install a data plan digitally using a QR code or an activation code.

The advantage of Revolut eSIMs

We offer a range of regional and global eSIM plans, including a dedicated Egypt eSIM option that can be purchased and activated in-app.

By choosing a digital solution, you can land in Egypt with your connectivity already sorted, skipping the queueing and ensuring you have a data plan ready immediately. You can search for directions, book a taxi, and contact your accommodation from the moment you step off the plane.

Staying connected across the region

If your holiday involves travel beyond Egypt, perhaps an excursion to Jordan, Israel, or Saudi Arabia, buying multiple physical SIM cards is inconvenient. Our regional plans, including our Africa or Middle East eSIM, offer coverage across multiple countries, ensuring you remain connected throughout your entire multi-stop itinerary without needing a new SIM at every border.

To find out more about which plans suit your trip, just check in-app. We offer plans for Egypt and 100+ other countries globally.

More ways we make travelling to Egypt easier

Managing your spending in Egyptian pounds (EGP) is just as important as staying connected. We have various offerings designed to simplify your travel finances, making your trip stress-free.

Spending seamlessly with the Revolut card

Exchanging currency by ordering cash from a high street bank or a bureau de change can often mean poor exchange rates. But, with a multi-currency account at Revolut, you can manage your spending in EGP at competitive rates.

Our multi-currency account allows you to hold, exchange, and spend in dozens of currencies, including EGP. When you use your Revolut card in Egypt, we automatically convert your money using competitive rates, allowing you to spend like a local without worrying about excessive fees. You can easily keep track of your transactions in real-time in-app, helping you stick to your holiday budget.

If you’re ready to start saving on your trip, explore the features of our travel money card.

18+, fees and T&Cs apply.

Protecting your trip with Revolut travel insurance

For many travellers, especially those planning activities like diving in the Red Sea or multi-day desert safaris, having comprehensive travel insurance is non-negotiable.

Depending on your Revolut plan, you may have travel insurance benefits included, ranging from medical emergencies to trip cancellations and flight delays. Knowing you have reliable coverage means you can enjoy Egypt's incredible sights with greater peace of mind. Check your specific plan details in-app to see what coverage is included.

Insurance policy T&Cs (incl. exclusions) apply.

Getting started with a Revolut eSIM

Here's how you can set up your Egypt eSIM in just a few taps:

1. Open or download Revolut. Signup only takes a few minutes.
2. Go to RevPoints from your home screen. Next, tap eSIM.
3. Choose your plan. Select the Egypt eSIM or a regional plan that best fits your trip length and data needs. You can also explore our range of Global eSIMs.
4. Buy and activate. Complete the purchase and follow the simple on-screen instructions to download the eSIM profile to your device.
5. Land and connect. Make sure your data roaming is turned on for the new eSIM line (and off for your home SIM line) in your settings and get connected the moment you touch down in Egypt.

Final travel tips for Egypt

Now you’ve got your SIM for Egypt sorted, here are a few extra tips to ensure a smooth, stress-free trip:

1. Cash and cards: while card payments are accepted in high-end hotels and large malls, cash (in Egyptian pounds) is essential for local markets, tipping, small restaurants, and many taxis. You can withdraw cash from ATMs using your Revolut card.
2. Bargaining: haggling is a core part of the culture in markets and for taxis. Be polite and view it as a friendly interaction.
3. Local apps: download essential apps like Uber or Careem before you go, as ride-sharing is often easier than flagging down a traditional taxi in larger cities.
4. Water: always drink bottled water and avoid tap water, ice, and unpeeled fruits to stay healthy throughout your trip.

No withdrawal fees charged by Revolut within your plan's rolling monthly limit. Fair-usage fees and third-party ATM fees may apply.

Planning a trip to another country and looking for the best SIM card options? Check out our different guides to:

• Australia SIM card
• Saudi-Arabia SIM card
• Morocco SIM card
• Turkey SIM card
• Dubai SIM card
• Thailand SIM card
• Spain SIM card
• South-Africa SIM card
• Japan SIM card
• United States SIM card

The information provided is accurate as of 15 October 2025.

The content of this page is for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. If you have any questions about your personal circumstances, please seek professional and independent advice. Revolut is not a financial adviser.