Why an eSIM is Recommended for Egypt?
No EU roaming
Egypt is not in the European Union, so free roaming doesn't automatically apply. European plans typically charge roaming in Egypt, which can quickly become expensive. An eSIM is therefore strongly recommended to avoid bill surprises.
When an eSIM is recommended
- Extended stay: if your home plan charges roaming in Egypt
- Heavy usage: streaming, video calls, hotspot
- Budget plan: plans with no Egypt coverage
- Simplicity: no need to check conditions, immediate activation upon arrival
- Tourist areas: good 4G coverage guaranteed with local carriers
Network Coverage in Egypt
Egypt has good 4G coverage in tourist areas thanks to three major carriers:
| Carrier |
Coverage |
5G |
Used by |
| Vodafone Egypt |
90%+ |
Yes |
Airalo, GoMoWorld |
| Orange Egypt |
85%+ |
Yes |
Ubigi |
| Etisalat |
85%+ |
Yes |
Saily, Holafly |
Coverage by destination
- Cairo, Giza Pyramids: excellent 4G coverage in the capital and around historical sites
- Luxor, Aswan: good coverage in cities and archaeological sites along the Nile Valley
- Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, Red Sea: excellent coverage in beach resorts and coastal areas
- Desert: limited coverage in deep desert, network available in tourist camps
- Routes between cities: decent coverage along main roads
How to Install Your Egypt eSIM
- Purchase your plan (QR code received by email in 2 min)
- Install 24-48h before departure from your WiFi
- Activate upon arrival in Egypt (timer starts)
- Keep your home SIM for calls and texts
Compatibility: iPhone XS+, Samsung S20+, Pixel 3+, Xiaomi 12+, OnePlus 8+
Best Egypt eSIM 2026
<BlogSummaryTable
title="Top 5 Egypt eSIM 2026"
countryCode="EG"
countrySlug="egypt"
plans={[
{
rank: 1,
providerId: "airalo",
data: "5 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$8.50",
highlight: "Global leader + Vodafone Egypt network",
promoCode: "ESIMP15",
},
{
rank: 2,
providerId: "gomoworld",
data: "5 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$10.70",
highlight: "Vodafone Egypt network (best coverage)",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
{
rank: 3,
providerId: "holafly",
data: "Unlimited",
duration: "5 days",
price: "$19",
highlight: "Unlimited data + hotspot",
},
{
rank: 4,
providerId: "saily",
data: "1 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$6.20",
highlight: "NordVPN included",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
{
rank: 5,
providerId: "ubigi",
data: "3 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$9.70",
highlight: "Orange Egypt network",
},
]}
/>
Why these providers?
- Airalo: global leader (8M+ users), Vodafone Egypt network, code ESIMP15 (-15%)
- GoMoWorld: Vodafone Egypt network (best national coverage), code ESIMP (-10%)
- Holafly: unlimited + hotspot, ideal for heavy users
- Saily: built-in NordVPN for secure public WiFi, code ESIMP (-5%)
- Ubigi: Orange Egypt network, good urban alternative
Conclusion
Egypt is not in the EU, so no free roaming. An eSIM is strongly recommended to avoid high roaming charges.
If you choose an eSIM: Airalo 5 GB at $8.50 with code ESIMP15 offers the best value on the Vodafone Egypt network.
For heavy users: Holafly unlimited eliminates any stress.
Egypt eSIM FAQ