How to Get Mobile Internet in Egypt for Travelers: What Option to Choose?

Claudia Anderson

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Published: July 2024

Mobile internet in Egypt is a matter of great concern for most travelers to this country. With its significant importance in maintaining online connectivity and accessing necessary information, the mobile internet in Egypt now offers a wide range of connectivity methods and options for you to choose from. Let’s explore them in the article below!

I. Mobile Internet in Egypt – Coverage and Speed

Mobile internet in Egypt is generally quite wide, covering almost the entire country, especially in key tourist areas and centers. With good telecommunications infrastructure, carriers operate full 2G/3G/4G/5G and LTE networks.

In particular, in terms of coverage, urban areas have strong coverage, especially large cities. On the contrary, in suburban areas, the signal will be a bit weaker, but there are still wide coverage networks such as Orange and Etisalat.

Regarding speed, similar to coverage, 4G or LTE network speed is easy to exploit in key locations, while in suburban areas the speed will be slightly lower.

1. Egypt Mobile Internet Coverage

Coverage of mobile internet in Egypt (Source: Opensignal)

According to statistics from Opensignal in 2023, in the coverage section of the four largest Egyptian carriers, Etisalat ranks first in terms of widespread coverage, followed by Vodafone and Orange.

It can be seen that, thanks to the widest coverage from key centers to suburban areas, Etisalat is the leading network operator in this ranking.

► Our recommendation: You should choose Orange with a pretty good price for data packages, while also providing better video experience, app usage, and download speed than the other operators. However, if you live far from the city, you can choose Etisalat or Vodafone.

2. Egypt Mobile Internet Speed

With a ranking of 16, the average upload speed of the operator in Egypt is 24.26 Mbps. Upload speed is 5.6 Mbps, latency is about 32 Ms. Combining reports from Opensignal, when using the 3G network, the top upload speed is Orange, the top download speed is Etisalat. Regarding 4G network, the top upload and download speed is Etisalat and followed closely by Orange.

This report shows that Orange and Etisalat are the two carriers with the best internet speeds in Egypt that tourists can consider choosing. If using eSIM, you can choose Orange and if using a SIM card, you can choose Etisalat.

II. What are Connectivity Options for Tourists to Egypt?

When traveling to Egypt, you have many ways to connect such as: eSIM Egypt, SIM card Egypt, Roaming with Egypt Operators, public wifi or pocket wifi. Below is a comparison table for you to consider:

► Our recommendations:

• You should buy a SIM card with data to save costs and be able to make calls and text messages directly conveniently.
• If your phone is compatible with eSIM, you should choose to buy eSIM because it has a good price, is easy to activate, and does not require complicated procedures (consult Gigago for support in buying and receiving eSIM online in just 10 minutes).

III. Internet Rates in Egypt

Internet rates in Egypt vary by operator and plan, offering affordable options for diverse needs. With competitive pricing and flexible packages, users can access mobile internet services tailored to their budgets and usage requirements. Here are some suggestions for you:

It’s important to note that internet rates in Egypt and packages are subject to change, so it’s advisable to check with the specific mobile network operator for the most up-to-date information on available plans, rates, and promotions. Additionally, while purchasing a SIM card and data package upon arrival in Egypt is convenient, comparing rates and options beforehand can help you find the best deal for your needs.

► Our recommendation: You should choose a domestic SIM card or eSIM for economical costs with many benefits such as: high internet access speed, good price for texting and calling data, easy to buy and activate… You can refer to Orange’s eSIM – one of the largest networks in Egypt at Gigago.

IV. Data SIM Card for Mobile Internet in Egypt

A data SIM card is the safest and most suitable option for travelers to Egypt. Here are some advantages:

• Firstly, a SIM card can be used with any type of mobile phone without worrying about compatibility issues with eSIMs.
• Secondly, a SIM card helps you stay connected with friends and family through useful apps during your trip to Egypt.
• Thirdly, SIM cards in Egypt are provided by multiple network providers with various price options for you to choose from based on your personal needs.

Below, we’ll suggest some SIM card packages from popular network providers in Egypt for your reference:

By choosing a data SIM card from one of these reputable network providers, you can enjoy reliable mobile internet connectivity throughout your stay in Egypt.

However, data packets only have value parameters. For detailed standard information about your current carrier’s data packages, you should contact the providers. 

V. Data eSIM for Egypt – Best Option to Get Mobile Internet for Tourists

Besides SIM Card, eSIM is also an option that tourists are interested in when traveling. For those who have experienced using eSIM, they mostly think that eSIM has many outstanding advantages compared to SIM cards. Below are a few typical examples of the advantages of eSIM:

• High compatibility: Can be used for mobile phones, tablets and smart mobile devices, just scan the QR to install.
• More convenient than a physical SIM card: Just scan the QR and activate, you can use it without having to replace the traditional physical sim card
• Integrate multiple contacts: Just install via QR, your phone can integrate multiple phone numbers even though there is only 1 physical sim slot.
• Convenience for tourists: Tourists can take advantage of eSIM to activate mobile services with a variety of suitable packages.

So how to buy eSIM? You can buy directly from intermediary suppliers before your trip or domestic suppliers after arriving in Egypt.

1. Buy eSIM from Egypt Operators

In Egypt, three major carriers today such as Vodafone, Orange and Etisalat all provide eSIM services. To buy eSIM from these carriers, you need a passport or ID card for the registration process.

Buying eSIM directly from carriers in Egypt has many advantages, but there are also certain inconveniences for tourists as follows:

Below are the eSIM plans of the operators that you can refer to. However, the data numbers are for reference only. To get accurate information at the time you are looking, please contact the suppliers directly.

2. Buy eSIM from Gigago

To buy an eSIM, you will usually need many documents when registering. However, when buying eSIM from Gigago, you will receive the most convenient service because you do not need to show any complicated documents.

• 100% convenient online purchasing and transactions
• No need for ID card, no need for passport, no need to wait for delivery
• Activate directly after transaction by scanning QR
• Use and access the internet freely as soon as you arrive in Egypt

How to buy eSIM Egypt at Gigago? Follow these steps:

• Step 1: Visit the Gigago website: 
• Step 2: Go to the Home section, select to search for the country name by keyword Egypt
• Step 3: Choose the plan that suits your needs depending on your finances and length of stay
• Step 4: Make payment and wait for news via email.
• Step 5: Scan the received QR code or import activation code manually
• Step 6: Turn on data roaming on your phone
• Step 7: Complete and use

Gigago eSIM plans for Egypt: For Egypt, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 3GB GB for 5-14 days with $7.00 . What is great about Gigago’s Egypt eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $7.00 – $278.50 . Thus, it does not matter how Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Egypt, there is always an option for you with Gigago.

Gigago is an international eSIM provider with many diverse packages and incentives for tourists. With competitive prices, attentive and enthusiastic support 24/7, this is a reliable unit if you want to own a quality eSIM.

VII. Conclusion

Mobile internet in Egypt has rapidly evolved, offering widespread coverage and affordable rates. There are many ways to use mobile internet in Egypt for tourists. However, the best options to get a SIM Card and eSIM – depending on device compatibility. Follow us to get a lot of useful information when traveling internationally.