Use Cell Phone In Egypt for Travelers 2024: How To Do It?

Claudia Anderson

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Latest update: April 2024

This article is for travelers who will be visiting Egypt soon and want to understand their mobile options. We will explain if your cell phone can work in Egypt, how to use cell phone in Egypt to make staying connected effortless. Get informed so you can relax and enjoy your time in Egypt without stressing about communications.

I. Highlights of Phone Compatibility, Frequencies and Networks in Egypt

• GSM Networks: Egypt primarily operates on GSM networks. The major mobile network operators in Egypt are Vodafone Egypt, Orange Egypt, and Etisalat Misr.
• Frequencies: The GSM frequency bands currently used in Egypt are 900 MHz and 1800 MHz for 2G networks. For 3G networks, the frequency used is 2100 MHz. For 4G LTE, the frequencies used are Band 3, which corresponds to 1800 MHz, and Band 7, which corresponds to 2600 MHz.
• Compatibility: Most modern smartphones are designed to be compatible with the frequencies in Egypt. As a result, they operate smoothly and conveniently, being compatible with GSM networks and optimized for necessary features.
• SIM Cards: Travelers to Egypt can easily purchase prepaid SIM cards at airports or convenient retail outlets, such as mobile shops. These SIM cards typically include packages for data, voice calls, and messaging, allowing users to access the internet conveniently throughout their journey.
• Roaming: If you’re traveling to Egypt, it’s important to check international roaming capabilities and charges. Roaming fees may vary depending on your home country and the network provider you use. Additionally, there may be other supplementary charges depending on your network provider.
• Phone Unlocking: Depending on your phone, it may be locked to a specific network. You’ll need to unlock it before using a SIM card from that network in Egypt. Some network providers offer unlocking services for free upon purchasing a SIM card or for a reasonable fee.

II. Will My Cell Phone Work In Egypt?

We can basically answer this question with a resounding YES. Everyone has the opportunity to use their mobile phone in Egypt no matter where you go. But one thing we don’t dare to confirm is that it will definitely work for all carriers.

Some carriers may not be compatible and locked to your phone. However, there is a way to fix it: unlock the phone, use roaming services or other alternatives for users such as: roaming, pocket wifi, eSIM or SIM cards. If you want to use a cell phone in Egypt, these are the solutions you can refer to.

Below is a reference table of frequency bands of major carriers in Egypt, you can compare to see if your phone is compatible or not.

III. Do I Need An International Plan In Egypt?

The answer is YES. First, you need to understand that international plans are domestic packages that allow you to use them in Egypt when traveling here. The most important feature is that the international plan has a lower cost than common international roaming packages.

To avoid using high-cost roaming packages, you can replace it with other solutions such as: pocket wifi or free wifi. However, the disadvantages of these two solutions are:

• Pocket Wifi: High cost, suitable for use with groups of people rather than alone.
• Free Wifi: Inconvenient because it is only available in large public places, not everywhere has free wifi.

Below are the benefits of having an international plan that you should consider when traveling to Egypt:

• Utilize local call and text packages at discounted rates.
• Access internet and mobile data abroad at lower costs compared to roaming.
• Keep your original phone number without the need for change upon arrival in Egypt.
• Choose from various package options based on usage needs and length of stay.

IV. What Are Options To Use Cell Phone In Egypt For Tourists?

To use the international plan in Egypt, you need some basic solutions such as using a SIM card or eSIM. Especially eSIM if your phone is compatible with this service.

1. eSIM Plan for Egypt

• Suitable for: All cell phone devices compatible with eSIM installation.
• Where to buy eSIM for Egypt: You can purchase it at kiosks at airports, local telecommunications providers, small and large telecommunications stores, or even at tourist-oriented areas such as restaurants, hotels (depending on the location). Additionally, you can pre-purchase domestically through reputable providers (Refer to GIGAGO).
• Pros: Convenient, quick, no need for physical storage like SIM cards. Some networks offer lower costs compared to SIM cards and more package deals.
• Cons: Not all phones are compatible with and capable of eSIM installation. Check if your phone supports eSIM with our updated list of eSIM compatible devices.

2. International SIM card for Egypt

In addition to eSIM, SIM cards are a traditional communication solution that tourists use mostly when coming to Egypt. This solution has its own advantages and disadvantages.

• Suitable for: All types of mobile phones.
• Where to buy SIM Cards for Egypt: You can purchase it at kiosks at airports, local telecommunications providers, authorized retailers, small and large telecommunications stores, or even at tourist-oriented areas such as restaurants, hotels (depending on the location). 
• Pros: Good costs, many convenient packages for short or long-stay tourists. Easy to buy and activate at points of sale.
• Cons: Good costs, many convenient packages for short or long-stay tourists. Easy to buy and activate at points of sale.

3. Pocket WiFi

Pocket WiFi is a specifically recommended internet access solution for tourists visiting Egypt in groups. In fact,they can use this service individually or in groups. The only thing to do is to carry it with you every time you move.

• Suitable for: All types of mobile phones.
• Where to buy Pocket Wifi: Airports, Local telecommunications providers, Electronics stores, Online retailers, Hotels and tourist areas.
• Pros: Convenient, high internet access speed, can access many local websites without being blocked by regions.
• Cons: High cost, suitable for use by groups of people rather than individuals. Must carry it with you at all times.

V. Will My Local Network Work In Egypt?

The answer is most likely possible. Not all of your local carriers may operate in Egypt, but most will operate through international roaming services.

However, we do not recommend using this solution because international roaming is the most expensive telecommunications roaming solution that provides international communications and internet among the alternatives.

The only advantage of roaming is that you keep your local phone number intact. Other than that there is no better advantage.

VI. Gigago eSIM – An Alternative To Get Internet In Egypt With Your Cell Phone

eSIM is the best solution for communication and internet access while traveling in Egypt as long as you have an eSIM-compatible device. Alongside solutions like SIM cards, pocket wifi, or free wifi, eSIM remains a popular choice for many users due to several advantages.

• Easy to purchase, can be bought before the trip. Nowadays, many providers offer eSIMs for travelers to purchase before their trip, one of which is GIGAGO – a website selling reliable and reasonably priced travel eSIMs.
• Easy activation. If your phone is compatible with eSIM, you can easily activate and use it without needing many complicated paperwork steps.
• Diverse package options. Travelers will have various options for eSIM packages at good prices depending on their length of stay.
• Easy to store and maintain. Unlike SIM cards that need to be inserted and removed each time they are replaced, eSIM only requires scanning a QR code to activate, ensuring you won’t lose it.

Which Egypt eSIM plan should you choose for your trip?

Depending on the duration of your stay and your usage needs, you can choose suitable eSIM packages for your trip. GIGAGO is a provider of travel eSIMs for various countries and territories worldwide, including Egypt.

For Egypt, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 3 GB for 5 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.

VII. Extra Tips To Use Cell Phone in Egypt

• Compatibility: Most modern smartphones are compatible with the GSM network, which is widely used in Egypt.
• Buy a local SIM card: Economical, convenient, and easy to find at airports, kiosks, and local retailers.
• Local language: Make sure your phone supports Arabic language for easy communication and lookup.
• Free Wi-Fi Hotspots: Take advantage of free Wi-Fi hotspots at airports, stores, hotels, and restaurants.
• Emergency phone numbers: Keep a list of emergency numbers such as the police, fire department, local rescue, and embassies in your phone contacts for precautionary purposes.
• Download Travel Apps: Travel Apps will provide you with destination information, restaurant and hotel recommendations, and exclusive deals for travelers.
• Information security: Finally, ensure the safety of your phone information by avoiding visiting websites of unknown origin.

VIII. FAQs

IX. Conclusion

Using a cell phone in Egypt has become increasingly traveler-friendly, offering a variety of features ranging from connectivity, communication, affordable package options, to access methods. Depending on your personal needs during the trip, whether it’s a short or long stay, you can choose a suitable package for your phone. Particularly, if compatible, we highly recommend utilizing eSIM for its many available conveniences.