Yes, mobile phone coverage is generally good in Egypt’s urban areas, but coverage may not be as available in remote and desert areas. Your most cost-effective option to stay connected while you're travelling will likely be to purchase a local SIM card when you arrive.
Otherwise, you can activate global roaming while travelling through Egypt, but be sure to check extra costs with your mobile provider as this option can often turn out to be quite expensive.
Buying a SIM card in Egypt
To avoid roaming charges, it's probably best to to buy a local SIM card in Egypt. Local SIM cards can be used on most unlocked phones from Europe, Asia and Australia and some unlocked phones from North America, but because Egypt's mobile phones run on a GSM network, a lot of cellphones from the US may not work. You'll still be able to access wi-fi when it's available, but a mobile plan may not be an appropriate way to get connected.
For most other travellers, picking up a local SIM is probably your least expensive course of action. Egypt has three main telecommunications providers – Orange, Vodafone and Etisalat – and you can visit one of their kiosks or stores to get a SIM card. Here, they may ask for a passport and confirmation of address, then you will be able to get your mobile connected.
Our tours in Egypt
12 Days
From
2272
From Cairo, Alexandria and Aswan to the Valley of the Kings at Luxor, see the pharaohs,...
8 Days
From
1107
Visit Egypt and adventure along the River Nile through the land of the pharaohs, from...
9 Days
From
2243
From the Pyramids of Giza to the temples of Karnak and the bustling Khan al-Khalili...
19 Days
From
4383
This 19-day tour explores the best of Egypt and Jordan in Comfort, from Cairo to...
8 Days
From
1915
Travel Egypt on this adventure that visits Cairo, Aswan and Luxor. See pyramids, visit...
Tailor-Made trips
Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary
15 Days
From
2646
Take an adventure holiday through Egypt and Jordan. Visit Cairo, the Pyramids of Giza,...
16 Days
From
5040
Discover Egypt and Jordan on a 16-day Premium adventure from Cairo to Amman, including...
15 Days
From
5020
Travel down the Nile from Cairo to Aswan, exploring Luxor, Alexandria and more along...
22 Days
From
7600
Discover the contrasts of modern and ancient Egypt and Jordan on this in-depth Premium...
22 Days
From
8114
Uncover the culture and history of the Middle East on a 22-day Premium journey through...
22 Days
From
2890
Jordan and Egypt on a 22-day adventure including Petra, Cairo, Wadi Rum, Aswan, Luxor,...
15 Days
From
1390
Explore Egypt in 15 days with an Intrepid tour to Cairo, the Nile, Aswan, Luxor and...
26 Days
From
8390
Embark on an immersive, 26-day journey through the diverse Middle East, from the icons...
9 Days
From
812
Take an immersive nine-day tour through Egypt. Kick off in Cairo, home to the Pyramids...
9 Days
From
1515
Follow in the footsteps of prophets on an adventure tour through Jordan and Egypt....
15 Days
From
2066
This is trip for the big names – Lawrence of Arabia, Indiana Jones, Tutankhamen. Jordan...
22 Days
From
5370
Experience the best of the Middle East across Jordan, Egypt, Israel & Palestine....
19 Days
From
3500
Travel from Cairo to Tel Aviv, stopping at Aswan, Luxor, Cairo, Wadi Rum, Petra, Amman...
8 Days
From
1390
Decode the secrets of the Great Sphinx and more during this family adventure through...
8 Days
From
1504
Step back in time on an 8-day family Egyptian adventure through Cairo, Aswan and Luxor....
28 Days
From
9910
Deep dive into the Middle East on a 28-day Premium journey through Egypt, Jordan,...
15 Days
From
3595
Decode the secrets of the Great Sphinx and more during this family adventure through...
