Staying connected
You have three choices for a phone in Egypt: use your home plan with roaming, buy a local SIM, or install a travel eSIM. Hotels, cruise boats and many cafes also offer Wi-Fi, though speeds vary.
Local SIM card
- Where: official stores of the main operators, Vodafone, Orange and e&, and kiosks at the international airports.
- What you need: your passport. Local SIMs are registered to the buyer, and a store will do it for you.
- Your phone: it must be unlocked. Check with your carrier before you leave.
- Cost: prices and data bundles change, so check the operator's current tourist offers. One source says airport kiosks charge more than city stores.
eSIM
An eSIM is a digital SIM installed on a compatible phone, so you can set it up before you fly. Travel eSIM providers usually do not need an in-person passport registration. The catch is that most are data-only, so you get internet but no local phone number for calls or texts. If you need a local number, for example for a driver or a hotel, a local SIM is easier.
Most guides that compare the two are written by eSIM sellers, so compare current prices and rules on the official operator sites.
Power plugs and voltage
| Item | In Egypt |
|---|---|
| Plug types | C and F, with two round pins. Type C is the thin Europlug. Type F, the Schuko, has grounding clips on the side. |
| Voltage | 220 V |
| Frequency | 50 Hz |
North American plugs have flat pins, so travelers from the United States and Canada need an adapter for type C and F sockets. Check that every device is rated for 220 volts. Most phone and laptop chargers are rated for 100 to 240 volts, but hair dryers and some small appliances are not, and they can be damaged. A universal adapter that covers C and F is enough for most trips.
A short packing list
- An unlocked phone, and the eSIM or SIM plan you chose.
- A C and F plug adapter, or a universal one.
- A power bank for long, full-day excursions.
- Your passport, for SIM registration if you buy a local SIM.
For the other practical choices of the trip, see money in Egypt and what to wear in Egypt.