Power & Connectivity (SIM)
Connectivity may vary by region and season.
Voltage & Plug Types
Electrical standards and outlet shapes
Egypt uses 220V, 50Hz with plug types C and F (European-style two round pins). Bring an adapter.
- Voltage / Frequency
- 220V, 50Hz
- Plug types
- C and F (two round pins)
- Adapter
- Bring a European-style adapter
- Outlets accept European-style two-round-pin plugs (types C and F).
- Check that your devices support 220V or use a converter for single-voltage electronics.
Buying a SIM Card
Where to buy, costs, and activation process
Main operators are Vodafone Egypt, Orange and Etisalat (branded "we"). Tourist SIMs are sold at the airport and operator shops; bring your passport to register.
- Operators
- Vodafone Egypt, Orange, Etisalat ("we")
- Where to buy
- Airport and operator shops
- Registration
- Passport required
- Coverage is good in cities and tourist areas.
- Tourist SIM packages typically bundle data and local minutes.
eSIM & Mobile Wi-Fi
eSIM availability and portable Wi-Fi rental
If your phone supports eSIM, travel plans are convenient: buy online before arrival with no shop visit. Compare data allowance and coverage.
- Requirement
- eSIM-compatible phone
- Purchase
- Online before arrival
- Compare
- Data allowance and coverage
- An eSIM lets you connect on landing without visiting a store.
- Check that the plan covers the regions you will visit.
Wi-Fi Availability
Public Wi-Fi coverage and security
Wi-Fi is common in hotels, cafes and resorts, though speed varies. Treat public Wi-Fi as unsecured and use a VPN for sensitive tasks.
- Where
- Hotels, cafes, resorts
- Speed
- Varies by location
- Security
- Use a VPN on public Wi-Fi
- Public Wi-Fi should be treated as unsecured; avoid banking without a VPN.
- For reliable data on the move, use a local SIM or eSIM.
Internet Restrictions & VPN
Blocked services and VPN recommendations
Some VoIP/calling apps and certain websites have at times been restricted or blocked in Egypt. A reputable VPN can help, but confirm it works and keep more than one messaging app.
- Restrictions
- VoIP and some sites at times
- VPN
- Reputable one may help; verify it works
- Backup
- Keep more than one messaging app
- Access to calling apps and some sites can vary, so plan alternatives.
- A VPN may bypass blocks but is not guaranteed; test before you rely on it.
Useful Local Apps
Must-have apps for transport, translation, and maps
Ride-hailing apps Uber and Careem are widely used. Add offline maps, WhatsApp, a translation app for Arabic, and relevant airline or rail apps.
- Ride-hailing
- Uber and Careem
- Navigation
- Offline maps
- Communication
- WhatsApp, Arabic translation
- Uber and Careem are common in major cities for convenient rides.
- Airline and rail apps help with bookings and schedules.
International Calls
How to make international calls and alternatives
Egypt's country code is +20. App-based calls over data are common to avoid roaming charges. Save numbers in full +20 format.
- Country code
- +20
- Calling
- App-based calls over data
- Number format
- Save in full +20 format
- Using data-based calling apps avoids expensive roaming charges.
- Storing numbers in international +20 format keeps them working abroad and locally.