Stay Connected in Cairo
Network coverage, costs, and options
Connectivity Overview
Cairo's mobile connectivity has improved dramatically in recent years, with 4G coverage now reaching most tourist areas and main districts. The three major carriers - Vodafone Egypt, Orange Egypt, and Etisalat Misr - provide decent service throughout the city, though speeds can vary significantly between neighborhoods. Tourist hotspots like Zamalek, Maadi, and central Cairo generally have reliable coverage, while some older districts may experience slower speeds. WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants, but can be unreliable. For travelers, having your own data connection is essential for navigation, translation apps, and staying connected. The good news is that mobile data is relatively affordable in Egypt, whether you choose an eSIM or local SIM card.
Get Connected Before You Land
We recommend Airalo for peace of mind. Buy your eSIM now and activate it when you arrive—no hunting for SIM card shops, no language barriers, no connection problems. Just turn it on and you're immediately connected in Cairo.
Network Coverage & Speed
Cairo's mobile infrastructure centers around three main operators: Vodafone Egypt (the largest with best coverage), Orange Egypt, and Etisalat Misr. 4G coverage is solid in tourist areas, business districts, and along the Nile, with speeds typically ranging from 10-50 Mbps depending on location and network congestion. Vodafone generally offers the most consistent service, followed by Orange. Coverage extends well to popular sites like the Pyramids of Giza, Islamic Cairo, and Coptic Quarter. However, expect slower speeds during peak hours (evening) and in densely populated areas. The metro system has patchy coverage, and some underground areas in Khan el-Khalili may have weak signals. 5G is being rolled out but remains limited to specific areas in New Cairo and some business districts. Overall, network quality is adequate for typical travel needs like maps, messaging, and social media, though video calls may struggle during busy periods.
How to Stay Connected
eSIM
eSIMs are increasingly popular for Cairo visitors and work well with the local networks. The main advantage is immediate connectivity - you can activate before landing and have data as soon as you clear customs. Providers like Airalo offer Egypt-specific plans starting around $4-8 for short stays, with regional Middle East packages available for multi-country trips. The convenience factor is huge: no hunting for SIM card shops, no language barriers, no passport photocopying. You also keep your home number active for important calls. Downsides include slightly higher costs compared to local SIMs and less flexibility for long stays. Coverage mirrors the local networks since eSIMs use the same infrastructure. For most travelers staying under two weeks, the convenience and peace of mind make eSIMs worth the small premium over local options.
Local SIM Card
Local SIM cards offer the cheapest data rates in Cairo, with prepaid plans starting around 50-100 EGP ($2-4) for several GBs. You can buy them at the airport (convenient but pricier), official carrier stores throughout the city, or small phone shops (cheapest but requires more effort). You'll need your passport for registration - this is mandatory and the process can take 15-30 minutes. Vodafone and Orange have the best coverage and English-speaking staff at major locations. Airport shops charge a premium but handle activation immediately. City stores offer better rates but may have language barriers. Top-up credit is widely available at kiosks and shops. The main hassles are the initial setup time, potential communication issues, and dealing with Arabic menus on your phone. For stays over a month or travelers on extremely tight budgets, local SIMs make financial sense.
Comparison
Local SIMs are cheapest (around $2-4 vs $4-8 for eSIM), but require time, effort, and passport registration. eSIMs cost slightly more but offer instant activation and keep your home number accessible. International roaming is typically the most expensive option ($10-15/day) and should be avoided except for emergencies. For convenience and peace of mind, eSIMs win. For maximum savings on longer stays, local SIMs are better. WiFi-only is risky in Cairo given the unreliable public internet and navigation needs.
Our Recommendations
First-time visitors: Go with an eSIM from providers like Airalo. You'll have connectivity immediately upon landing, avoiding airport SIM shop hassles and language barriers. The small cost difference is worth the convenience and security of guaranteed service from day one. Budget travelers: If money is extremely tight, local SIMs are cheaper, but consider that an eSIM saves valuable time and eliminates potential frustration - often worth the extra $2-4 for the peace of mind. Long-term stays (1+ months): Local SIM makes financial sense here. Visit a Vodafone or Orange store in a tourist area where English is spoken. The savings add up over time. Business travelers: eSIM is essential - immediate connectivity, no downtime, and you can expense it easily. The convenience factor alone justifies the cost when your time has value.
Our Top Pick: Airalo
For convenience, price, and safety, we recommend Airalo. Purchase your eSIM before your trip and activate it upon arrival—you'll have instant connectivity without the hassle of finding a local shop, dealing with language barriers, or risking being offline when you first arrive. It's the smart, safe choice for staying connected in Cairo.
Exclusive discounts: 15% off for new customers • 10% off for return customers