Taking cash in and out of Egypt: What are the rules?
How much money can you take to Egypt? Read our UK guide for info on the rules around taking cash in and out of Egypt.
Best eSIM for Egypt: Top 5 plans compared for UK travellers
Planning a trip to Egypt? Staying connected while travelling is important, but using your UK SIM card abroad can lead to high roaming charges.
An easier, more cost-effective option is an eSIM, which provides data access without roaming fees. eSIMs work just like regular SIM cards, but you do not need to swap a physical card or visit a store to set it up. You can usually keep your current phone number too, so people can still contact you while you’re away.
In this article, we’ll explore the top eSIM providers available and help you choose the best eSIM for Egypt. We’ll look at each provider’s key features, coverage and pricing to help you find the right plan for your trip.
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| Best eSIM for Egypt: Quick picks |
|---|
| Best overall: Airalo – Wide range of plans with reliable local coverage. |
| Best unlimited option: Holafly – Flexible unlimited data plans. |
| Best budget choice: Nomad – Affordable short-term data plans. |
| Best for frequent travellers: Ubigi – Monthly and multi-country packages. |
| Best for added security: Saily – Includes built-in website protection. |
Best eSIM providers for Egypt: Top 5 compared
Let’s explore some options to help you find the best eSIM for Egypt:
| Provider | Best for | Key features | Pricing | Data options | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airalo¹ | Overall flexibility | Data-only plans (fixed and unlimited) | From €4 | 1 GB – unlimited | Orange / Vodafone |
| Saily² | Enhanced security | Data-only plans (fixed and unlimited) Malicious URL blocking | From $5.99 | 1 GB – unlimited | Multiple networks |
| Holafly³ | Unlimited data | Customisable plans Hotspot sharing | From £16 | Unlimited | Vodafone / Orange |
| Nomad⁴ | Budget trips | Data-only plans (fixed and unlimited) Free welcome eSIM | From £2.99 | 1 GB – unlimited | Local networks |
| Ubigi⁵ | Frequent travelling | Data-only plans (fixed and unlimited) Monthly and annual packages | From £3.50 | 1 GB – unlimited | Vodafone |
Prices and plan details may vary depending on your location, currency and promotions. Prices may also be shown in different currencies depending on the provider. Always check the provider’s website for the latest information before buying.
You can use the converter below to quickly check the latest exchange rates.
Airalo
Airalo offers a variety of Egypt eSIM plans, from small data bundles to unlimited options. Plans start at €4 for 1 GB, with larger packages and unlimited plans available for longer stays.¹
Airalo connects to major local networks such as Orange Egypt and Vodafone, providing coverage in cities and popular tourist areas.¹
Available plans include:
- 1 GB of data for 3 days - €4
- 5 GB of data for 7 days - €12
- 20 GB of data for 15 days - €32.50
- Unlimited data for 3 days - €18.50
- Unlimited data for 10 days - €41
- Unlimited data for 30 days - €88¹
Saily
Saily offers Egypt eSIM plans ranging from small data packages to unlimited options. It connects through multiple local networks to provide reliable coverage.²
Saily also includes security features that help block malicious websites and intrusive ads.
Here are some of Saily’s eSIM plans for Egypt:
- 1 GB of data for 7 days - $5.99
- 3 GB of data for 30 days - $12.99
- 10 GB of data for 30 days - $28.99
- 20 GB of data for 30 days - $44.99
- Unlimited data for 10 days - $54.99
- Unlimited data for 30 days - $98.99²
Holafly
If you’re looking for an eSIM with unlimited data in Egypt, Holafly is a strong choice. Plans can be customised based on the length of your stay.³
Holafly connects via Vodafone and Orange networks and allows limited hotspot sharing (typically capped per day).³
Here are some of Holafly’s available plan options:
- 3 days - £16
- 5 days - £25
- 7 days - £32
- 10 days - £35
- 30 days - £81³
Nomad
Nomad offers both fixed-data and short-term unlimited plans. Paid plans typically start at £2.99.⁴
Fixed-data plan options include:
- 1 GB of data for 7 days - £2.99
- 3 GB of data for 30 days - £6.35
- 5 GB of data for 30 days - £9.71
- 10 GB of data for 30 days - £15.69
- 20 GB of data for 30 days - £23.16
- 50 GB of data for 30 days - £33.62⁴
Nomad is a good option for short trips or travellers who want affordable data.
Ubigi
Ubigi offers weekly, monthly and annual eSIM plans for Egypt.⁵
Some of the eSIM options Ubigi offers include:
- 1 GB of data for 7 days - £3.50
- 10 GB of data for 7 days - £13
- 25 GB of data for 30 days - £27
- Unlimited data for 15 days - £39
- Unlimited data for 30 days - £58
- 20 GB per month - £16/month⁵
Ubigi is particularly useful for frequent travellers or those who prefer renewable plans.
How to choose the best eSIM for your Egypt trip
With several providers available, it’s worth comparing:
- Cost
- Compatibility with your phone
- Plan duration
- How much data is included
- Network coverage
How to install and activate an eSIM for Egypt travel
Installing and activating an eSIM differs between iPhone and Android devices.
If you’re using an iPhone:
- Go to Settings and tap Cellular or Mobile Data
- Select Add eSIM, then choose Use QR Code
- Scan the QR code or enter details manually⁷
To activate:
- Turn on your eSIM
- Enable Data Roaming
- Select your eSIM as the mobile data line⁷
If you’re using Android:
- Open Settings and tap Connections
- Tap SIM Manager and select Add eSIM
- Scan QR code or enter activation code⁷
To activate:
- Enable your eSIM
- Turn on Data Roaming
- Select it as your primary data line⁷
Why use an eSIM for travelling to Egypt?
- Often more affordable than roaming
- Can be activated instantly
- No physical SIM to lose
- Keep your UK number active
- A more sustainable option
Save on holiday spending in Egypt with the Wise card
The best eSIM for Egypt depends on your travel needs and budget, but there’s an option for everyone.
The Wise debit card can be a convenient choice for your trip to Egypt. For a one-time cost of £7, you can spend and withdraw in over 150+ countries, including Egypt.
With the Wise card, your pounds are automatically converted at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend.
FAQs about using an eSIM in Egypt
Let’s go through some frequent questions about using an Egypt travel eSIM:
Is an eSIM secure?
Yes, eSIMs are secure and embedded in your device, reducing the risk of loss or damage.
Is my phone compatible with eSIM?
Most newer smartphones support eSIM. Check your phone settings or manufacturer’s website to confirm compatibility.
Can I keep my original phone number?
Most eSIMs are data-only, so your main SIM remains active for calls and texts.
Can I make calls and send texts with an eSIM?
Many eSIM plans are data-only. You can use apps like WhatsApp or FaceTime for communication.
How much data do I need for my trip to Egypt?
Around 2–5 GB per week is sufficient for basic use, while heavier users may prefer 10 GB or unlimited plans.
What if I run out of data?
You can usually top up or purchase a new plan through the provider’s app or website.
Sources used:
- Airalo - Egypt eSIM
- Saily - Egypt eSIM
- Holafly - eSIM Egypt
- Nomad - Egypt eSIM
- Ubigi - eSIM for Egypt
- Ubigi - Egypt data plans
- Holafly - setting up your eSIM
Sources last checked on date: 30-Mar-2026
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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