Getting internet in Cairo: options and recommendations | December 2023
Using the internet in Cairo while discovering its wonders is almost an indispensable requirement. To do this, we can hire an eSIM card, a SIM card, portable wifi or public wifi and show what we have bought at the el-Khalili bazaar, the beautiful photos of the walk along the Nile or a video at the Pyramids of Giza.
Cairo Internet: options and alternatives
Having internet in Cairo has become essential when travelling to a foreign country. In order to have a data connection on your smartphone when you travel around this Egyptian city, you can use a Cairo SIM card, an eSIM card or Wi-Fi.
If you're wondering whether you can use your usual tariff in this city, the answer is yes, but it's not something we recommend. Cairo does not have free roaming after Brexit, so the companies apply a base rate that is not cheap.
Here is a table of internet prices in Cairo, so that you can easily compare all available options and prices:
| Internet cost in Cairo | ||
|---|---|---|
| Service | Cost/Days | Data |
| eSIM Cairo |
|
|
| Cairo Sim Card |
|
|
Cairo wifi:
|
|
|
Cairo roaming:
|
|
|
Sign up for an eSIM to travel around Cairo
The eSIM card works thanks to a chip in the mobile phone, which means that you don't have to use a physical card to use a data plan. Thanks to this modern design you can enjoy the data plan instantly, so you won't run out of internet in Cairo at any time.
To use this type of card, one of the options on the market is the Holafly eSIM. This card has a stable connection throughout Cairo thanks to the Vodafone and Orange operators, and depending on the area you travel through, you will automatically use one or the other, so you won't have to make any changes.
MóvilAT&T
Another benefit of this type of card is that you keep the same phone number, as you do not need to remove the SIM card from the phone you are going to use. This way you can use the internet in Cairo without any problems and not miss any calls or messages.
| eSIM Holafly Cairo: all plans | ||
|---|---|---|
| Plan | Cost | Gigas |
| 15 days | £34 | 6Gb |
One of the disadvantages of this type of card is that not all smartphones are compatible, so before signing up for a Holafly eSIM card you should check compatibility. The steps to follow are very simple:
- IOS devices: Go to "Settings" and then to "Mobile data", if you see the option "Add data plan", you can sign up for an eSIM card.
- Android devices: In "Settings" go to "Connections" and under "SIM Card Manager", if you see the option "Add mobile tariff", your phone is compatible.
If your mobile phone is compatible, you can sign up for the Holafly Cairo eSIM tariff and stay connected throughout your trip. This card is designed for tourists, backpackers or digital nomads, adapting to almost all requirements.
Once you have contracted the tariff you may be wondering how to install it. Here are the simple steps to follow and enjoy internet in Cairo. It's super easy and straightforward:
- Choose your data plan Egypt Select the desired rate.
- Scan QR code You will receive an email with a QR code when you sign up for the tariff.
- Install the data plan The device screen displays the steps you need to follow to install the data plan.
- Activate data plan You can now enjoy the trip.
As you can see, it is very easy to sign up and even easier to enjoy it. Enjoy internet connection in Cairo and stay connected with family and friends.
You should know that this card, although prepaid, is not rechargeable, so we recommend that you choose the days you want to use the Holafly eSIM card in Cairo.
If the advantages of an eSIM card have convinced you, but the Holafly branded tariffs do not suit your needs, you can check out one of these other companies:
- Mogo
- SimpOptions
- Yesim
- Ubigi
Cairo SIM card
If it is the case that your phone is not compatible with the eSIM card, don't worry, you don't need to change your mobile phone to enjoy your trip to Cairo, there are other options available for internet in Cairo.
One of the options is the Cairo SIM card. This type of card works in the same way as the one you use every day. You just have to replace one with the other.
Purchasing these cards is very easy, you can buy them online before arriving in the city or once you are there at any airport or company shops.
The cheapest way to buy these cards is at the official company points, as you may find cards that do not work or that expire prematurely.
The main companies operating in the country and where you have to go to get the Cairo SIM card are Vodafone Mobile, Etisalat, orange Mobile and WE. Topping up the card is very easy and you don't need a credit card to do this.
Some of the plans you find when you travel to Cairo to have internet and consult the map or talk to fellow travellers, are:
| Cairo Data SIM Card Plans | ||
|---|---|---|
| Call | Cost | Gigas |
| min20 | £5 | 10GB |
| min5 | £5 | 7GB |
| min30 | £13 | 40GB |
Wifi connect in Cairo
If you want to enjoy the internet in Cairo, the last of the available options is the one that comes to mind first, yes that one, wifi. It may be the most commonly used option when traveling. Within this option there are two possibilities: portable wifi and public wifi.
Portable wifi in Cairo
Portable wifi is the safest option to connect several devices simultaneously with the same device. Thanks to a private password you can enjoy a fast and drop-free connection during your trip to Cairo.
The portable wifi consists of a mini router and a data plan. As it is a fairly small device, it can be carried around quite easily. Some of the options you have to hire this pocket wifi, are:
- Travel Wifi: this device is rented by the day, so the price can vary, but from £3,89/Day you can connect up to five devices.
- Mio Wifi: enjoy unlimited data with this device that has a 12-hour battery life and can connect up to five devices.
This small, easily transportable device works in a similar way to the wifi we use at home every day. You choose the number of days you want to use it and the company takes care of the pick-up and drop-off points.
One of the issues to bear in mind is that the portable wifi is contracted on a rental basis, which means that once the contract ends you must return it. If it is lost or stolen, companies may apply a penalty.
Wifi free in Cairo
The last of the options we suggest for enjoying the internet in Cairo is public wifi. This is usually the most popular option when travelling as it is the cheapest. However, you should be aware that using this type of network puts your devices at risk.
Public wifi hotspots are not protected against cyber-attacks, so be careful when using them. Don't share information such as bank accounts or passwords to avoid any surprises during your trip.
Even so, if you decide to use this type of network, there are applications that make it easy to locate free wifi hotspots. WifiMap has a comprehensive map to help users locate the nearest networks.
Mobile roaming Cairo
When you travel to Cairo you should be aware that roaming is not free and therefore the companies will apply basic rates. We'll let you know in advance that it's not usually cheap. For this reason, it is best to contract an eSIM card or SIM card.
The basic plan that some of the companies offer are:
| Roaming rate Vietnam | ||
|---|---|---|
| Companie | Price Data | Call Rate |
| O2 | £7,2/MB | £2/min |
| Vodafone | £6/Day | £6/day |
| Three Mobile | £5/Day | 3p/min |
Here is some more information for you to consult about the services offered by other companies:
Internet speed in Cairo
As a general rule if you visit the centre of Cairo you will find 4G and 3G speed. However, if you go to outlying areas or go on an excursion to more remote areas, mobile coverage may not be as decent.
On the other side, the internet speed in Cairo is not very good, so if you are going for work or need a good internet connection, it is best to get an eSIM card or a Cairo SIM card. This way you won't have to worry about your connection during your trip.
Advantages of internet access in Cairo
We using our mobile internet connection at any time of the day. Therefore, having mobile data when travelling to El Caire offers great benefits. Some of the advantages we can have, are:
- Be in touch with family and friends to tell them how the trip is progressing and show them beautiful pictures of the Nile cruise or the visit to the pyramids.
- Share on social media the wonders you have found in the Jan el-Jalili Bazaar or the Hanging Church.
- If you travel for work or as a digital nomad, stay connected to your email and always be informed.
- See the map for directions to the Coptic Quarter, to the meeting point of the visit to the Al-Azhar Mosque or not to get lost on the way to the hotel.
If you need to know the advantages of having internet while traveling to other destinations, here are some options of destinations where you can enjoy international eSIM:
Recommendations for travel to Cairo
In Cairo you usually pay in cash, so it's advisable to bring cash with you before you arrive. You can also get a card that allows you to withdraw cash without commission at ATMs in the city.
The voltage in Cairo is 220V and the plug is the same as the European one, i.e. type C. Therefore, you should probably take an adapter with you to avoid any problems when charging your devices.
Transport in Cairo can get a bit chaotic, it tends to be quite crowded and poorly signposted, so one of the recommendations is to get around the city by hiring an uber or a taxi, for which it is very useful to have internet with a Cairo sim card or an eSIM.
Sign up for Egypt Holalfly eSIM
Frequently asked questions about the internet in Cairo
How to get internet in Cairo?
Having internet in cairo is possible thanks to SIM card, eSIM, portable wifi or public wifi.
Is internet good in Cairo?
Internet connection in Cairo is not very good, so you can buy a sim card or an eSIM card to enjoy a trouble-free connection.
Personas que han participado en este post:
