Where to buy a SIM card in Hurghada airport and how much does it cost?
From messages by 2 participants in 2 sources · Last activity: 38 days ago
There is a risk of being given a previously used SIM at the airport. Ask the counter staff to activate and register it with your passport immediately, and to show the available data balance in the Etisalat app.
Passport registration and Etisalat balance check
Several travelers report problems with the Etisalat 60 GB SIM bought at the airport for $11–13: the connection stopped working after just a few days with only 1–30 GB actually used, and the app showed data being deducted in Egyptian pounds — raising suspicion that sellers misrepresent the real package size.
Etisalat 60 GB for $11–13 — complaints
Tip: when buying a SIM at the airport (Etisalat, roughly $7–8 for 25–30 GB), make sure it's working on your phone right at the counter — sellers provide a QR code to quickly install the Etisalat app for checking your data balance.
On-the-spot activation + Etisalat app
Etisalat is a good budget option: 30 GB for $7, enough for 10 days of moderate use. Heavy streaming will drain any package quickly. Available right at the airport exit.
Etisalat — 30 GB for $7
Orange offers 60 GB for $10 with fast, reliable connection. Two SIMs purchased at the airport — both phones worked fine, including one previously used in Egypt.
Orange — 60 GB for $10
Etisalat is available at the airport exit for $6. The advertised 30 GB is split into two packages: 8.5 GB main and 17.5 GB bonus — actual usable data is around 26 GB.
Etisalat — ~26 GB actual for $6