Where to buy a SIM card in Hurghada airport and which operator is best?

A recent report describes an Orange SIM bought at Hurghada Airport that was still not detected by the phone and had no mobile data several hours after a roughly 4 pm purchase. It is worth having backup Wi‑Fi or an eSIM in case activation is delayed.

In one recent case, a WE SIM bought at the airport was activated on the spot and had working internet already on the transfer bus. This suggests WE can work immediately when activated by the staff member.

A traveler reports that a WE SIM bought at the airport, advertised with roughly 72 GB, was used up in one day; the actual data allowance may have been lower than stated. Check this option carefully before buying.

One traveler advises buying a SIM at the operator's official office in the city rather than the airport — it works immediately there. Airport activation can be unreliable: some tourists' SIMs weren't activated for two full days.

Bought a WE SIM right at the airport for $20; it activated about 40 minutes after purchase. Data lasted the full 10-day trip with daily WhatsApp video calls and active Telegram use.

Roaming is expensive, so a local SIM at the airport is the better option. Orange costs $8 for 30GB, WE costs $7 for 30GB. WE can be used as a hotspot, but activation may take several hours — one traveler had no connection from 9pm until the next morning.

Orange SIM cards sold at Hurghada airport do support mobile hotspot / internet sharing.

Buying a SIM at the airport is the most convenient option. Etisalat worked well for a long time, but once required a visit to the El Mercato office and took a full day to activate. Later, airport staff said activation takes 2 hours. Switching to Orange solved the problem — it activates on the spot while the seller is still holding the phone.