Where to buy a SIM card in Hurghada and how to activate it?

At Hurghada Airport, a WE SIM was reported at $7 for a 45 GB social-media package. The data connection worked, but there was no calling option in the interface, suggesting that this tariff may be data-only.

On a dual-SIM phone, turn off mobile data first, set the Egyptian SIM as the default data SIM in the settings, then turn mobile data back on.

One traveler always buys a SIM at Hurghada airport from the Orange operator — convenient because the operator's app lets you check remaining data balance, and coverage is good everywhere.

A SIM can also be bought at the duty-free shop — inexpensive, with the internet package price depending on the number of days; if data runs out early, it can be topped up. Separately, an Orange eSIM connected in February reportedly delivered 5G speed.

Late-June report: activated a physical SIM at the airport, but the activation SMS code never arrived — only a pre-installed eSIM and Wi-Fi worked. Takeaway: having an eSIM as backup helps when local SIM activation fails.

More detailed eSIM setup steps: install it in advance (at home or at the airport) while you still have stable internet. On the plane before landing, fully disable your home SIM and set the eSIM as primary. Upon landing, make sure to enable roaming on the eSIM — internet can appear even before the plane fully stops. Trip.com's app has a detailed guide for connecting the eSIM.

Some travelers recommend using an eSIM instead of a physical SIM: buy it in advance, install via QR code (or directly through a trip app) before departure — no need to disable or unlock anything. After installing, just enable roaming, and internet works right after landing (some report it working even while still taxiing).

If a purchased physical SIM still isn't working after 24 hours, it's likely an activation issue on the operator's side. Advice given: next time get an eSIM in advance instead to avoid this activation hassle.

Opposing view: it's better to buy a SIM right at the airport, because signal in hotel rooms and on the street can be weak when many tourists arrive at once and the local network gets overloaded.

Senzo Mall has local operator counters where you can buy and activate a SIM card in town if you do not want to get one at the airport.

If you buy a WE SIM at Hurghada Airport, ask the staff to activate it immediately on the spot: according to a recent report, internet worked fine after that, while otherwise they may tell you to wait 30–60 minutes.

A recent report says that on repeat visits with the same phone, the local SIM may keep working if the gap is under 3 months; after a longer break, the device may be blocked.

A WE SIM bought at Hurghada airport connected to the network after about 20 minutes, but only showed 3G with barely any data. Activation required a Wi-Fi connection.

Avoid airport SIMs — they frequently don't work. Near El Mercato mall there are several operator kiosks, about a 5-minute walk. Hotel Wi-Fi is usually good enough for streaming; a SIM is mainly needed outside the resort.

Key activation tip: Hurghada airport has no free Wi-Fi, but activation requires internet. Before landing, disable your home SIM, insert the Egyptian one, and enable roaming — this lets you activate using mobile data.