Which SIM card should I buy for Egypt to avoid phone/network blacklisting

From messages by 3 participants in 2 sources · Last activity: 54 days ago

TL;DR

Phones can get blacklisted from local networks in Egypt (blocking roaming, eSIM, and new local SIMs) on repeat visits — travelers suggest buying a pre-verified SIM card (e.g. the 'M8' model) from Ozon or Wildberries before the trip, or carrying a portable Wi-Fi router instead.

What the community said

An alternative to a physical SIM is buying an eSIM via Trip.com: select Egypt, choose the number of days and data volume, pay, then activate it using the provided link while still on Wi-Fi (e.g., on departure day), switch to this eSIM once on the plane, and enable roaming. One traveler got a 10-day/5GB package for 450₽ and found it very convenient.

Trip.com eSIM, 10 days/5GB — 450₽

The SIM can be purchased from any seller and requires internet access for activation. Once in Egypt, disable your primary SIM and enable roaming on the travel SIM as described in its instructions.

To avoid your phone getting blacklisted on your next visit, buy an 'M8' model SIM card from Ozon or Wildberries in advance — it's a reliable option that works without issues.

M8 SIM card (Ozon/Wildberries)

If you use a problematic SIM, your phone can get completely blacklisted from Egyptian networks on your next visit — neither roaming, eSIM, nor new local SIM cards will work.

While in Egypt, it's easier to rely on hotel/cafe Wi-Fi, or buy and carry a pocket Wi-Fi router instead of a local SIM card.

Pocket Wi-Fi router