SIM & Internet — page 2

Can phones get blocked in Egypt when using a local SIM card, including the second SIM slot?

Traveler reports from Hurghada suggest that in 2025–2026 phone blocking rules for Egyptian SIM use are inconsistent: some devices or SIM slots get blocked, while others do not. There is also a view that phones registered in Egypt before 2025 may still work, but this is not guaranteed.

2 sources · 97 days ago

Where is the best place to buy a SIM card in Hurghada: at the airport or in town, and is it safe to buy one on arrival?

Travelers mainly compare buying a SIM card at Hurghada Airport versus in town. The airport is convenient on arrival, but people expect queues there, while official mobile operator shops in Hurghada are the usual alternative.

2 sources · 56 days ago

Can you buy a SIM card on arrival in Hurghada and get mobile internet working right away, including hotspot or eSIM use?

Yes: travelers report buying a local SIM right after arriving in Hurghada, having it inserted on the spot, and getting data working immediately. If your main phone setup is inconvenient, you can use a second phone as a hotspot or switch to a device with eSIM.

2 sources · 100 days ago

How to use a local SIM card in Egypt with a locked phone

For locked phones in Egypt, buy a small portable router (~$15–20) and insert the local SIM there, or use a second device with eSIM as a hotspot. iPhone users must enable the SIM and turn on roaming in settings.

1 source · 101 days ago

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

Skip the airport and buy a SIM near El Mercato mall in Hurghada — several operators within a 5-minute walk. Airport SIMs often don't work, and activation requires Wi-Fi which the airport lacks.

2 sources · 41 days ago

eSIM shows signal but no internet in Hurghada — how to fix it?

Signal bars on an eSIM don't mean data is working. The issue is usually APN settings or activation. Hotel Wi-Fi in Hurghada is also notoriously unreliable.

2 sources · 31 days ago

Where to buy a SIM card in Hurghada airport and how much does it cost?

SIM cards are sold at the airport exit. Etisalat offers 30 GB for $6–7, Orange offers 60 GB for $10.

2 sources · 38 days ago

Will my phone get blocked in Egypt after 90 days of using a local SIM card?

Yes — using an Egyptian SIM card registers your phone's IMEI, and after 90 days the device may be blocked in Egypt. For repeat visits, use an eSIM or the M8 roaming option instead.

1 source · 23 days ago

Does eSIM work in Hurghada Egypt and where to buy one?

eSIM from Tripcom works well in Hurghada — around 450 RUB for 11 days, hotspot supported. Activate upon arrival.

1 source · 106 days ago

Where to buy a SIM card in Hurghada Egypt and which one to get

Buy a local SIM at Hurghada airport after baggage claim — We operator offers 22 GB + 750 minutes for around $10. Alternatively, get an eSIM before departure for about 7 days/1 GB per day.

2 sources · 107 days ago

How much does a SIM card with internet cost at Hurghada Airport?

According to travelers between July and October 2026, a SIM card with data at Hurghada Airport most often cost $5 to $12: for example, about $8 for 30 GB, $8–10 for 36–40 GB, and $12 for 64 GB from WE; one participant in September quoted about $20 for 20 GB. SIMs are sold right at the airport exit. Check which package was actually activated: with WE, about 23.5 GB of the promised 40 GB remained after tax.

2 sources · 4 days ago

Will Egypt block the second SIM slot when registering an Egyptian SIM card?

Results vary: some users only have the unregistered slot blocked, while others report both SIM slots being blocked. In the latter case, Egypt's Telecom Egypt app may charge a tax on both slots.

1 source · 109 days ago

How long before an Egyptian SIM card gets blocked for long-term use in Hurghada?

Egyptian SIM cards typically get blocked after around 90 days of continuous use, sometimes sooner. Some cards last over a year, but all are at risk under the current regulations.

1 source · 76 days ago

Will a SIM card in Hurghada work in a locked phone?

Travelers report that Egyptian SIM cards from Vodafone and Orange worked fine in locked iPhones and Samsung phones without being blocked.

1 source · 76 days ago

Where to buy a SIM card in Hurghada and which operator to choose?

You can buy a SIM card at Hurghada airport (30 GB packages available), and top up with additional data at your hotel. An Egyptian SIM bought on a previous trip still works on return visits.

3 sources · 76 days ago

Should I bring a pocket WiFi router to Hurghada or buy a local SIM card there?

It's easier to buy a router with a SIM card on arrival in Hurghada. Local SIM cards (Orange) are available right at the port, and routers cost roughly the same as back home.

2 sources · 111 days ago

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

Buy a SIM card at Hurghada airport on arrival. Orange activates instantly at the counter; WE costs $7 for 30GB but may take several hours to connect.

3 sources · 12 days ago

Egypt SIM card 90-day phone IMEI block — how to avoid it in Hurghada

After 90 days with an Egyptian SIM, your foreign phone gets IMEI-blocked. Workarounds: a portable Wi-Fi router with a local SIM, a second phone, or an eSIM (Trip.com or M8 Egypt from online marketplaces).

1 source · 12 days ago

How to reactivate or renew YeSim eSIM for Egypt?

Archive your old YeSim profile and purchase a new Egypt data plan. Egyptian plans offer good value — 50+50 GB was available for around $17.

2 sources · 113 days ago

Can I buy a new SIM card in Egypt if I bought one there less than a year ago?

The issue is not about buying a second SIM within a year — it's about your phone being blocked on Egyptian networks. If your device is blocked, neither a physical SIM nor an eSIM will work.

2 sources · 3 days ago

How to activate and set up an eSIM for Egypt?

Install your eSIM before departure but activate it upon arrival in Egypt. If it's not working, make sure your primary SIM is disabled and the eSIM is set as the default data line.

1 source · 6 days ago

Where to buy a SIM card in Hurghada, Egypt?

The nearest official We store is on the ground floor of Hurghada Mall (Hurghada Centre). It's about 30 minutes on foot or 5 EGP by dolmus. Bring your passport — they'll insert the SIM on the spot.

2 sources · 69 days ago

Can your home SIM card get blocked when visiting Egypt a second time?

Egyptian carriers track device IMEI, so your SIM or device may face restrictions on a repeat visit to Egypt. The block does not apply once you return home.

1 source · 18 days ago

How to activate and set up an eSIM for travel to Egypt?

Activate your eSIM at your departure airport so it works immediately upon arrival in Egypt. Switch cellular data to the eSIM only on the plane or after landing.

1 source · 83 days ago

Will my phone get blocked in Egypt if I use a local SIM card?

Yes — any phone used with a local Egyptian SIM card gets blocked after 90 days. Phones already used with a local SIM before January 1, 2025 are exempt.

2 sources · 53 days ago