SIM & Internet

Why am I receiving calls and messages meant for a previous owner on a tourist SIM card in Sharm El Sheikh?

This is usually normal: tourist numbers with a limited validity period may be deactivated after about a month of inactivity and later officially reassigned to another visitor. Calls for the former owner do not by themselves mean the SIM is fake or that your data has been stolen.

1 source · 5 days ago

Why do local SIM cards get blocked for tourists in Sharm El Sheikh and how to avoid it?

Local SIM cards (Orange, Vodafone, WE) in Sharm El Sheikh sometimes get blocked for tourists unexpectedly and unpredictably. Mobile phone shops can sometimes unblock them, but often only for 90 days before they get blocked again.

1 source · 1 day ago

How to avoid getting scammed with a used/resold SIM card at Sharm El Sheikh airport?

At Sharm El Sheikh airport some vendors resell already-used SIM cards (sold for about the price of a burger) with less data than promised — check your data balance in the operator's app right after purchase. Many travelers instead bring a portable pocket WiFi router bought before the trip.

2 sources · 12 days ago

Unlocking/registering a phone in Egypt: does a Sinai-only entry stamp count as proof of tourist status?

To unlock a phone in Egypt you need proof you're a tourist, not someone importing phones for resale. A full visa in the passport works, but it's disputed whether the Sinai-only entry stamp (given to those staying only in Sharm/Sinai) counts the same way — no official confirmation that visas are prioritized over the stamp.

1 source · 12 days ago

How to stay connected with phone/internet in Sharm El Sheikh (local SIM vs roaming vs WiFi calling)?

Options include using your home carrier's roaming (works fine for calls), enabling WiFi calling to avoid roaming charges, or buying a local Egyptian SIM card and sharing internet via hotspot with the whole family.

1 source · 14 days ago

How to unlock a blocked SIM card in Sharm El Sheikh without paying the extra tourist tax fee

At Vodafone and Orange, unlocking a SIM as a tourist usually requires showing your visa stamp, but some branches may refuse and demand an extra 'tax' payment — results vary by office and staff.

1 source · 18 days ago

Where to buy a local SIM card in Sharm el-Sheikh and will using one lock your phone?

You can buy a 10GB SIM right at Sharm el-Sheikh airport for about $5, sometimes with a bonus 3GB SIM included. Phone locking after using a local SIM is rare, not the norm.

2 sources · 18 days ago

Where to buy a local SIM card in Sharm El Sheikh and how much does it cost?

Easiest option is buying a SIM right at your hotel — around $12 for 27GB, though local shops in town can be cheaper (from ~$8-10 equivalent), or get an eSIM before arrival. Home carrier roaming is significantly more expensive for the same data.

1 source · 19 days ago

Which SIM card to buy in Sharm El Sheikh and where to get the best deal

Vodafone or Etisalat are the top picks, and it's best to buy right at the airport on arrival — in the city the same SIM can cost nearly twice as much; real data allowance is usually about half of what's advertised.

2 sources · 14 days ago

How much data do you actually get with an airport SIM card in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt?

Orange SIM cards sold at Sharm El Sheikh airport come with 40-65GB packages for around $10, but travelers report actual data runs out much faster than advertised - check your balance via the operator's app or USSD code.

2 sources · 9 days ago

Where to buy a local SIM card in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt and how much does it cost?

It's cheaper to buy a SIM at an official operator shop in town rather than at the airport — activation is free and takes about 10-15 minutes. A 40GB package from the WE carrier costs around $13 at the airport, but city shops are usually about twice as cheap.

2 sources · 21 days ago

How to check a local SIM card has real data (GBs) before leaving the shop in Sharm El Sheikh?

Right after buying, download the operator's app and check the GB balance before leaving the shop — this way you avoid getting a used SIM with data already spent.

1 source · 21 days ago

How do I check all included data and claim daily bonus data on an Etisalat SIM in Sharm El Sheikh?

Some Etisalat data allowances may be hidden in the package details: travelers reported 15 GB on the home screen plus another 30 GB that was used first. Check the plan in the app while buying the SIM, and open the daily in-app offer for bonus data, messenger bundles, or minutes.

1 source · 24 days ago

How much does an eSIM data plan cost for Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, and is it cheaper than roaming?

For a short trip to Sharm El Sheikh, an eSIM can cost around US$5—for example, 3 GB per day for 4 days. If you only need data, it is usually cheaper than mobile roaming, and calls can be made via WhatsApp or Telegram.

1 source · 24 days ago

Orange SIM card data packages in Sharm El Sheikh: prices, validity and top-ups

Travelers reported Orange data packages of 20 GB for about US$6–8, with service lasting up to 12 days; a 5 GB/7-day starter option can be topped up. Buying a SIM at the airport was considered risky.

2 sources · 24 days ago

Will my old phone work with a local SIM card in Sharm El Sheikh (Egypt) in 2026?

Phones used before April 2026 worked fine with local SIMs (e.g. Orange Egypt), but after April 2026 Egypt introduced changes — an old phone may not register a local SIM, so you may need a different (unlocked/newer) device.

1 source · 26 days ago

Where to buy a SIM card or eSIM at Sharm el Sheikh airport

Kiosks of the main Egyptian carriers (Vodafone, Orange, Etisalat, WE) are located in the arrivals hall of Sharm el Sheikh airport and sell tourist SIM cards with data bundles. A Vodafone Egypt eSIM can also be activated right at the airport or set up in advance via an app or reseller.

2 sources · 14 days ago

Where to buy a local SIM card with data in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt?

Easiest option is buying an Etisalat or Vodafone SIM right at Sharm El Sheikh airport arrivals — 20-200GB packages cost about $10-20 and easily last 1-3 weeks even when sharing hotspot across devices.

3 sources · 39 days ago

How much mobile data (eSIM/SIM) do you need for a trip to Sharm El Sheikh, and is a local SIM card necessary?

3-5 GB is usually enough for a 10-day trip if you rely on hotel wifi and only use mobile data outside the hotel (mainly for taxi apps). A local SIM isn't strictly required — hotel wifi is often decent and taxis are easy to find on the street.

2 sources · 30 days ago

Why do phones get blocked when using a local Egyptian SIM card, and how to unblock them?

Egyptian carriers can lock phones (especially iPhones) that first get registered with a local SIM card, particularly within the first few months of use. You can get it unlocked at an official carrier store by showing scans of your visas from the past 1-2 years.

2 sources · 26 days ago

How to get a SIM card in Sharm El Sheikh if your phone doesn't support eSIM?

If your phone supports eSIM, it's easier to buy one online before the trip (a bit pricier but more reliable). If not, get a physical SIM card on arrival at the airport or at local phone shops in town.

1 source · 32 days ago

Can I use an eSIM in Sharm El Sheikh together with a local SIM, and when do I need to pay in the Telephony app?

If your phone supports eSIM, it can work as a backup alongside a local SIM in Sharm El Sheikh. Based on chat experience, payment in the Telephony app can be made later, even after service is cut off.

2 sources · 14 days ago

Is it better to use roaming or buy a local SIM for working remotely in Sharm El Sheikh, and is hotel room internet usually good enough for a laptop?

From the chat, at least one practical option for remote work was to use MegaFon roaming for calls and mobile data. When comparing SIM options, travelers focus on data volume, call minutes, and SMS, while no confirmed details were given about hotel room Wi‑Fi quality.

2 sources · 35 days ago

Should I buy a SIM card at Sharm El Sheikh Airport, and how much does it cost?

Yes — you can buy a SIM card right after landing at Sharm El Sheikh Airport, where desks of Egypt’s major mobile operators are typically located near the exit. Travelers report airport prices of about $7–20 depending on data volume; some prefer buying an eSIM or travel SIM in advance instead.

4 sources · 6 days ago

Will my eSIM or home SIM work in Sharm El Sheikh without buying an Egyptian SIM, and do I need to enable roaming?

Yes, in Sharm El Sheikh you can stay connected without an Egyptian SIM by using Wi‑Fi or your eSIM/home SIM in roaming. The key practical step is to enable data roaming in your phone settings once you are in Egypt.

2 sources · 37 days ago

How long can you use your phone with an Egyptian tourist SIM before it gets blocked, and does leaving Egypt reset the timer?

According to the discussion, a phone can be blocked after 90 days from its first registration on an Egyptian mobile network. Leaving Egypt earlier does not appear to reset the countdown, and swapping to another SIM does not prevent the device block.

1 source · 3 days ago

Is it worth buying an Etisalat SIM card at Sharm El Sheikh Airport, and do you really get the advertised data package?

Travelers reported buying Etisalat SIM cards at Sharm El Sheikh Airport for about $10–11: some worked fine for the whole trip, while others seemed to run out earlier than expected. The practical takeaway is that airport SIMs can be convenient, but you should verify activation and remaining data before leaving the counter.

1 source · 3 days ago

Where can you buy a SIM card at Sharm El Sheikh Airport, and how much do local data packages cost?

The easiest option is to buy a local SIM card on arrival at Sharm El Sheikh Airport. Recent reports mention offers from about $8 for a local SIM up to $30 for a WE package with 50 GB, and an Etisalat SIM for $10 with a claimed 60 GB.

1 source · 40 days ago

Where is it better to buy a SIM card in Sharm El Sheikh: at the airport or in town, and how can you avoid getting a used SIM?

If you are not in a rush, it is usually better to buy a SIM card from an official operator shop in Sharm El Sheikh, where the tariff choice is wider and prices do not depend on the area or mall. If you buy at the airport, check the actual remaining data immediately so you do not end up with a previously used SIM.

1 source · 41 days ago

Should I buy a tourist SIM card at Sharm El Sheikh Airport, and do I need to return it before flying out?

Yes, buying a tourist SIM at Sharm El Sheikh Airport is a practical option, especially if your hotel Wi‑Fi is slow or unreliable. You normally do not need to return the SIM before departure, as tourist SIMs are valid only for a limited period.

2 sources · 12 days ago

Why is WhatsApp verification SMS or call not coming through on a WE SIM card in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt?

Travelers report that WhatsApp verification SMS or voice calls may fail on a WE SIM even when mobile data works normally. In the discussion, a possible reason mentioned was IMEI registration or blocking, and support was described as unresponsive by phone and email.

2 sources · today

How much does a SIM card cost in Sharm el-Sheikh and what plans are available?

SIM cards at Sharm el-Sheikh airport cost around 1600 RUB for 10 days/30GB, or ~4900 RUB for 2 weeks with 20GB and 200 minutes. Budget options exist for around 20 EGP for 15 days but with a 10 Mbps speed cap.

2 sources · 9 days ago

Will Etisalat SIM cards get blocked in foreign phones in Sharm el-Sheikh?

Android phones work fine with Etisalat SIM cards in Egypt. IMEI-related blocking reportedly affects only iPhones — no need to buy a separate hotspot device for Android users.

2 sources · 6 days ago

Should I get an eSIM for Sharm el-Sheikh — is it worth it?

An eSIM with unlimited data for 9 days costs around 2300 RUB (~$25). Buy it before you travel — it supports hotspot sharing to other devices.

2 sources · 51 days ago

eSIM vs local SIM card in Sharm el-Sheikh — which is better for tourists?

eSIM is the most convenient option — activate it on the plane before landing. Local SIMs are available at the airport or nearby shops, but may occasionally have connectivity issues after a few days.

2 sources · 5 days ago

Will my phone get blocked in Egypt for using a local SIM card without paying customs duty?

Yes, if you don't pay the customs duty on your phone when entering Egypt, it can be blocked from using local SIM cards — including on future trips. Compatibility issues between specific phone models and operators can also cause no-signal problems.

3 sources · 18 days ago

Should I buy an eSIM before traveling to Sharm el-Sheikh or get a local SIM card at the airport?

Both options work: buying an eSIM before departure gives instant connectivity on arrival, while a local SIM at Sharm el-Sheikh airport or in town may offer better local rates. Consider your phone's eSIM compatibility before deciding.

1 source · 58 days ago

What happens if you didn't register your phone when buying a SIM card in Egypt?

If your phone wasn't registered when you bought an Egyptian SIM, it may be blocked on your next visit. Using a different device or a portable Wi-Fi router (M8) is a safer option.

2 sources · 12 days ago

Which SIM card is best to buy in Sharm el-Sheikh Egypt?

Vodafone is considered the best network in Egypt for coverage but costs more. On repeat visits, a previously used SIM may not reactivate — consider eSIM instead.

2 sources · 4 days ago

Where to buy a SIM card in Sharm el-Sheikh — airport or in town?

SIM cards are available at Sharm el-Sheikh airport and in shops around Naama Bay — in-town options are generally cheaper with better data packages.

2 sources · 12 days ago