Local SIM cards in Egypt are purchased at an operator branch with your passport. Operators, unlocked phone requirement, 90-day registration period, and SIM-free options.
For internet access in Egypt, a local SIM card is purchased at the operator's branch with your original passport; your phone needs to be unlocked. That's the short answer to how to get a SIM card: there are four operators, and registration takes place at the branch. A 90-day registration period applies to phones brought in from abroad. You can find the details, exceptions, and a checklist below.
In brief
- Local SIM cards are purchased at the operator branch with your original passport; confirm details at the branch that cannot be verified via the official NTRA page.
- Your phone must be unlocked to get a line; the exemption for tourists' phones lasts 90 days.
- There are four operators: Vodafone, Orange, Etisalat (e&), and WE.
- For short trips, a Turkish roaming package or an eSIM may be an alternative; confirm coverage in advance.
The core rule: branch registration, unlocked phone
The reliable way to get a local line in Egypt is through the operator's official point of sale. The line providers are Vodafone, Orange, Etisalat (e&), and WE. According to the rule reported, a foreign customer getting a new line must go in person to the operator branch and show their original valid passport. The same source also mentions a valid residence document. This information is based on a blog source and has not been verified against NTRA's official page; so as a tourist, ask exactly what is required at the branch before getting a line.
The second requirement concerns the device: the phone must be unlocked, meaning a model without an operator lock. Store staff will explain how to register and activate the card.
The third issue is phone registration. Egypt applies a 90-day registration period for phones brought in from abroad; details are in the section below.
For entry requirements, see our Egypt visa page. Turkish citizens receive a visa on arrival, with a permitted stay of 30 days; the e-visa fee is 25 USD, and the visa on arrival is 30 USD.
Operators and where to get a SIM
All four operators have their own branches. At Hurghada Airport, all four have kiosks in the arrivals hall. We could not verify this for Cairo and other airports; confirm via the relevant operator's website or airport information before your flight.
Orange's lines for foreigners
Orange's foreigner-specific lines are limited to a maximum of 5 lines per person, and each line is valid for 30 days. This information comes from a blog source; we could not verify it on Orange's official page. If you're traveling with family or friends, keep in mind that each person may need to go to the branch with their own passport.
Which operator should you choose?
Coverage and package content vary by city and period, so we are not listing rates or prices. Ask at the branch about the current package, data amount, and validity period, and have it shown in writing or on screen. If you're considering buying at the airport, factor in post-flight fatigue and possible queues. If you prefer a city branch, plan around the free time in your tour itinerary.
Phone registration and the 90-day period
Egypt registers phones brought in from abroad. The Telephony app was launched on January 1, 2025, and allows a device to operate for a 90-day period. If customs duty is not paid by the end of the period, the device is deactivated. The duty is up to 38.5% of the device price.
NTRA and the Customs Authority removed the exceptional customs exemption for phones carried by passengers as of 12:00 noon on January 21, 2026. The exemption continues for 90 days for tourists' phones.
According to one blog source, when a local Egyptian SIM is inserted into a foreign phone, the device's IMEI number is automatically registered in the NTRA system and the 90-day period begins. We could not verify this detail on the official NTRA page; treat it as information to confirm at the branch rather than a confirmed fact.
What does this mean?
- For a trip of a few days in Egypt, the 90-day period should not cause any issues.
- If you'll be staying in Egypt longer than 90 days, or traveling back and forth frequently, confirm with the operator or NTRA how the rule applies to you.
How the application works may change; ask about the current status at the branch.
Options for getting online without a SIM card
A local SIM isn't the only option. For a short trip, consider the following:
- Your Turkish operator's international roaming package: Before leaving, check with your operator whether there's a package for Egypt, what it covers, and the cost. This varies by operator.
- Hotel and restaurant Wi-Fi: Available in many places, but speed and security vary. Avoid doing banking transactions on open networks.
- Offline maps and translation: Download maps and necessary files while on Wi-Fi.
- eSIM: If your phone supports it, you might consider an eSIM provider. We could not verify Egypt's rules for this option; check coverage and whether it works in Egypt before purchasing.
If you're traveling with a tour, ask your guide how the group connects. On the Cairo tour, your time to visit a branch may be limited; check the itinerary's duration and free time on the tour page, and prepare in advance if necessary. You can also check our online check-in guide for pre-flight procedures.
Step by step: how to get a SIM card
- Check your phone. Make sure it's unlocked. If it's locked by your Turkish operator, check with them before departure.
- Keep your Turkish line safe. Keep your current SIM somewhere secure; you may need your Turkish line for bank SMS verifications.
- Prepare your passport. Bring your original passport.
- Go to an operator branch. At Hurghada Airport, all four operators have kiosks in the arrivals hall. In other cities, prefer the operator's official branch.
- Ask about the package. Have the data amount, validity period, and total cost shown on screen or in writing.
- Get registered. Staff will register the card and explain activation.
- Test the connection. Before leaving the branch, make sure the internet works and the line is active.
- Keep your Turkish SIM separate while the local SIM is inserted. While using the Egyptian SIM in your phone, your Turkish SIM should be removed and stored. Reinsert your Turkish line when you return to Turkey.
Common mistakes and exceptions
The most common mistakes travelers make:
- Buying a line from an unofficial point of sale. Registration takes place at the operator branch; a line purchased outside the official branch may cause problems.
- Going with an operator-locked phone. The phone must be unlocked to get a line.
- Leaving the passport at the hotel. The original passport must be shown at the branch.
- Not asking about the price. Package price and data amount vary by period; ask to have it shown on screen at the branch.
- Forgetting the 90-day period. For long stays, the device is deactivated if duty is not paid by the end of the period.
Exceptions and uncertainties
Orange's foreigner-specific lines are limited to a maximum of 5 lines per person with 30-day validity. Some sources also mention that a residence document is required; confirm at the branch how this applies to tourists.
For itineraries that suit your route, you can check our Egypt tours page.
Pre-departure checklist
Review the following a week before departure and before closing your suitcase:
- Your passport is valid and you have the original with you.
- You've decided on your visa option: e-visa or visa on arrival. Details are on the visa page.
- Your phone is unlocked and its software is up to date.
- Your roaming package or offline-mode plan for your Turkish line is ready.
- Offline map and translation files are downloaded.
- You have a backup method for bank and verification SMS messages.
- You won't be using the phone in Egypt for more than 90 days; if you will, you've confirmed the rule with the operator or NTRA.
- Power adapter and portable charger are ready.
If you're planning your route, our Egypt places-to-visit guide can help you decide how long to spend in each city. If you'd like a ready-made itinerary, take a look at the Cairo, Sharm, and Alexandria tour departing from Ankara.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I get a SIM card in Egypt?
You can get one from the branches of Vodafone, Orange, Etisalat (e&), and WE. At Hurghada Airport, all four have kiosks in the arrivals hall. For other airports, check the operator's website.
Do I need a passport to buy a SIM card in Egypt?
Yes, a foreign customer must go to the branch in person and show their original passport. Some sources also mention a residence document. Since we could not verify this on the official NTRA page, ask at the branch what's required for tourists.
Can I use an Egyptian SIM card with my own phone?
Yes, but your phone must be unlocked, meaning a model without an operator lock. A 90-day registration period applies to phones brought in from abroad. Confirm at the branch how registration works.
Will my phone stop working in Egypt after 90 days?
If customs duty is not paid by the end of the period, the device is deactivated. The duty is up to 38.5% of the device price. The exemption for tourists' phones continues for 90 days.
How many lines does Orange give to foreigners?
Orange's foreigner-specific lines are limited to a maximum of 5 lines per person, each valid for 30 days. This information comes from a blog source; confirm it on Orange's current page.
How many days is an Egypt visa valid, and how much does it cost?
Turkish citizens receive a visa on arrival, with a permitted stay of 30 days. The e-visa fee is 25 USD, and the visa on arrival is 30 USD. Check our Egypt visa page for current requirements.
Sources
- Egypt SIM Card for Tourists (2026): Prices & Registration — roafly.com
- End of exceptional exemption on imported mobile phones carried by passenger following success of local manufacturing at — tra.gov.eg
- Egypt launches app to register mobile phones from abroad with grace period for customs payment - EgyptToday — egypttoday.com
- How To Buy a Sim Card at Hurghada Airport in 2026 - Traveltomtom — traveltomtom.net
- Choosing the Best Egypt SIM Card for Your Trip — globalyo.com
- How to Get a Prepaid SIM Card in Egypt - Wise — wise.com
My Travel Team
Travel Editor
The My Travel team prepares up-to-date travel, visa and tourism information and guides.
