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All your questions about eSIM Egypt.

Clear answers, written by our team, based on real questions from our customers.

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📲 Installation 📱 Compatibility 💶 Plans & Pricing 📡 Coverage 🛒 Order 🔧 Issues

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eSIM Installation

How do I activate my Egypt eSIM? +
After your purchase, you'll receive a QR code by email and it's displayed on the confirmation page.

On iPhone: Settings → Mobile Data → Add a plan → Scan QR code
On Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Add eSIM → Scan the code
On Pixel: Settings → Network & Internet → SIM → Add eSIM → Scan the code

The eSIM installs in 30 seconds and activates automatically on your first connection to Egyptian network. 🇲🇦
Can I install the eSIM before departure? +
Yes, and we recommend it! Install the eSIM from home before you leave. The plan only starts at your first connection to Egyptian network — the timer doesn't run during installation. You arrive in Egypt, enable mobile data, and you're connected instantly.
How do I enable mobile data with the eSIM? +
After installation:

iPhone: Settings → Mobile Data → select the eSIM Egypt line → enable "Mobile Data"
Android: Settings → Network → SIM → select the eSIM → enable "Mobile Data"

Also remember to disable Wi-Fi to force use of the eSIM and test the connection as soon as you land.
Can I share my connection (hotspot)? +
Yes, connection sharing (hotspot/Wi-Fi access point) is available on all 7-day and longer plans. For 1, 3 and 5-day plans, sharing may be limited depending on local network conditions. The hotspot feature also depends on your phone's settings.
How do I install manually without a QR code? +
If you can't scan the QR code, use the technical details available in your confirmation email:

SM-DP+ Address (e.g.: rsp-3104.idemia.io)
Activation Code (e.g.: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX)

On iPhone: Settings → Mobile Data → Add a plan → Enter details manually
On Android: Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Add eSIM → Enter code manually
Does the eSIM work alongside a physical SIM at the same time? +
Yes. On Dual SIM phones (most recent models), your physical SIM stays active for calls and SMS. The Egypt eSIM handles your mobile data in parallel. You can configure which line uses data in your network settings.

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Compatibility

Is my phone eSIM compatible? +
Most recent smartphones support eSIM. Definitely compatible:

iPhone: XS, XS Max, XR (2018) and all later models
Samsung: Galaxy S20, S21, S22, S23, S24, Z Fold 2-6, Z Flip 3-6 (except US carrier-locked models and FE variants for S20/S21)
Google: Pixel 3, 3a, 4, 4a, 5, 6, 7, 8, and later
Motorola: Razr 40, Razr 50, Razr+ 2023, Edge 40 Pro, Edge 50 Pro, Edge 50 Ultra
Xiaomi: 12S Ultra, 13 Pro, 14 (region dependent)

Check your exact model →
How do I know if my iPhone is compatible? +
Quick method: Settings → General → About.
If you see two IMEI numbers (IMEI and IMEI 2), your iPhone supports eSIM ✓

Alternative: go to Settings → Mobile Data. If you see "Add a plan" or "Add an eSIM", it's compatible.
My phone is carrier-locked — will the eSIM work? +
Network-locked phones (bought on contract from a carrier) may not accept an eSIM from another network. Check with your current carrier whether your phone is unlocked. Generally, after 12 to 24 months of contract, carriers unlock devices for free on request.
Does the eSIM work on iPad and other tablets? +
Yes, the eSIM is compatible with iPad Pro (2018+), iPad Air (2019+), iPad mini (2019+) and iPad (2020+). Devices must be the cellular version (Wi-Fi + Cellular). Wi-Fi only iPads do not support eSIM.

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Plans & Pricing

Is the data really unlimited? +
Yes, unlimited internet. You can browse, stream, use Maps, WhatsApp video and Spotify without restriction.
When does my plan validity start? +
The plan starts at your first connection to Egyptian network — not at purchase, nor at QR code installation. You can therefore:
• Buy now
• Install the eSIM from home
• The plan only starts when you land in Egypt
Can I buy a second plan before the first one ends? +
Each order generates a new eSIM with a new QR code. It is not possible to extend an active plan — you must purchase a new plan and install the new QR code. The new eSIM will replace the old one on your phone.
Can I use the same eSIM in multiple countries? +
Our eSIMs are designed specifically for Egypt. They will not work (or will work with very reduced speeds) in other countries. If you're traveling to multiple countries, you'll need a different eSIM for each destination.
Are there any hidden fees? +
No. The displayed price is the final price, all taxes included. No activation fees, no delivery fees, no subscription. You pay once, that's it.

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Network coverage

Which network does Egypt eSIM use? +
The Egypt eSIM uses the networks of local Egyptian operators: Vodafone Egypt, Orange Egypt, e& Egypt (formerly Etisalat Misr), and WE (Telecom Egypt). The best network available in your area is selected automatically.

4G LTE is deployed in all major cities (Cairo, Alexandria, Giza, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Luxor, Aswan, Marsa Alam, Port Said), along main routes, and in Red Sea tourist areas.

5G is in pilot rollout since 2024 in select areas of Cairo and Alexandria — 5G coverage remains limited and is not guaranteed.
Does the eSIM work in the desert and oases? +
Coverage varies by destination:

White Desert, Bahariya, Farafra: 3G in villages, weak or no signal in the desert itself
Siwa Oasis: 3G in the oasis center, limited elsewhere
Deep Western Desert: no signal — same as any operator

For organized desert tours, base camps usually have a decent signal, but during the expedition itself you'll likely be off-network.
Does the connection work in Sinai? +
Main Sinai tourist areas have decent coverage:

Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, Taba: stable 4G LTE
Mount Sinai, St Catherine's Monastery: 3G, signal varies by area
Sinai interior (deserts, isolated wadis): weak or no signal

If you plan to hike off-trail or camp in the desert, expect to be offline for those stretches.
What about a Nile cruise? +
4G LTE coverage is excellent across the classic Luxor → Edfou → Kom Ombo → Aswan route, since the Nile follows the most populated valley in the country.

A few stretches between cities may have reduced signal, but these are brief. Coverage on Lake Nasser (south of Aswan) can be more variable.
At the Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx? +
Excellent 4G LTE coverage across the Giza plateau — you'll be able to share photos in real time, use Google Maps to navigate, and check reviews on site. All three major operators (Vodafone, Orange, WE) blanket the site.
Is 5G available in Egypt? +
5G is in pilot rollout in select areas of Cairo and Alexandria since 2024, but full commercial 5G has not yet launched in Egypt. 4G LTE is the standard everywhere, with excellent speeds in cities (30–100 Mbps typical). Our eSIM supports 5G where it's available — but we don't guarantee 5G coverage.
Do WhatsApp calls work in Egypt? +
WhatsApp voice and video calls are historically restricted in Egypt by local operators (Egyptian government policy on VoIP). Text messaging, photos, voice notes on WhatsApp work normally.

To make voice/video calls, options include:
• Hotel Wi-Fi: usually no problem
• Using a VPN over the eSIM (Surfshark, NordVPN, ProtonVPN — install before departure)
• FaceTime (generally accessible)

This restriction isn't specific to our eSIM — it applies to all SIMs used in Egypt.

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Order & Payment

How can I pay? +
Payment is processed by Stripe, one of the world's leading online payment providers. We accept all Visa, Mastercard, American Express cards, as well as Apple Pay and Google Pay. Payment is 100% secure (SSL/TLS, 3D Secure).
Can I get a refund? +
If your QR code has not yet been scanned and activated, you can request a refund within 30 days of purchase by writing to support@esimegypte.com. Once the eSIM is activated (QR scanned), it is consumed and cannot be refunded.
Is my payment data secure? +
Yes. We never have access to your banking information. All payment processing is done directly by Stripe, certified PCI DSS Level 1 (the strictest security certification in the industry). We only store your name and email to deliver your eSIM.
Can I keep my WhatsApp number? +
Yes! Your physical SIM stays active for calls, SMS and WhatsApp. The Egypt eSIM works in parallel only for mobile data. WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram continue to work with your usual number.

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Issues & Solutions

I didn't receive my QR code by email +
1. First check your Spam/Junk folder — automated emails sometimes end up there.
2. Check that you entered the correct email address when ordering.
3. Your QR code is also displayed directly on the confirmation page after payment.
4. If you still don't have your QR: request a resend →
5. As a last resort: write to support@esimegypte.com
My eSIM is not connecting in Egypt +
Try in order:
1. Check that mobile data is enabled on the eSIM line (not Wi-Fi)
2. Disable then re-enable Airplane mode for 30 seconds
3. Go to network settings and manually select the network (Vodafone Egypt, Orange Egypt or Etisalat Misr)
4. Restart your phone
5. Check that roaming/data roaming is not required in your settings

If the issue persists, contact support@esimegypte.com with your ICCID.
The QR code won't scan +
If the camera won't scan the QR code:
1. Make sure your internet connection is active (Wi-Fi or data) when scanning
2. Clean the camera lens
3. Print or enlarge the QR code for a better scan
4. Use manual installation with the SM-DP+ and activation code provided in your email
Connection is slow or keeps dropping +
A few things to try:
Weak signal: move or go to an open space
Peak hours: speeds may be reduced between 6pm and 10pm in large cities
APN settings: check that the APN is configured correctly (normally automatic)
Data saving mode: disable it in settings
• If the connection keeps dropping, try manually selecting another Egyptian operator
My plan ended before the expected date +
Check the first activation date. The timer starts at the first connection to Egyptian network, even if it's a transit at the airport. If you think there's an error, write to support@esimegypte.com with your order number (session ID) and we'll check.
I have a new phone — can I transfer the eSIM? +
No. An eSIM QR code can only be scanned once on a single device. Once activated, the eSIM is tied to that device and cannot be transferred. For a new device, you'll need to purchase a new plan.

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