Buying an Orange Egypt SIM card or eSIM is essential for tourists visiting Egypt to stay connected. Orange Egypt is one of the largest mobile network operators in the country, providing high quality 4G/5G coverage across major cities and towns. This guide provides all the necessary information for purchasing an Orange SIM card.
Table of Contents
I. Quick Facts about Orange Egypt
Orange Egypt is one of the leading mobile networks in Egypt. It has great 4G coverage and speeds across the country. Here are some quick facts about Orange Egypt:
- Established: It launched operations in Egypt in 1998 under the brand name Mobinil. It rebranded to Orange in 2016.
- Subscribers: As of 2022, Orange Egypt has over 33 million subscribers, making it the second largest mobile operator in Egypt after Vodafone Egypt.
- Coverage: Orange uses 2G, 3G and 4G LTE networks in Egypt. Its 4G network covers 97% of the population as of 2022.
- Service provided: Orange Egypt offers prepaid and postpaid plans for voice, data, SMS and international roaming.
II. Orange Egypt Coverage and Speed
2.1 Orange Egypt coverage
Orange Egypt has excellent 2G, 3G and 4G LTE coverage across Egypt:
As Egypt’s largest mobile network, Orange has widespread 4G/LTE coverage across the country. Its 4G network covers 97% of Egypt’s population, while the 2G network reaches 99% and 3G covers 96%. 4G is available in all major cities and tourist destinations like Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh and Marsa Alam. Orange has also deployed 4G to remote areas along the Nile River Valley and in villages, as well as places like the Siwa Oasis in the Western Desert region.
Only a few very remote or uninhabited locations may lack 4G access, but 2G or 3G coverage is still commonly available nationwide.
2.2 Orange Egypt speed
4G download speeds on Orange’s network vary depending on location and network congestion. In busy cities like Cairo, average speeds range from 13-16 Mbps due to high traffic. However, in more remote tourist areas where networks see less usage, speeds can reach up to 40 Mbps.
The maximum speed achievable on Orange 4G in ideal conditions is around 80-100 Mbps. While 3G speeds are usable at 1-15 Mbps, the performance is inconsistent depending on location.
In summary, Orange 4G delivers fast and reliable data speeds for HD video streaming, video calls, social media, maps etc across Egypt. Just avoid 2G only areas for mobile data.
III. Orange Egypt Connectivity Options for Travelers
Orange Egypt offers multiple easy connectivity options for travelers in Egypt:
Option | Pros | Cons |
Prepaid SIM Card | Easy to purchase at airports/shops | Need to swap SIM cards |
Risk of losing physical SIM | ||
Pocket Wifi | No SIM swapping needed | Limited device compatibility |
Instant activation | Internet needed for setup | |
Roaming on home SIM | Keep existing number | High roaming rates |
No need to purchase local SIM | Potential for excess roaming charges |
In summary, getting an Orange tourist prepaid SIM or eSIM is recommended for cheap and fast data access. Roaming works but can be very expensive unless you have a roaming data package.
IV. Best Orange Egypt SIM card for Tourists & Cost
Orange Egypt provides a range of prepaid data plan options to suit different customer needs and budgets. Here are the best Orange Egypt SIM card options for tourists to Egypt and their costs:
Tariff | Data (GB) | Network Type | Price (EGP) | Price (USD) |
FREE MAX 150 | 9.6GB | 3G | 280 EGP | $15.80 |
FREE MAX 200 | 14GB | 5G (with offer) | 351 EGP | $19.80 |
FREE MAX 200 + GO 60B | 20GB | 5G (with offer) | 466 EGP | $26.30 |
FREE MAX 200 + GO 120 | 24GB | 5G (with offer) | 523 EGP | $29.50 |
FREE MAX 200 + GO 200 | 32GB | 5G (with offer) | 637 EGP | $35.90 |
FREE MAX 200 + GO 400 | 59GB | 5G (with offer) | 923 EGP | $52 |
Overall, Orange offers a good selection of competitive prepaid data plans to suit different budgets. Users can choose the best plan based on their typical monthly data needs and preferences.
V. Does Orange Egypt support eSIM?
Yes, Orange Egypt launched eSIM support in 2022. You can now use Orange Egypt eSIM on supported dual SIM devices.
Here are the key things to know about Orange Egypt eSIM:
- eSIM allows you to activate a cellular plan through QR code or app without using a physical SIM.
- It is supported on iPhone XS and above models currently. Many Android phones like Pixel and Galaxy S22 series also support eSIM.
- Orange prepaid eSIM packs come with same data allowance and validity as regular SIM cards.
- Orange tourist eSIM has 10GB data for EGP 255 valid for 15 days. You can recharge packs as needed.
- To get Orange Egypt eSIM, you must provide your passport details on their website or app.
- Settings for eSIM activation on iPhone: Cellular -> Add cellular plan
So with eSIM, you can use dual SIM functionality on your phone using your home SIM and Orange Egypt eSIM together when visiting Egypt.
VI. Where Can You Buy Orange Egypt SIM Card and eSIM?
You can easily buy Orange Egypt SIM cards and eSIMs at these locations and channels:
6.1 Where to buy Orange Egypt SIM card:
- Airports – Both Cairo International Airport and other regional airports have Orange kiosks where you can buy a SIM upon landing.
- Orange Stores – Orange has its own branded retail stores located across major cities in Egypt. Stores can be found in airports, shopping malls, metro stations etc.
- Convenience Stores – Larger minimarkets and convenience stores such as Spinneys and Cairo Festival City often have a small telecom section.
Note: When buying at airport shop, carry passport photocopy and passport-sized photos. At other stores, you just need passport copy.
6.2 Where to buy Orange Egypt eSIM:
- Orang App/Website: Orange Egypt eSIM is not sold at physical stores, only online. So you can buy online via the Orange Egypt website (orange.eg) or Orange mobile app. The website allows buying different eSIM packages and plans that are delivered digitally. Payment is made online.
- Egyptesim.com: This eSIM provider sells eSIM plans from Orange network. The package start at just $7 for 3 days of data. They offer hassle-free digital delivery and 24/7 support. Egypt eSIM plans provide excellent coverage across the country.
So in summary, popular options for buying an Orange eSIM online before travel or upon arrival include direct from Orange Egypt and EgypteSIM.com – a leading local Egypt-focused provider.
Plans that may interest you!
VII. How to Activate Orange Egypt SIM Card/eSIM:
7.1 How to activate and use Orange Egypt SIM card:
Follow these steps to activate your Orange Egypt SIM card after inserting into phone:
- Insert the SIM card: Locate the SIM card slot on your device
- Power on your device: Turn on your device and wait for it to recognize the SIM card
- Activate the SIM card
- Set up APN settings if you can not use the eSIM.
- Check your balance and services
7.2 How to activate and use Orange Egypt eSIM:
To activate and use Orange Egypt eSIM, follow these steps:
- Install the eSIM
- Activate the eSIM
- Set up the eSIM
- Start using the eSIM: Once the eSIM is activated and set up, you can start using to make calls, send texts and access mobile data.
So both Orange SIM and eSIM are easy to activate by just accessing any website or scanning QR code respectively. Then recharge and use internet, calls and SMS in Egypt.
VIII. FAQs
Can I use Orange Egypt SIM card/eSIM outside Egypt?
No, Orange Egypt prepaid SIMs and eSIM can only be used within Egypt. They don’t offer international roaming. You’ll need to get a local SIM when traveling outside.
How can I check Orange Egypt SIM card number?
To check your Orange Egypt SIM number, you can dial *122*1# or go into your phone settings. eSIM number can be checked in Orange app.
Does Orange block VOIP/messengers?
No, Orange Egypt does not block or restrict usage of VOIP apps like WhatsApp calls, FaceTime, Skype, Zoom etc. All voice & video over internet apps work normally.
How long is Orange Egypt tourist SIM valid?
Orange Egypt tourist SIM card with 10GB data is valid for 15 days from day of activation. You can recharge more data/credit to extend validity as required.
Does Orange Egypt SIM card work in Israeli territories?
No Orange Egypt SIM will get blocked if you accidentally roam into Israeli territories like parts of Sinai desert. Other local SIMs like We or Etisalat will work there.
IX. Conclusion
To conclude, Orange Egypt provides excellent connectivity across Egypt with its wide 4G coverage, high speeds and competitive prepaid data packs for visitors.
Orange Egypt eSIM from GIGAGO is an alternative for tourists, you can stay conveniently connected throughout your trip across Egypt for calls, texting, maps, social media and more.