How to activate and set up an eSIM for Egypt?
Based on 1 discussion with 3 participants · Last activity: 18 days ago
TL;DR
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.
What the community said
If an Egyptian SIM card goes unused for more than 90 days, it gets blocked on Egyptian networks — on your next visit neither a local SIM, eSIM, nor roaming will work. For this reason, using an eSIM is a more practical alternative to buying a local SIM.
18 days ago Blocked after 90 days of inactivity
If your eSIM is connected but not working even after disabling your main SIM, go into your phone's cellular settings and explicitly set the eSIM as the default line for mobile data — this is a separate setting from simply enabling the eSIM.
18 days ago Settings → Cellular → Mobile Data line
You can purchase an Egypt eSIM in advance through platforms like Trip.com or Airalo. On iPhone, go to Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM and scan the QR code from your confirmation email. Install it before you leave, but wait to activate it until you land in Egypt.
18 days ago Trip.com — buy eSIM online
Buy your eSIM before your flight — after purchase on Trip.com or a similar service, you'll receive a QR code by email. Scan it in your phone settings to install the profile. Activation happens automatically when you land in Egypt and your phone connects to a local network.
18 days ago