Egypt – Landlines and Mobile Phones

What are the international dialling codes for Egypt, and what are the area codes for the most popular expat destinations?

Egypt’s international country dialling code is +20. To reach an Egyptian number from overseas, dial your country’s international access code (typically 00 or +), followed by 20, the relevant area code without its leading zero, and then the local number. When placing calls from within Egypt, you retain the leading zero before the area code.

Domestic calls follow the format 0 + area code + subscriber number — for example, 02 2345 6789 for a Cairo landline, or 010 1234 5678 for a Vodafone mobile. From abroad, the format becomes +20 + area code + number, such as +20 2 2345 6789 for Cairo. The essential rule is that the leading zero of any area code is always omitted when dialling from an international line.

The table below shows area codes for the cities and regions most frequented by expats and long-stay visitors:

Each of Egypt’s four mobile networks is identified by its own distinct prefix: 10, 11, 12, and 15. All mobile numbers are 11 digits long when dialled domestically, including the leading zero. A complete Egyptian mobile number therefore appears as 010 XXXX XXXX (Vodafone), 011 XXXX XXXX (WE/Etisalat), 012 XXXX XXXX (Orange), or 015 XXXX XXXX (WE). For the latest prefix assignments, consult the NTRA directly, as these details can be revised.

Who are the major landline providers in Egypt, and how can you contact them?

Fixed-line telephone service in Egypt is the exclusive domain of state-owned Telecom Egypt. The company holds a public monopoly over the country’s fixed-line network, supplies roughly 70% of internet connectivity nationwide, and manages all international telephone traffic. This stands in contrast to markets such as France or Germany, where multiple providers compete directly for fixed-line customers.

Through its TE Data subsidiary, Telecom Egypt also delivers residential broadband. Expats and residents wishing to establish or manage a landline should reach out to Telecom Egypt through the following channels:

• Website: te.eg
• Customer service hotline: 111 (from within Egypt)
• For TE Data (internet/broadband): tedata.net.eg

Telecom Egypt divides its offerings into retail and wholesale categories. On the retail side, the company provides voice and data access for both homes and businesses, with internet delivered via TE Data. Plan pricing and connection fees are revised periodically; always consult the official Telecom Egypt website or call 111 to confirm the latest tariffs at the time you are enquiring.

Egypt’s regulatory framework permits operators to provide both fixed-line and mobile services under unified licences. This means that although Telecom Egypt is the only company operating physical fixed-line infrastructure, the four mobile operators may bundle their mobile services with fixed-line access using that same infrastructure. It is therefore worth comparing bundled connectivity packages when arranging your home or office communications.

Who are the major mobile phone providers in Egypt, and how can you contact them?

Four mobile network operators serve Egypt’s wireless market: Vodafone Egypt, Orange Egypt, Etisalat Misr (trading as e& Egypt), and Telecom Egypt under the WE brand. These operators collectively deliver mobile services across 2G GSM, 3G UMTS, 4G LTE, and increasingly 5G technologies. There are currently no active MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) in Egypt, meaning all mobile services are provided directly by these four carriers.

The following table summarises each operator with relevant contact information:

Opensignal’s evaluation of Egypt’s mobile landscape placed WE at the top of the rankings, with the operator claiming first position across all eight key network experience measures. WE achieved outright victories in seven categories, including download speed, upload speed, video experience, gaming experience, 4G availability, consistent quality, and reliability experience.

4G coverage is extensive throughout major cities such as Cairo and Alexandria, as well as tourist hubs including Luxor, Aswan, and the Red Sea coast. Mobile internet performs reliably in urban areas; however, coverage quality may drop noticeably in rural or remote desert regions.

WE obtained Egypt’s inaugural 5G licence in January 2024 and conducted successful trials using the 2600 MHz band. At present, WE remains the only operator holding a 5G spectrum licence in Egypt. Tariffs and coverage details change regularly, so always verify the latest information directly on each operator’s website.

How do I get a landline connected in Egypt?

Because Telecom Egypt is the sole fixed-line operator, all landline installations must go through this single provider. The application process is more document-intensive than in countries with competing fixed-line markets, but it is well established and familiar to local branches. Whether you own or rent your property can influence how quickly the connection is activated, particularly in newer developments where the physical infrastructure may not yet be complete.

The steps below outline how to arrange a new landline connection in Egypt:

1. Visit a Telecom Egypt branch: Use the branch locator on te.eg to find your nearest office. While some applications can be initiated online or by calling 111, attending in person generally speeds things up for new connections.
2. Prepare your documents: Bring a valid passport or national ID, proof of address (such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or property deed), and — if you are renting — a copy of your tenancy contract. Documentation showing landlord consent may also be required for rental properties.
3. Complete the application form: A Telecom Egypt representative will guide you through filling in the connection request. You will choose a landline plan, with or without bundled broadband.
4. Pay the connection fee or deposit: A fee is charged for new line installations. Deposit requirements may vary according to your residency status and location. Consult te.eg or call 111 to confirm the current fee structure, as this is subject to change.
5. Wait for installation: A Telecom Egypt technician will be booked to install your line. Timeframes vary by location — central Cairo and Alexandria tend to be quicker, whereas newly developed suburbs or rural areas may experience longer waits. Ask for an estimated lead time when submitting your application.
6. Confirm activation: Once the line is live, test it thoroughly and obtain written confirmation of your account number and billing cycle. Register for online account management through te.eg to keep track of your bills more easily.

Telecom Egypt also offers broadband, IPTV, and enterprise network services alongside standard voice lines. If you are setting up a home office or require dependable internet access, a bundled voice and TE Data package is worth considering. For the most current connection requirements and fees, contact Telecom Egypt directly or refer to the NTRA, Egypt’s national telecoms regulator.

How do I get a mobile phone SIM card or contract in Egypt?

Purchasing a SIM card in Egypt requires passport registration. The registration is completed in the store and takes only a few minutes. This requirement is common across the Middle East and North Africa — mirroring mandatory SIM registration systems in Saudi Arabia and the UAE — though it may feel more formal to those arriving from European countries where prepaid SIMs have traditionally been sold without identity checks.

Registration is required by law, and the SIM is activated almost immediately. Neither a local address nor proof of residency is needed for tourists or newcomers buying prepaid SIMs. The overall process is quick and uncomplicated.

The steps below explain how to obtain either a prepaid or postpaid SIM in Egypt:

1. Choose your operator: Pick from Vodafone, Orange, e& (Etisalat), or WE according to where you will spend most of your time and what level of data you need. For those based mainly in Cairo or Alexandria, Orange is a strong choice. If you expect to travel to more remote locations, Vodafone’s wider coverage makes it the safer option.
2. Visit an official store or airport kiosk: Branded stores for Vodafone, Orange, and Etisalat operate across all major destinations including Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, Aswan, and Hurghada. Airport kiosks offer the convenience of sorting your SIM on arrival. Staff will copy your passport and register the card to your name and passport number — a procedure that takes around five minutes. Always buy from an authorised outlet rather than informal vendors.
3. Present your passport: Passport registration is a legal requirement when buying a prepaid SIM in Egypt. You may also be asked to show your visa stamp as confirmation of your intended length of stay. The operator is required to link the SIM card’s validity period to your period of residency in Egypt; the SIM will be disconnected one month after the end of your residency period unless you provide an updated residency document.
4. Select your plan: You will choose between prepaid and postpaid service. Prepaid SIMs are the most practical option for most newcomers — you load credit in advance, use it as needed, and top up when your balance runs low. They are readily available at airports, phone shops, and convenience stores and require no ongoing commitment.
5. For postpaid contracts: Postpaid plans involve a monthly subscription with a fixed allowance, billed either at the end of the month or in advance. These contracts typically require proof of residency and may call for a local bank account or a reference linked to an Egyptian national ID. New arrivals without a long-term residency permit are usually directed towards prepaid options in the first instance.
6. Activate and test: Once you have your SIM and Egyptian phone number, insert the card immediately and check that both voice and data services are functioning before leaving the shop. Ask the staff to show you how to monitor your balance and data usage.

As of 2026, a SIM card in Egypt can range in price from EGP 100 (approximately US$2.12) to EGP 2,800 (approximately US$60), depending on the operator, data allowance, and plan duration. Always confirm current pricing on each provider’s official website, as Egyptian Pound exchange rates and plan costs fluctuate regularly. For regulatory details on SIM card rules, visit the NTRA’s official SIM regulations page.

How do I pay my telephone bill in Egypt?

Both landline and mobile accounts in Egypt are billed on a monthly cycle. A broad range of payment channels is available, from digital platforms to in-person options, though cash transactions remain more prevalent in everyday life than in many other markets.

For landline bills (Telecom Egypt), the following payment methods are available:

• Online via the Telecom Egypt portal: Bills can be settled through te.eg using a debit or credit card, or a linked bank account.
• Mobile app: The “My TE” app from Telecom Egypt lets you view and pay your bill directly from your smartphone.
• At a Telecom Egypt branch: Cash or card payments can be made in person at any branch location.
• Post offices and Egypt Post outlets: Bill payments are accepted at Egypt Post branches throughout the country.
• Bank branches and ATMs: Many Egyptian banks facilitate utility bill payments — including telephone bills — through their ATM networks and internet banking platforms.
• Electronic payment kiosks: These are found in supermarkets and shopping centres in most major cities.

For mobile bills, each operator maintains its own payment ecosystem:

• Prepaid top-up: Credit can be added at carrier stores, authorised retailers, or through online portals using a credit card. Scratch cards are widely sold at kiosks and small shops across Egypt.
• Operator apps: All four operators offer dedicated smartphone apps — My Vodafone, My Orange, My Etisalat/e&, and My WE — enabling account management, data usage monitoring, and bill payment or prepaid recharging.
• Mobile wallets: Egypt’s mobile payment services, including Vodafone Cash, Orange Money, and Etisalat’s wallet offering, allow quick top-ups and bill settlements from a linked wallet balance.
• Postpaid monthly billing: Postpaid subscribers receive a monthly statement that can be paid by direct debit from a local bank account, via online banking, or in person at an operator store.

Failing to pay on time can lead to service suspension — typically after a brief grace period past the due date, although the exact timeframe differs between operators. Unlike some European markets where significant outstanding balances accumulate before a line is cut, Egyptian operators tend to act on overdue accounts relatively promptly. If you are on a postpaid plan, setting up a direct debit or automated payment from a local bank account is the simplest way to avoid any disruption. Check the late-payment terms with your specific provider when you sign up.

Are there any practical tips for using phones in Egypt as a newcomer?

International roaming: Arriving with a SIM from your home country means roaming is technically possible, but the costs can be steep. Switching to a local Egyptian SIM or activating an eSIM is a far more economical approach. Check your home network’s roaming rates for Egypt before you travel so you are not caught off guard by unexpected charges.

eSIM availability: eSIM technology has made solid inroads in Egypt, with all four mobile network operators offering eSIM services for compatible devices as of December 2024. Vodafone, Orange, and Etisalat now support eSIM activations on eligible handsets. Third-party international eSIM providers also sell Egypt data plans that can be set up before departure — a convenient way to have connectivity ready the moment you step off the plane.

Number portability (MNP): Mobile Number Portability is available in Egypt, allowing you to switch operators without losing your existing number. Unlike markets such as the UK, where porting typically completes within a single working day, Egypt’s MNP process can take several business days and requires a visit to the new operator’s store. You will need your passport, your existing SIM, and account details from your previous provider. Confirm the exact procedure and expected timeline directly with the operator you are moving to.

Keeping a foreign number: If you use a dual-SIM or eSIM-capable handset, you can keep your overseas number active on one SIM while running a local Egyptian SIM for calls and data on the other. This is especially useful for staying reachable on your home number while benefiting from local rates for everyday use in Egypt.

Device compatibility: The vast majority of modern smartphones work seamlessly on Egyptian networks. Confirm that your handset is unlocked and supports GSM networks on the 900 and 1800 MHz frequency bands. Devices purchased on a contract elsewhere are sometimes locked to their original carrier and will need to be unlocked before they can accept a foreign SIM.

Device registration (NTRA rules): When you insert a local SIM into your phone in Egypt, your device’s IMEI number is automatically recorded in the NTRA’s system. This triggers a 90-day window during which the device can be used freely, even if you travel outside the country. If you intend to stay in Egypt long-term, make sure your device is properly registered with the NTRA to avoid any risk of service interruption. Review the NTRA website for the most recent device registration requirements, which were updated in late 2025.

Signal quality and Wi-Fi: Dependable public Wi-Fi is scarce in Egypt, and mobile data performance can be inconsistent away from populated areas. In cities and established tourist destinations, mobile data is generally adequate for everyday tasks such as navigation, messaging, and video calls. In remote desert locations, the Western Desert oases, or agricultural hinterlands, expect weak or absent signals regardless of which network you are on.

Local customs: Mobile phones are central to daily life throughout Egypt, and WhatsApp has become the go-to communication platform for both personal and professional exchanges. Landlords, tradespeople, and local contacts will frequently prefer a WhatsApp message over a traditional call or SMS. Having an Egyptian number — even a basic prepaid one — will make it considerably easier to integrate into daily routines and access essential services.

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep my foreign number when I move to Egypt?

It is not possible to port a non-Egyptian number into the Egyptian network. However, if your phone supports dual SIM or eSIM functionality, you can keep your existing foreign SIM running alongside a new Egyptian SIM. This arrangement allows you to continue receiving calls and messages on your original number while using the local Egyptian number for everyday services and data.

Do I need a local address to get a SIM card in Egypt?

No local address or proof of residency is required for tourists or newcomers purchasing a prepaid SIM. Your passport is the only document that must be presented. You may occasionally be asked to provide your accommodation address in Egypt, but this is not a strict condition for prepaid activation. Postpaid contracts, however, are more likely to require evidence of a local address.

Can tourists and new arrivals get a postpaid mobile contract in Egypt?

Postpaid SIMs involve signing up for a fixed monthly plan, with payment due either at month’s end or in advance. In practice, postpaid contracts are more readily available to residents holding an Egyptian national ID or a long-term residency permit. Tourists and newly arrived expats are generally guided towards prepaid SIM options, which are easy to obtain, flexible to use, and widely affordable.

Which mobile network has the best coverage across Egypt?

Opensignal’s assessment identified WE (Telecom Egypt) as the top performer across all key dimensions of network experience, including download speed, upload speed, video experience, and consistent quality. Vodafone is also widely recognised for strong nationwide coverage and reliability, particularly along popular tourist corridors such as the Cairo–Luxor route, the Nile Valley, and the Red Sea coast. For expats living in major cities, all four networks deliver broadly comparable performance.

Is 5G available in Egypt?

WE was awarded Egypt’s first 5G licence in January 2024 and successfully completed 5G trials on the 2600 MHz band. WE is currently the only operator holding a 5G spectrum licence in Egypt, giving it a notable head start over competitors. 5G remains in its early stages and is concentrated in larger urban areas, so most users will continue to rely primarily on 4G LTE service for the foreseeable future.

How do I top up a prepaid mobile SIM in Egypt?

Prepaid credit can be added at operator stores and authorised dealers, or through official online portals using a credit card. Scratch-card recharge vouchers are sold at kiosks, supermarkets, and small shops throughout the country. Each of the four major operators provides a mobile app supporting digital top-ups, and mobile wallet services such as Vodafone Cash and Orange Money can also be used to recharge prepaid balances.

What should I do if my phone stops working after inserting a local Egyptian SIM?

Your device must be unlocked to accept an Egyptian SIM. If it is locked to a foreign carrier, contact that carrier to request an unlock before or after arriving in Egypt. If the phone is already unlocked but still fails to connect, verify that it supports the correct GSM frequency bands (900/1800 MHz for 2G, 2100 MHz for 3G, 1800 MHz for 4G LTE) and check that the APN settings are configured correctly — the store where you bought the SIM should be able to assist with this at the time of purchase.

Who regulates telephone services in Egypt, and where can I complain if something goes wrong?

The National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) is responsible for overseeing all fixed-line and mobile operators in Egypt. It establishes quality-of-service standards, enforces compliance, and handles consumer complaints. The NTRA has the authority to impose fines on operators that fall short of required service standards. You can reach the NTRA through its official website at ntra.gov.eg or by calling its consumer helpline on 155.