Ready for the age of eSIM? et answers your FAQs on how to get them in Egypt

CAIRO - 7 December 2024: Egypt has officially launched eSIM technology, allowing mobile users to activate digital SIM cards (embedded chip technology) on their phones. 

Starting Thursday, Dec. 5, customers across the country can visit the branches of all four mobile operators to activate eSIM on their devices.

The National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) announced the rollout after completing all necessary technical tests with the mobile operators.

The four mobile operators announced activating the service after they completed all the technical tests necessary to operate this technology, which is one of the latest digital innovations in the field of communications.

The new technology allows users to use a digital SIM card instead of the traditional physical SIM.

In this article, et highlights the most 20 FAQs, and answers them so the readers can thoroughly understand everything about the eSIM new technology, and how they can use it. 

Below are the 20 FAQs:

1- What is the eSIM technology?

A: It is a digital SIM card in a mobile phone device, enabling the user to activate the mobile line from the phone settings, without the need to use an actual physical SIM card.

2- What are the advantages of eSIM?

A- You can use multiple phone lines in one device, so you can use up to 10 mobile lines on the same phone, and use two lines at the same time according to the phone's capabilities.

It is considered environmentally friendly, in addition to the ease in changing between lines on the same phone in no time. 

eSIMs are also less susceptible to damage or loss.

3- How can I buy and activate eSIM?

A- By visiting any branch of mobile operator companies, knowing that it is necessary to ensure that the Wi-Fi or Internet connection is available, and that the phone's operating software system is updated.

4- How can the chip be changed to eSIM for new customers?

A- The user can get his current chip changed into eSIM through the service providers at any branch of their mobile operator.

5- How can the chip be changed to eSIM for current company customers?

A- Most companies allow converting the regular chip to an eSIM integrated chip through mobile company applications.

6- How much does the integrated chip cost?

A- The cost of replacing the traditional chip with an integrated chip ranges for current customers from L.E. 270 ($5.4) to L.E. 300 ($6), while for new customers it ranges from L.E. 330 ($3.6) to L.E. 365 ($7.3).

7- Can eSIM be used on all mobiles?

A- The eSIM works on phones that support this feature, and you can check the settings of each phone before purchasing the new chip.

8- How many eSIM chips can be used on one phone?

A- Modern mobile and tablet devices can accommodate up to 10 eSIMs depending on the type of device, and use two mobile phone lines at the same time depending on the phone's capabilities.

9- What are the controls before changing or selling the phone after purchasing the eSIM?

A- The eSIM profile must be deleted from the current device (phone or tablet), and make sure that personal content such as photos, videos and messages are deleted, and the phone must be reset to factory settings.

10- What happens if the QR code for activating the eSIM is lost?

A- If the code is lost, the customer must go to the nearest branch of the mobile company to replace the integrated chip, knowing that the QR code that the customer receives when subscribing is used only once.

11- Can another subscriber use the QR code if it is lost?

A- If the QR code is lost after you add it to your phone, it will not be used on another phone.

If the QR code is lost before adding it to the phone, you must request a new one from the telecom company or contact customer service to stop the chip to prevent it from being used by another person.

12- Can the eSIM be used when changing between mobile networks?

A- Yes, it is possible to change between networks without the need to change the eSIM.

13- Can roaming services be activated with the eSIM?

A- eSIM chips provide all services, including local and international roaming services.

14- Does disconnecting the WiFi affect the activation of the eSIM?

A- If the activation of the eSIM is disrupted due to weak Wi-Fi connection, the activation of the integrated chip must be repeated, making sure of the importance of providing internet connection.

15- What are the steps to convert from a traditional chip to an integrated chip?

A- Head to the nearest branch of your mobile operator company, and have the sales representative remove the traditional chip, and give the customer the QR code for the eSIM chip. Then you eSIM will be activated. 

16- Does adjusting the phone to factory settings cancel the eSIM chip?

A- Yes, which requires going to the nearest branch, and paying the QR code purchase fee to activate the embedded chip again.

17- Can foreigners obtain an eSIM from mobile companies?

A- Yes, foreigners residing in Egypt with a valid residency can obtain an eSIM from mobile company branches.

18- Are eSIMs secure?

A- They are characterized by a higher level of security because they are embedded inside the device, making them less vulnerable to theft or misuse.

19- How many phones can activate eSIM?

A- The number of smartphones in Egypt is about 70 million devices, of which more than 40 million devices can activate the embedded chip.

20- Is there a demand to change to the embedded eSIM chip? 

A- According to company data, there is a demand from some subscribers to change to the embedded eSIM chip.