Dec 25, 2024 • 9 min read
11.12.2024 - 23:53 / lonelyplanet.com
Dec 11, 2024 • 7 min read
Egypt’s rich cultural heritage and modern digital conveniences are far from being mutually exclusive. Just because Egypt is a land of antiquities doesn’t mean your experience needs to be antiquated – though we do still recommend grabbing a postcard or two for novelty’s sake. And while there are moments where you’ll want to switch off from the world and lose yourself to Cairo’s vibrant city streets, being disconnected should always be optional, not accidental.
With four major telecom providers, a variety of data plans and the growing adoption of eSIM technology, travelers have a number of options when it comes to staying connected while visiting Egypt.
Roaming with your US carrier in Egypt can get pretty pricey. Sure, it’s convenient, but roaming packages from most US carriers can come with hefty charges and inconsistent coverage. Instead consider exploring options like local SIM cards or international eSIMs, such as Saily or Airalo.
Either way, a gigabyte of data can stretch further in Egypt than you might think. For light users who just need data to refresh their inbox or avoid getting lost, 5GB will likely be sufficient for a week. If travel content creation is your bread and butter, or if you plan on streaming videos or uploading photos, 10–15GB should do the trick.
Egypt has four primary mobile network operators: Vodafone, Orange, Etisalat (now e&) and WE Telecom. For the most widespread coverage and strongest 4G services, opt for Vodafone or WE Telecom. If you’re sticking to big cities like Cairo or Luxor and don’t plan on roaming off the beaten path, you can head to Orange or e& for good coverage with more competitive prices.
4G coverage is widespread, especially in major cities like Cairo and Alexandria, as well as tourist destinations like Luxor, Aswan, and across the Red Sea. Mobile internet in Egypt is generally reliable in urban areas; should you find yourself in a more rural region or somewhere in the desert, you may experience less consistent service or significantly lower signal quality.
Visitors can pick up a local SIM card at mobile provider stores, supermarkets or mall kiosks. Mobile providers also have kiosks set up at Egypt’s major airports, but it’s best to grab a local SIM card from outside the airport.
All you’ll need to buy a local SIM card is your passport – it’s that simple. Before leaving the store, test the SIM card to make sure it’s activated and has the correct amount of mobile data on it. Most providers will recommend that you download their app to track your usage and top up your account if necessary. You’ll need to enter your phone number, which you can find on the back of the SIM card package.
eSIM technology has gained traction in Egypt, with all
Dec 25, 2024 • 9 min read
Dec 21, 2024 • 7 min read
The African continent is teeming with unique travel experiences.
Calling all travelers looking for bargain flights in 2025: Consider this your essential guide to scoring a deal on plane tickets in the year ahead.This all-important information comes courtesy of Dollar Flight Club, which has helpfully poured over tens of thousands of data points, including historical airfare trends and real-time deals in order to come up with some very valuable insights about the cheapest places to fly domestically and internationally over the coming 12 months.And the good news that there are plenty of deals to be had whether your travel plans for 2025 take you to Orlando, Florida; Marrakech, Morocco or somewhere in between.Let’s dive in.
Southwest Airlines is set to expand its domestic network next year, having just added eight new routes to its U.S. service map. The Points Guy first noticed the alterations in Cirium schedules and afterward confirmed them with a Southwest spokesperson.
In 1994, just after I graduated from college, I put on a backpack and set off to see the world. I climbed the Andes in Ecuador, taught English in Cambodia and spent months visiting monasteries in Tibet. It was the most transformative period of my life.
In 1999, my husband and I left our consulting gigs in Palo Alto, CA, rented our home, and took off on an international self-designed sabbatical .
In March 2023, Tim Wong and Andrew Q. Tran took an impactful trip to Asia: The Bay Area-based couple, who began dating in 2020 after meeting through Andrew’s sister, attended a friend’s destination wedding on Balesin Island in the Philippines and went on to visit South Korea and Japan. Tim proposed to Andrew in Osaka, and then Andrew proposed back, at their next stop in Nara. The pair had dinner with their newlywed pals once they’d all returned to the US, and it didn’t take long for Tim and Andrew to become convinced they needed to have a destination wedding, too.
Interest in digital nomadism only continues to grow, and for many, Brazil is a top destination. In 2022, the country launched a digital nomad visa and is famous for its communities that are dedicated to attracting foreign talent, such as the beach town of Pipa. And this October, the country's capital, Brasília, was just named the best city in the world for digital nomads by the travel insurance comparison site, InsureMyTrip.
Dec 12, 2024 • 10 min read
Travelers from the United States, Canada and dozens of other countries who do not require visas to enter the United Kingdom will soon need to apply for digital authorization in order to visit or transit through the country.
Set high in the French Alps just minutes from the Swiss border, Lake Annecy is a prime destination in both summer and winter for European vacationers—but it's often overlooked (or simply unknown) by many Americans in favor of nearby ski (and après) meccas Chamonix, Grenoble, or Geneva. The lake's northern shore includes the city of Annecy, a bustling mini-metropolis full of high-end boutiques and dining, museums, and attractions—and through its medieval Old Town runs a series of mountain-water-fed canals, which are home to flocks of stunning white swans and lend the city its reputation as the Venice of France.