Have started researching SIM cards for these two countries. I know you can buy them at the airports but we prefer to get it ahead of time to save time. From what I am reading, Orange SIM seems to be a good choice for both countries. However, would love feedback on what others have used that worked successfully. Want both calls and data.
Posted by
Kansas
30 posts
My favorite esim is Holafly, they have great customer service
Posted by
Atlanta, GA
128 posts
Hi jbass85622,
We visited Egypt and Jordan in November 2024 and utilized Airalo e-sims (a Middle East regional plan). It worked flawlessly in both countries and Qatar (we were diverted to Qatar because British Airways cancelled our return flight).
Posted by
64 posts
Use an E-Sim. Make sure your phone is "unlocked" from your carrier. Easier to not use calls, but use Whatsapp and you can make calls using data. Airalo is a good one. I prefer Holafly as the data is unlimited.
Posted by
64 posts
And follow up -- if you do use an E-Sim, do some research on what they are and how to use. Pretty easy to figure out, but some tips:
You'll want to follow the instructions from Airalo / Holafly and you'll be fine. Never had an issue.
For iPhone (in-country):
Check the settings on your phone. Make sure iMessage is turned on. This can be found in settings>messages>iMessage. And turn it on. Try turning it on and off again. All the phones you are trying to text need to have that on for it to work. If anyone doesn’t have an iPhone it won’t work. iMessage works over wifi and data. Standard text messages to a non iPhone won’t go through because the esim is not connected to a phone number- it is allowing you to use data only!
Another thing - make sure roaming is turned on through the esim. Make sure your main cellular plan is turned off (click off “allow switching”) under cellular in settings primary should be off and esim should be on.
Posted by
OP
29 posts
Thanks to everyone for your replies. We've used Sims and esims many times in other parts of the world with mixed results. Was just curious what results people had for Jordan and Egypt. After everyone's comments and more research, it does seem that Holafly is the best option.