Alexandria, Egypt

Alexandria has a character all its own, looking out across the Mediterranean rather than towards the desert. Faded grand buildings, old-fashioned patisseries and a long sweep of waterfront give it a nostalgic, cosmopolitan air, and the sea breeze makes summer far more comfortable than inland. Come for the history, stay for the fresh fish, and spend evenings strolling by the water as the city lights come on.

Mobile coverage in Alexandria

Alexandria is Egypt's second city, a long, narrow strip of neighbourhoods stretching along the coast. Its central districts, from the area around Raml Station and Mansheya to the seafront hotels further east, are densely built and generally well served by 4G outdoors. Maps, messaging and ride-hailing apps should work without trouble in most of the places visitors go.

The city is served by every one of Egypt's operators: Vodafone, Orange, e& (formerly Etisalat) and WE. Older buildings with thick walls can weaken indoor reception, and on busy summer evenings, when families crowd the seafront to enjoy the cooler air, connections can slow. To compare, each plan's page shows which network it uses. Seafront hotels and cafes often have Wi-Fi, but at busy times it can be slower than your own mobile data.

Getting around Alexandria

Borg El Arab (HBE) airport lies some way south-west of the city, and the drive into the centre takes a while, often around an hour depending on traffic. Many visitors come from Cairo instead, by train or by road, a journey of around three hours or so. Signal on the train and along the desert road is mostly reasonable, though it can drop briefly in quieter stretches.

Within the city, ride-hailing apps and taxis are the easiest way around, and you can usually track your driver on the map without any trouble. Alexandria is also known for its old trams, a slow but characterful way to travel where they run. Traffic along the seafront road can be heavy at busy times, so it is worth checking the journey time in your app before you set off. Much of the centre is also easy to explore on foot, with a map on your phone to guide you between the sights.

Where you'll use data most in Alexandria

The Corniche, the promenade that curves around the Eastern Harbour, is where you will spend a lot of time, and outdoor signal along it is usually strong. At one end stands Qaitbay Citadel, a fortress built on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, and along the bay is the striking modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a library and cultural centre with museums and exhibitions. Signal inside large buildings like the library can vary, so download anything you need before going in. Further east, Stanley Bridge and the beaches beyond it are popular places for an evening walk, and signal there is generally reliable.

Below ground, the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa are a fascinating Roman-era burial site, but once you descend the spiral staircase, expect little or no signal. The Roman amphitheatre at Kom el-Dikka, Pompey's Pillar and the gardens around Montaza Palace are all open-air and generally well connected. Evenings often revolve around seafood: pick your catch from the display at a harbourside restaurant, and use your data to find well-reviewed spots or translate the menu.

Tips for staying connected in Alexandria

• Put the eSIM on your phone at home, then turn it on at HBE or as soon as your train pulls into the city.
• Save offline maps before visiting the catacombs or any other underground site, where your phone will not connect.
• Most UK plans' European roaming add-ons stop short of Egypt, leaving roaming there to be charged at worldwide rates that are usually much higher. Check your network's own charges before relying on them.
• Use ride-hailing apps for longer journeys along the coast, and check the estimated time before setting off, as seafront traffic can crawl.
• On packed summer evenings by the sea, hold larger photos and videos back until you are at your hotel if the connection slows.
• Make a note of 122 (police), 123 (ambulance) and 126 (tourist police), the emergency numbers in Egypt, before you go exploring.

For options across the country, start with our Egypt eSIM page, or head inland and up the Nile with eSIM for Cairo, eSIM for Giza and eSIM for Aswan.