Red Sea Liveaboard (BDE route). Any phone signal for internet use?

[Santsupa]

Im going to the Red sea LOB, Brother Daedalus Elphinstone route. I wonder if these areas have any phone signal for internet use? Which mobile operator should be best?

 

[Ridalo]

You might get a signal at Elphinstone, but none at the Brothers, or Daedalus.
Most of your week you will be out of contact.
Some boats have WiFi, but it only works with a phone signal.

 

[Santsupa]

Thanks a lot !

 

[outofofficebrb]

I'm piggy backing onto this post if the OP doesn't mind.....What's the best local provider to use? (Which SIM card should I buy if I am looking for good reception in Hurghada, Marsa Alam, Luxor, and Cairo? Bonus points if it will also work in Jordan....)

Thanks!

 

[Scubajeg1]

Hi,
On my last trip I used a sat phone ,irridium network, it worked great ..

 

[scubadada]

I'm piggy backing onto this post if the OP doesn't mind.....What's the best local provider to use? (Which SIM card should I buy if I am looking for good reception in Hurghada, Marsa Alam, Luxor, and Cairo? Bonus points if it will also work in Jordan....)

Thanks!

My GSM Verizon phone with prn international service using home minutes at a fixed daily rate worked perfectly in Cairo, along the Nile when there was a signal, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel, Hurghada, Marsa Alam/Port Ghalib, and out in the Red Sea when there was a signal. Sorry, don't know about Jordan, but would guess yes.

 

[Lorenzoid]

Best Prepaid International SIM card for Egypt | finder.com

Q: Can Egyptian SIM cards be used throughout the Middle East region?
A: Egyptian SIM cards can be used in other Middle Eastern countries, subject to additional roaming charges, but that defeats the object of purchasing a local SIM card. We advise you to only use the Egyptian SIM card in Egypt, to reap the full benefits of what it can offer. If you plan on traveling around the Arab nations, it would be advisable to purchase a SIM card from each country you visit to cut costs.

No firsthand information, I'm afraid. I used to buy prepaid local SIM cards when traveling internationally, but nowadays our US providers seem to offer reasonable international rates, so I haven't bought a local SIM in a few years.

 

[outofofficebrb]

My GSM Verizon phone with prn international service using home minutes at a fixed daily rate worked perfectly in Cairo, along the Nile when there was a signal, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel, Hurghada, Marsa Alam/Port Ghalib, and out in the Red Sea when there was a signal. Sorry, don't know about Jordan, but would guess yes.

Thanks for the info! I know that this is possible but getting a local SIM inevitably ends up being much, much cheaper for me. I know Verizon/ATT starts it at $10 per day per device and then actual talk/text/data depends on the individual plan. I would definitely do it if I were only there for a couple of days but I will be on land for about 13 days so I think it's better value (and probably much more data/voice, etc. as well) by doing it with a local SIM.

 

[outofofficebrb]

Best Prepaid International SIM card for Egypt | finder.com

Q: Can Egyptian SIM cards be used throughout the Middle East region?
A: Egyptian SIM cards can be used in other Middle Eastern countries, subject to additional roaming charges, but that defeats the object of purchasing a local SIM card. We advise you to only use the Egyptian SIM card in Egypt, to reap the full benefits of what it can offer. If you plan on traveling around the Arab nations, it would be advisable to purchase a SIM card from each country you visit to cut costs.

No firsthand information, I'm afraid. I used to buy prepaid local SIM cards when traveling internationally, but nowadays our US providers seem to offer reasonable international rates, so I haven't bought a local SIM in a few years.

Hi, @Lorenzoid. I think what I'll do is buy a local SIM for use in Egypt and then just scrap it for Jordan. As @scubadada suggested, I will then use the day access fee for Jordan since I'm only there for 1-2 days. I think that's the easiest, happy medium. Thanks, guys! If anyone has a specific SIM/carrier they want to recommend I am all ears. I will also be heading out to BDE (as well as Zabargad, Rocky) like the OP, @Santsupa.

 

[Sunn]

Buy a local vodaphone sim card.

http://www.vodafone.com.eg/vodafoneportalWeb/en/myWorld_mainPage

For 100 EGP (6 USD), you get 8 Gb of data.

On this trip, there will be available signal near the coast (not at Brothers, of course, 70 kms from the coast !)