Does Uber work in Egypt?

Yes, in Cairo, Giza and Alexandria, and reportedly in Hurghada and other cities. Coverage in Sharm el-Sheikh, Luxor and Aswan is patchy or absent, so check the app on arrival and use Careem or a pre-booked transfer there.

Is Careem or Uber better in Egypt?

Careem lists more Egyptian cities and is often as cheap as Uber, so keep both installed and compare the fare on each. Drivers use both and prices move with demand.

Can I pay for Uber in Egypt with a foreign card?

Often yes, but older reports say foreign cards were rejected on some accounts. Add your card before you travel, carry small EGP notes as a backup, and note that cash fares are common.

Do I need a local SIM to use Uber in Egypt?

You need data to book, and a local number helps because drivers often call to find you. An eSIM or local SIM bought on arrival solves both. Roaming works but is expensive.

Are Uber and Careem safe for solo women in Egypt?

They are generally safer than hailing a street taxi, because the trip is tracked and the driver is identifiable. Check the plate and driver name before you get in, share the trip with a contact and sit in the back.

Uber and Careem in Egypt | The Egypt Guides

Uber and Careem in Egypt: Coverage, Payment and Tips

4 November 2026 · 3 min read Travel Info

For most visitors, ride-hailing is the easiest way to get around Cairo. The fare is shown before you ride, there is no haggling, and the trip is tracked. Coverage is much weaker outside the big northern cities, and there are some local quirks around airports and payment that catch people out.

Where Uber and Careem work

Cairo, Giza and Alexandria: both apps work reliably, with the shortest waits in central Cairo, Zamalek, Maadi, Heliopolis and New Cairo.

Hurghada and the Delta cities: Uber and Careem both list Hurghada, and Careem covers a longer list including El Gouna, Port Said, Suez and several Delta towns. Availability depends on the hour.

Sharm el-Sheikh, Luxor, Aswan: sources disagree on Sharm, and recent comparisons do not list Luxor or Aswan for Uber. Treat ride-hailing as unavailable until the app shows cars, and plan on negotiated taxis or hotel transfers instead. Our Luxor airport transfer guide and Sharm el-Sheikh airport transfer guide cover the alternatives.

Check Careem’s own site{target=“_blank”} or the app for its current city list; both services have expanded and cut cities over the years.

Uber vs Careem

Careem is a regional app with a bigger Egyptian footprint. Uber has the familiar interface if you use it at home, and your home account works without a new sign-up. Fares between the two are close, so open both before long trips and compare. Drivers often run both apps and may text you to cancel and re-book off-app. Decline and keep the booking in the app.

Paying: card or cash

Add a card before you leave home; both apps accept foreign Visa and Mastercard in many cases, but older reports show some foreign cards being refused, so do not rely on it. Carry small EGP notes: drivers rarely have change for a 200-pound note. Cash is a normal option, and the app still shows the price upfront. Tip by rounding up the fare. For wider tipping norms see our etiquette guide.

Airports and the taxi touts

Arrivals halls in Egypt have drivers who approach you offering a “taxi.” Ignore them and walk to the app pickup point, then wait for your driver to show your name on the screen. A fixed airport fare is the main saving over the unmetered rank, and the whole detailed breakdown is on our Cairo airport transfer guide, including fares and terminal pickup points.

If you are arriving late at night, with lots of luggage, or on a first trip, a pre-booked fixed-price transfer removes the app, SIM and cancellation risk. You can book an airport transfer in Egypt before you fly and meet your driver in arrivals. Read the scams guide for the overcharging patterns to watch for.

Getting a SIM or eSIM first

You need data to book a ride and a number the driver can call. An Egypt eSIM installed before landing means you can order at the curb. Otherwise buy a local SIM at the airport shop. Our getting around Egypt guide covers the metro, trains and domestic flights alongside ride-hailing.

Safety tips

Match the plate and driver name in the app before getting in, and sit in the back.
Share your trip with a contact, especially at night.
Expect drivers to call you in Arabic; “wayn” (where) and sharing your pin solve most confusion.
Do not agree to a different price off-app, and keep the app route running.
Traffic in Cairo is heavy, and a ten-kilometre ride can take an hour at rush time. Allow time before flights and tours, and see Cairo tours if you would rather have transport sorted.
For late-night returns from bars, see our alcohol rules and book a ride rather than walking.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Uber work in Egypt?: Yes, in Cairo, Giza and Alexandria, and reportedly in Hurghada and other cities. Coverage in Sharm el-Sheikh, Luxor and Aswan is patchy or absent, so check the app on arrival and use Careem or a pre-booked transfer there.
Is Careem or Uber better in Egypt?: Careem lists more Egyptian cities and is often as cheap as Uber, so keep both installed and compare the fare on each. Drivers use both and prices move with demand.
Can I pay for Uber in Egypt with a foreign card?: Often yes, but older reports say foreign cards were rejected on some accounts. Add your card before you travel, carry small EGP notes as a backup, and note that cash fares are common.
Do I need a local SIM to use Uber in Egypt?: You need data to book, and a local number helps because drivers often call to find you. An eSIM or local SIM bought on arrival solves both. Roaming works but is expensive.
Are Uber and Careem safe for solo women in Egypt?: They are generally safer than hailing a street taxi, because the trip is tracked and the driver is identifiable. Check the plate and driver name before you get in, share the trip with a contact and sit in the back.