Egypt

⚠️

Apple Pay / Google Pay

No direct substitute

🟡Local app preferred

Very cash-heavy. Cards work at hotels and larger shops; carry Egyptian pounds for markets and tips.

⚠️

WhatsApp

Use instead: Local eSIM for calls

🟡Local app preferred

WhatsApp texting works; voice/video calls are sometimes throttled, so a local eSIM helps for calling.

✅

Google Maps

No direct substitute

🟢Works fine

Google Maps works well for driving, walking and public transit.

✅

Uber

Use instead: Careem

🟢Works fine

Uber and Careem both work in Cairo and other cities and beat street-taxi haggling.

US roaming works but is expensive; a local eSIM is cheaper and faster. Set it up before you land.

✅

Instagram / Facebook / X

No direct substitute

🟢Works fine

US social apps work normally.