Intercom and Video Door Phone Systems in Egypt: From Simple Audio to Smart Integration
Intercoms in Egypt have evolved from a simple wire bell to integrated systems with camera, electric lock, and mobile app. Whether you're in a building apartment or standalone villa, you need a visitor welcome system. This guide helps you understand the options available in the Egyptian market and choose the most suitable one for you.
By the Ases Kahraba team — Last updated: March 2026
Quick Answer
Wired intercom from 1,200 EGP, WiFi from 800 EGP — which is better for your apartment? Comelit vs Dahua vs Hikvision with wiring requirements in Egypt.
Types of Intercom Systems Available in Egypt
Oldest and cheapest. Audio only, no video. Common in pre-2000 buildings. Cost: 150–400 EGP per unit. Suitable for simple replacement without changing cables.
Adds an indoor screen to see the visitor. Dominant in 2005–2018 buildings. Uses proprietary cable, not Ethernet. 800–2,000 EGP per indoor unit. No mobile or recording support without add-ons.
Runs over LAN via CAT6, powered by PoE. Integrates with NVR for video recording and supports mobile app. Supported by Hikvision (Hik-Connect), Dahua (DMSS), and Akuvox. Remote door opening from anywhere in the world. Best choice for new projects in Egypt.
No network cable needed — connects directly to WiFi. Your phone becomes the indoor unit via the app. Easy to install in finished apartments. Warning: depends on the router — if power or internet cuts, you cannot open the door.
No WiFi or indoor unit needed — calls your number over the cellular network. Ideal for villas and remote gates. Requires only a SIM card + power. Unit cost: 1,200–3,500 EGP.
Why Network (IP) Intercom Is the 2026 Choice in Egypt?
- Open the door from anywhere in the world: Via Hik-Connect or DMSS app, see the visitor and open the door from any location. Instant push notification the moment the doorbell is pressed — perfect for property owners living abroad.
- Automatic video recording with NVR: IP intercoms integrate with NVR and record every visit automatically. Review who came up to 30 days back. Ideal for security in compounds and large buildings. Hikvision DS-KV8413 and Dahua VTO2202F-P support this natively.
- Multi-user simultaneous notifications: A single IP system notifies multiple people at the same time (husband and wife, or a security team). Each person can open the door from their mobile. Old analog systems don't support this at all.
- Full smart home integration via SIP: Akuvox and Hikvision support the SIP protocol — integrating with KNX, Home Assistant, and Alexa. Link the intercom to entrance lighting, a smart lock, or a full control system. Adoption in New Cairo and the New Administrative Capital doubles annually.
- Don't forget PoE Switch in the budget: IP intercoms require a PoE Switch (300–800 EGP) or a separate 12V/48V power supply per unit. CAT6 to every point. Worth the investment — 10–15 year lifespan and easily expandable.
Core Components and Options for Each System
- Audio only vs video camera: Classic 2-wire audio intercom is still used in old buildings at 150–400 EGP per unit. A Video Door Phone adds viewing the visitor on an indoor screen or mobile — starting from 800 EGP for the indoor unit + 600 EGP for the outdoor camera.
- Analog wired vs IP vs WiFi: Analog wired is more stable than WiFi for old buildings. IP (CAT6) is best for new projects: supports mobile, recording, and AI. WiFi only for quick upgrades in finished apartments — not for large buildings.
- Building systems vs standalone villa: Building (10+ apartments): one outdoor unit with keypad + one indoor unit per apartment + shared data bus. Villa: simpler — outdoor unit at gate + indoor unit in living room ± mobile app. Network systems support remote door opening from anywhere in the world.
- Integration with access control and door lock: The best systems integrate with fingerprint reader, card, or code + electric or magnetic lock. Hikvision and ZKTeco provide this in Egypt. Magnetic locks require continuous power (locked when powered, opens on power cut — safe state).
- Required electrical wiring: Analog wired: 2×0.5mm² or 4×0.5mm² cable between outdoor and each indoor unit. Magnetic lock: 2×1mm² cable + separate 12V DC supply. IP intercom: CAT6 to every point + PoE Switch. All needs planning before fit-out.
- Brands available in Egypt and prices: Dahua VTO series: 1,500–3,500 EGP. Hikvision DS-KV: 2,000–5,000 EGP. Akuvox (SIP/IP for smart home): 3,000–9,000 EGP. Comelit (Italian): 3,000–8,000 EGP. Unknown Chinese brands: 400–900 EGP — not recommended for buildings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace an old intercom (audio only) with a video system without changing cables?
It depends on the number of existing wires. If you have 2-wire: some modern video systems work on 2-wire (like Comelit 2-wire). If you have 4-wire: easier with more options available. What's not possible on existing cables: full IP systems (Hikvision/Dahua IP series) which require separate CAT6.
What electrical wiring is needed for an intercom?
At minimum: 2×0.5mm² cable (like phone cable) from the building entrance or door to each apartment or living room. If adding electric lock: 2×1mm² cable for 12V DC power supply + lock activation cable. If adding IP camera: CAT6. The electrical panel usually doesn't need changing — the intercom draws from a separate 12V or 24V source.
What's the difference between IP intercom and WiFi intercom — which is better in Egypt?
IP intercom (CAT6 + PoE): runs over a wired LAN, more stable, integrates with NVR for recording, and supports SIP protocol for smart home. Not affected by internet outages since it runs on the local network. WiFi intercom: connects directly to the internet, easy to install but affected by connection quality and power cuts. In Egypt with internet fluctuations and power outages, IP is far more reliable for new buildings and villas.
Does a network (IP) intercom work during internet outages in Egypt?
Yes — IP intercoms run on the local network (LAN) inside the property even if the internet goes down. You can open the door from a phone connected to the same internal WiFi. What stops with internet loss: remote opening from outside via Hik-Connect/DMSS. Solution: a small UPS on the Router and PoE Switch ensures the internal network stays up even during power cuts.
Is WiFi wireless intercom reliable in Egypt?
For a villa or duplex apartment with a strong WiFi network: it can work well. For large buildings: not reliable enough — connections drop and notifications are delayed. In Egypt with power outages, if the router goes down you won't be able to open the door. Best hybrid solution: wired IP primary + mobile app as an addition.
How much does an intercom system cost for a 10-apartment building?
Cost for a 10-apartment building: good outdoor unit (Dahua/Hikvision): 2,500–4,000 EGP. 10 indoor units: 8,000–20,000 EGP (800–2,000 per unit). Wiring and installation: 3,000–8,000 EGP depending on building height. Total: 13,500–32,000 EGP for the whole building. Per apartment: 1,350–3,200 EGP — a very reasonable investment.