Currency Exchange & Tipping Guide

Planning how to manage your money is an important part of preparing for a trip to Egypt.

You may need to pay for:

Airport transportation
Hotels
Restaurants
Entrance tickets
Tour guides
Drivers
Local taxis
Souvenirs
Nile activities
Tips and small services

Major hotels, larger shops and many tourism businesses accept international payment cards. However, cash remains useful for smaller purchases, local transportation, tips and places where card terminals are unavailable.

Egypt’s official currency is the Egyptian pound, commonly abbreviated as EGP. One Egyptian pound is divided into 100 piastres. Egypt’s official tourism guides confirm that ATMs are widely available and that major hotels and stores commonly accept cards such as Visa and Mastercard.

This guide explains:

The currency used in Egypt
Whether tourists should carry cash
Where cards are accepted
How to use Egyptian ATMs
Where to exchange foreign currency
How to avoid poor conversion rates
How tipping works in Egypt
How to keep your money and cards secure
The best payment strategy for an Egypt itinerary

Elsahaby Local Advice: Do not depend entirely on cash or entirely on one bank card. The safest approach is to carry a small amount of Egyptian currency together with two separate payment cards.

Quick Answer: Should You Use Cash or Cards in Egypt?

Most travelers should use a combination of both.

Payment method	Best used for
Cash in Egyptian pounds	Tips, small shops, taxis and minor purchases
Credit or debit card	Hotels, larger restaurants, major stores and online bookings
ATM withdrawal	Obtaining Egyptian pounds during the trip
Foreign cash	Exchanging through a bank or licensed exchange office
Mobile payment	Only where supported by the merchant and your card
Backup card	Emergencies or when the main card is declined

Recommended Travel Setup

Bring:

A primary international payment card
A second backup card stored separately
A limited amount of foreign currency
Some Egyptian pounds for the first day
Access to mobile banking
Emergency contact details for your bank

Do not keep all your cash and cards in one wallet.

What Currency Is Used in Egypt?

The official currency is the:

Egyptian Pound — EGP

You may also see it written as:

LE
E£
Egyptian pounds

Prices in hotels, restaurants, shops and tourist attractions should generally be confirmed in Egyptian pounds unless the service clearly states another currency.

Egypt’s official tourism information identifies the Egyptian pound as the national currency and notes that currency-exchange services are available in airports, hotels and major tourist destinations.

Elsahaby Local Advice: When someone quotes a price, confirm whether it is in Egyptian pounds, US dollars or euros before accepting the service.

Understanding the Egypt Exchange Rate

The value of the Egyptian pound against international currencies can change.

The Central Bank of Egypt publishes updated indicative exchange rates for:

US dollar
Euro
British pound
UAE dirham
Saudi riyal
Chinese yuan
Japanese yen
Other major currencies

Travelers should check the latest rate rather than relying on an old screenshot or social-media post.

Check the Central Bank of Egypt Exchange Rates

Buy Rate and Sell Rate

When viewing an exchange-rate board, you may see two rates:

Buy rate: The amount the institution pays when buying your foreign currency.

Sell rate: The amount charged when selling foreign currency to you.

The amount you receive may differ slightly between banks and licensed exchange companies.

Where Should Tourists Exchange Money in Egypt?

Use regulated and recognizable institutions.

Recommended places include:

Banks
Licensed exchange companies
Official airport exchange counters
Exchange desks in established hotels
Authorized financial-service branches

Egypt’s official tourism website states that currency exchange is available in airports, major hotels and tourist destinations. The Central Bank of Egypt also publishes a directory of licensed foreign-exchange companies and their branches.

View the Central Bank’s Licensed Institutions

Avoid Exchanging Money With

Unknown street sellers
Taxi drivers offering private exchange
Individuals contacting you through social media
Unlicensed shops
Anyone offering an unusually attractive rate
Sellers refusing to issue a receipt

Elsahaby Local Advice: An exchange rate that appears dramatically better than the official market rate should be treated with caution.

Should You Exchange Money at the Airport?

Airport exchange counters are convenient for obtaining a small amount of Egyptian currency immediately after arrival.

Airport cash can be useful for:

Small purchases
Tips
SIM-card payments
Transportation
Food and drinks
Emergency expenses

However, you do not need to exchange your entire travel budget at the airport.

A practical approach is:

Exchange or withdraw enough for your first day.
Compare rates later at a bank or licensed exchange company.
Keep your receipt.
Count the money before leaving the counter.

A pre-arranged airport transfer also reduces the need to search for transportation or negotiate prices immediately after landing.

Explore Elsahaby Tours Private Transfers

Are Credit and Debit Cards Accepted in Egypt?

International payment cards are commonly accepted by:

Major hotels
International hotel chains
Larger restaurants
Shopping malls
Supermarkets
Established souvenir stores
Airlines
Some tour companies
Online booking platforms

Official Egyptian tourism brochures state that major hotels and larger stores accept cards such as Visa and Mastercard.

However, card acceptance should not be assumed at:

Small cafés
Local markets
Small souvenir stalls
Local taxis
Small boats
Remote attractions
Desert camps
Rural communities

Always carry some Egyptian pounds as a backup.

Why Your Card May Be Declined

A card can be declined for several reasons:

Your bank blocked the foreign transaction.
International transactions are disabled.
The purchase exceeds a daily limit.
The merchant’s terminal has a connection problem.
The bank requires additional verification.
The card is temporarily locked.
The terminal does not support the card type.
The merchant accepts only cash.

Before Traveling

Contact your bank or check your banking application to confirm:

International payments are active.
ATM withdrawals are allowed.
Your daily limits are sufficient.
Your telephone number can receive verification messages.
Your card will not expire during the trip.
You understand your foreign-transaction fees.

Should You Pay in Egyptian Pounds or Your Home Currency?

A card terminal or ATM may offer to charge you in:

Egyptian pounds
Your home currency

This is known as Dynamic Currency Conversion, or DCC.

Visa explains that paying in your home currency can include a conversion rate and additional markup chosen by the merchant or ATM provider. Selecting the local currency normally allows your own card issuer to perform the conversion instead.

Recommended Selection

When given a clear choice, select:

Pay in Egyptian Pounds — EGP

rather than having the merchant or ATM convert the transaction into dollars, euros, pounds or another home currency.

Before confirming, check:

Transaction amount
Currency symbol
Exchange rate
Additional conversion fee
Final amount

Elsahaby Local Advice: Do not press the confirmation button automatically. Read the ATM or card-terminal screen carefully and choose EGP when you wish to avoid merchant-provided currency conversion.

Using ATMs in Egypt

ATMs are widely available in major cities and tourist destinations.

You can commonly find them near:

Bank branches
Airports
Hotels
Shopping malls
Tourist areas
Supermarkets
Major streets

Egypt’s official tourism information states that commercial banks provide ATM services and that cash can generally be obtained from ATMs.

Use ATMs Located At

Recognized bank branches
Airports
Hotel lobbies
Shopping malls
Well-lit public areas

Avoid isolated or damaged machines.

ATM Safety Tips

Before inserting your card:

Inspect the card slot.
Cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
Do not accept help from strangers.
Make sure nobody is standing too close.
Take your card before walking away.
Collect the receipt when available.
Check your banking application afterward.
Keep the withdrawal discreet.

When the ATM appears unusual or retains your card, contact the bank immediately.

ATM Fees and Withdrawal Charges

An ATM transaction may involve:

A fee charged by the Egyptian ATM operator
A fee charged by your home bank
A foreign-transaction fee
A currency-conversion margin
A daily withdrawal limit

The ATM should show applicable local charges before the transaction is completed. Your home bank may charge additional fees that do not appear on the Egyptian ATM screen.

Visa provides an international ATM locator and advises travelers to check card and issuer conditions before withdrawing money abroad.

Find a Visa ATM

Before Confirming a Withdrawal

Check:

The amount requested
The amount dispensed
The currency
Local ATM fee
Conversion option
Your bank’s expected charges

How Much Cash Should You Carry?

There is no single correct amount for every traveler.

The amount depends on:

Daily itinerary
Whether tours are prepaid
Hotel payment method
Number of travelers
Restaurant preferences
Transportation arrangements
Shopping plans
Destination

A traveler using pre-booked private tours may need less daily cash than someone arranging every activity after arrival.

Carry Enough Cash For

One day of small purchases
Tips
A local taxi or short ride
Food and drinks
Minor entrance or service expenses
An emergency when cards are unavailable

Avoid carrying your entire trip budget each day.

Cash Planning by Destination

Cairo and Giza

Cards are commonly available at major hotels, malls and established restaurants.

Cash remains useful for:

Small cafés
Souvenirs
Local services
Tips
Small transport expenses

Luxor

Carry cash for:

Small shops
Horse-carriage services
Local boats
Tips
Minor purchases around archaeological sites

Larger hotels and established tourism businesses may accept cards.

Aswan

Cash is useful for:

Felucca trips
Local markets
Nubian villages
Small shops
Tips
Boat services

Abu Simbel

Carry sufficient Egyptian pounds before departure because payment options may be more limited than in central Aswan.

Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh

Resorts and established businesses often accept cards, but cash is useful for:

Taxis
Tips
Small shops
Excursion staff
Purchases outside the resort

White and Black Desert

Do not depend on card terminals or ATMs in remote desert areas.

Prepare cash before departure and confirm exactly what your tour includes.

Tipping in Egypt

Tipping is commonly known in Egypt as:

Baksheesh

Tipping may be offered to acknowledge helpful or professional service.

It may be relevant for:

Hotel porters
Housekeeping
Drivers
Guides
Restaurant servers
Boat crews
Cruise staff
Bathroom attendants
Luggage assistance

Tipping is not a fixed government charge, and the appropriate amount depends on:

Service quality
Length of service
Number of travelers
Type of experience
Whether a service charge is already included
Your personal satisfaction

Elsahaby Local Advice: Carry small Egyptian-pound notes separately so that you do not need to open your main wallet whenever you wish to tip.

Suggested Tipping Approach

The following is a practical planning guide rather than a mandatory tariff.

Restaurants

Check the bill for:

Service charge
Taxes
Gratuity

A service charge on the bill may not always be distributed directly to the individual server. An additional personal tip remains optional.

Private Drivers

Consider:

Length of the journey
Luggage assistance
Punctuality
Driving quality
Number of travel days

Tour Guides

Consider:

Tour duration
Historical knowledge
Language quality
Personal assistance
Group size

Hotel Staff

Small notes are convenient for:

Luggage assistance
Room service
Housekeeping
Special assistance

Nile Cruises

Ask whether staff gratuities are:

Included in the package
Collected as a shared amount
Paid separately
Distributed between departments

Confirm this before the cruise ends.

How to Avoid Tipping Confusion

Before using a service:

Confirm the full price.
Ask what is included.
Clarify whether the price is per person.
Confirm whether entrance fees are included.
Ask whether tips are optional.
Check restaurant bills for service charges.
Do not allow anyone to pressure you.

A tip should recognize service, not replace a clearly agreed price.

Elsahaby Local Advice: Agree on the service price first. Decide on a tip only after the service has been completed.

Small Change and Egyptian Banknotes

Small banknotes are useful during a trip.

Use them for:

Minor purchases
Tips
Toilets
Bottled water
Snacks
Short local services

Large notes may be difficult to change at a small stall or local shop.

When withdrawing from an ATM or exchanging money, ask for a mixture of note sizes when possible.

Count your change before leaving.

Paying for Tours in Egypt

Before paying a tour company, confirm:

Company name
Tour date
Total price
Deposit required
Balance payment date
Currency
Cancellation policy
Included services
Receipt or booking confirmation

Avoid sending money to an unrelated personal account without receiving clear documentation.

A professional booking confirmation should show:

Traveler name
Service
Date
Number of travelers
Agreed price
Payment received
Remaining balance
Contact information

Deposits and Advance Payments

A deposit may be requested to secure:

Nile cruises
Hot-air-balloon bookings
Private vehicles
Multi-day tours
Hotels
Domestic flights
Desert expeditions

Before paying:

Read the cancellation policy.
Confirm whether the deposit is refundable.
Ask what happens after a weather cancellation.
Verify the company’s contact information.
Request written confirmation.
Keep payment evidence.

Elsahaby Local Advice: For a customized multi-day trip, avoid paying the full amount without a written itinerary, payment policy and booking confirmation.

Protecting Your Money and Cards

Carry Cards Separately

Keep:

Main card in your daily wallet
Backup card in your hotel safe or separate secure bag
Emergency cash in another location

Use Hotel Safes Carefully

Store:

Passport when not required
Additional cash
Backup bank card
Copies of documents

Enable Banking Notifications

Turn on:

Card transaction alerts
ATM withdrawal notifications
Online-purchase verification
Security notifications

Review Transactions Daily

Check for:

Duplicate charges
Incorrect amounts
Unknown transactions
Unexpected conversion fees

Report suspicious activity to your bank immediately.

What to Do if Your Card Is Lost or Stolen

Lock or freeze the card through your banking application.
Contact your bank.
Review recent transactions.
Keep the backup card separate.
Report theft when necessary.
Inform your travel-insurance provider.
Keep copies of relevant reports.

Do not write your PIN on the card or keep it inside the same wallet.

Common Money Mistakes in Egypt

Carrying Only One Card

A second card provides protection if the first is declined or lost.

Exchanging the Entire Budget at Once

Exchange or withdraw money gradually based on your itinerary.

Accepting an Unclear Conversion

Confirm the currency before paying.

Choosing Home-Currency Conversion

Review DCC carefully and select Egyptian pounds when appropriate.

Depending Completely on Cards

Small businesses and remote destinations may require cash.

Carrying Too Much Cash Daily

Leave unnecessary funds securely stored.

Not Checking the Restaurant Bill

Look for service charges and taxes before adding a tip.

Using Unlicensed Exchange Sellers

Use banks and exchange companies listed or supervised by the Central Bank of Egypt.

Recommended Payment Strategy for Egypt

For most international visitors:

Bring two internationally enabled cards.
Carry a modest amount of foreign currency.
Obtain Egyptian pounds after arrival.
Use cards at major hotels and established businesses.
Use cash for small purchases and tips.
Select EGP on card terminals and ATMs.
Keep cash and cards in separate locations.
Check the Central Bank rate periodically.
Save bank emergency numbers.
Keep receipts for major transactions.

Money Checklist Before Traveling

✅ Two international payment cards
✅ International transactions activated
✅ ATM withdrawals activated
✅ Bank informed when required
✅ Foreign-transaction fees checked
✅ Daily limits reviewed
✅ Banking application installed
✅ Verification telephone number active
✅ Emergency bank numbers saved
✅ Small emergency cash prepared
✅ Travel insurance confirmed
✅ Airport transfer arranged

Need Help Planning Your Egypt Budget and Transportation?

Elsahaby Tours can assist with:

Cairo Airport transfers
Private transportation
Cairo and Giza tours
Luxor sightseeing
Aswan tours
Abu Simbel transportation
Nile cruises
Hot-air-balloon experiences
White and Black Desert trips
Customized itineraries
Clear service inclusions
Local travel assistance

Contact Elsahaby Tours

Explore Egypt Tours

Explore Private Transfers

Request a Customized Egypt Itinerary

Chat With Elsahaby Tours on WhatsApp

Frequently Asked Questions

What currency is used in Egypt?

Egypt uses the Egyptian pound, abbreviated as EGP. It is divided into 100 piastres.

Should I carry cash in Egypt?

Yes. Cards are accepted at many major hotels and larger businesses, but cash is useful for tips, small shops, local services and remote destinations.

Are Visa and Mastercard accepted in Egypt?

Major hotels and larger stores commonly accept Visa and Mastercard, according to official Egyptian tourism information.

Are ATMs available in Egypt?

Yes. ATMs are widely available through commercial banks, particularly in cities and tourist destinations.

Where should I exchange money?

Use banks, official airport counters, established hotels or exchange companies licensed by the Central Bank of Egypt.

Should I pay in EGP or my home currency?

When offered Dynamic Currency Conversion, paying in the local currency may help avoid the merchant’s conversion markup. Review the terms before confirming.

Is tipping compulsory in Egypt?

Tipping is customary for some services but is not a fixed payment for every situation. The amount should depend on the service received and your satisfaction.

Can I use only cards during my Egypt trip?

It is not recommended. Keep some Egyptian cash for small purchases, tips and situations where card payments are unavailable.

Should I bring US dollars or euros?

Both are widely recognized international currencies, but daily purchases should generally be made in Egyptian pounds. Exchange through authorized institutions.

How can I check the current Egyptian-pound rate?

Use the Central Bank of Egypt’s official exchange-rate page.

Official Sources and Useful Links

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