Question 1

What is the currency of Egypt?

Accepted Answer

The official currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP), symbol E£ or LE (from the French livre égyptienne). One pound is divided into 100 piasters (rarely used in practice). Banknotes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 EGP. Coins exist (25 and 50 piasters, 1 EGP) but are uncommon. The pound is on a managed float and the rate against the US dollar and euro moves from month to month — always check the live mid-market rate (XE, Wise, your bank's app) before booking or exchanging large amounts, and avoid relying on rates quoted in older guidebooks or blog posts.

Question 2

Can I use US dollars in Egypt?

Accepted Answer

US dollars are widely accepted at tourist sites, hotels, Nile cruise ships, and some shops — but you'll get a better deal paying in Egyptian pounds at the current exchange rate. Visa-on-arrival fees (currently $30, raised from $25 in March 2026) must be paid in USD cash. Many guides and drivers quote prices in USD. Small USD bills ($1, $5) are useful for tips at major tourist sites. For everyday purchases (food, taxis, bazaars), you'll need Egyptian pounds. Euro and British pounds are also accepted at some tourist-oriented businesses.

Question 3

Should I exchange money before traveling to Egypt?

Accepted Answer

Bring USD or EUR in cash to exchange upon arrival — you'll get better rates in Egypt than at home. Exchange a modest amount at the airport for immediate expenses (taxi, tips, food), then exchange more at banks or exchange bureaus in the city for better rates. Egyptian pounds are difficult to obtain outside Egypt. Your ATM card is a good backup — the exchange rate at ATMs is typically competitive, though your bank may charge international withdrawal fees.

Question 4

How much should I budget per day in Egypt?

Accepted Answer

Egypt is affordable by Western standards despite recent inflation, and your style sets the budget more than the country does: budget travel runs on hostels, street food (ful, falafel, koshari — the reliable cheap end everywhere) and local transport; mid-range adds a 3-star hotel, restaurant meals, guided tours and domestic flights; upscale means 5-star hotels, private guides and a Nile cruise. The useful relative facts: Uber and Careem give fixed taxi pricing and cost a fraction of Western ride prices; entry fees for the major sites (Giza, Valley of the Kings) have risen repeatedly in recent years — check current prices when planning; and a multi-night Nile cruise spans a huge price range depending on the boat class. With the pound on a managed float, re-check costs close to travel rather than budgeting from older posts.

Question 5

Is bargaining expected in Egypt?

Accepted Answer

Yes, bargaining is expected and part of the culture at bazaars (Khan El-Khalili), markets, souvenir shops, and with taxi drivers (if not using a meter or app). Start at 30-50% of the asking price and negotiate from there. Shopkeepers expect it and the interaction is part of the experience — stay friendly and walk away if the price isn't right (they'll often call you back). Fixed-price shops, supermarkets, restaurants, and official venues do not require bargaining. Uber/Careem car rides have fixed prices and eliminate the taxi negotiation entirely.

Question 6

Should I tip in Egypt? How much?

Accepted Answer

Yes, tipping (baksheesh) is essential in Egypt and a major part of many service workers' income. Guidelines: restaurants 10-15% (check if service charge is already added — usually 12%), hotel porters 20-50 EGP per bag, housekeeping 50-100 EGP per night, tour guides 200-500 EGP per day, drivers 100-200 EGP per day, felucca captain 100-200 EGP for a 1-2 hour sail, Nile cruise staff (collective tip 200-500 EGP in the box at the end), bathroom attendants 5-10 EGP, site guards who open special areas 10-20 EGP. Carry plenty of small notes.

Question 7

Are there any scams to watch out for with money?

Accepted Answer

Common money-related issues: taxi drivers claiming not to have change for large bills (carry small notes), unofficial 'guides' at monuments requesting payment after unsolicited tours (politely decline at the start), shops switching items after you've agreed a price, and exchange bureaus with misleading rate displays (confirm the rate and count your money before leaving). Use Uber/Careem instead of hailing taxis to avoid fare disputes. At ATMs, check for card skimming devices. Count your change — honest mistakes happen with unfamiliar currency.

Question 8

Can I use contactless payments or mobile wallets?

Accepted Answer

Contactless tap-to-pay on Visa and Mastercard now works at most modern hotels, chain restaurants, supermarkets, malls and Cairo airport — coverage has expanded fast in the last few years, especially in tourist zones. Apple Pay and Google Pay work wherever contactless is accepted (no SIM swap or local registration needed). The Egyptian mobile wallets and rails travellers will hear about — Instapay (the national instant-payment system), Fawry (the corner-shop bill-payment network), Vodafone Cash, Meeza prepaid cards — are designed for residents with a national ID and an Egyptian bank account, so they're not practical for short-stay visitors. Cash is still essential for taxis (outside Uber / Careem), street food, baksheesh, bazaars, smaller restaurants and anything outside the tourist trail — plan on 30-50% of your spend being cash even on a hotel-and-resort trip.

Money in Egypt

Practical Money Tips