Money & Payments
How to handle cash, cards, tipping, ATMs, and everyday spending in Egypt with confidence.
The Egyptian Pound (EGP)
The local currency is the Egyptian Pound (LE). While USD and EUR are often accepted in major hotels and for tours, you will need the local currency for daily expenses, markets, and smaller shops. Notes come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200.
Cards vs. Cash
Cash remains important in Egypt, particularly in souqs, small cafes, and for tips. Credit cards, especially Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted in hotels, upscale restaurants, and major retail outlets. Carry both for flexibility.
ATMs & Exchange
ATMs are easy to find in cities and major tourist areas. Banks and authorized exchange offices are the safest places to exchange currency. Avoid changing money with unauthorized street dealers.
Tipping Culture (Baksheesh)
Tipping is deeply ingrained in Egyptian culture. Small tips for services (luggage, housekeeping, guides) are expected. In restaurants, a 10-15% tip is standard if service wasn't already included. Carry small EGP notes for this purpose.
Daily Spending Guide
Sample Prices
- Bottled Water 15–25 EGP
- Local Coffee 40–70 EGP
- Casual Lunch 250–400 EGP
- Short Uber Trip 80–150 EGP
Local Tip
Always keep a stack of small 5, 10, and 20 EGP notes. Larger bills (100 and 200) can be difficult to break in smaller shops or for quick tips.
Trusted reference library
Open the source behind a claim and verify it for your own dates, passport, health, and route. We favor official Egyptian authorities and established government travel-health and safety services.
Central Bank of Egypt
Official exchange rates
The official reference for current Egyptian-pound exchange rates.
Open official source
Cairo International Airport
Cairo Airport passenger services
Official terminal information for banks, ATMs, exchange counters, shops, and telecom services.
Open official source