Getting Egyptian Pounds for Your Trip

Egypt is a fascinating destination steeped in ancient history, but managing money there requires some preparation. The Egyptian Pound (EGP) has experienced significant devaluation in recent years, which actually makes Egypt excellent value for tourists — but it also means you need to understand the best ways to access your money.

Egypt is predominantly a cash society, especially outside of international hotels and upmarket tourist venues. Understanding baksheesh (tipping culture) and having plenty of small notes will make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.

Best Ways to Get EGP Before and During Your Trip

Here are your options for obtaining Egyptian Pounds, ranked from best to worst value:

1. Bring USD, GBP or EUR Cash

The most efficient approach is to bring major foreign currency in cash and exchange it in Egypt. Banks and official exchange offices offer much better rates than you'll find in the UK. Bring clean, crisp notes — damaged or marked bills may be rejected or exchanged at poor rates.

2. ATM Withdrawal with Wise/Revolut Card

Using a multi-currency card at Egyptian ATMs gives you a good rate without needing to carry large amounts of foreign cash. Wise and Revolut both work well in Egypt. CIB and National Bank of Egypt ATMs are most reliable for foreign cards.

3. Exchange at Egyptian Banks

Banks in Egypt offer official exchange rates. They're safe and reliable, though queues can be long. CIB, Banque Misr, and National Bank of Egypt are widely available. Banks typically offer the same rate regardless of branch.

4. Hotel Exchange

Most hotels will exchange money for guests. Rates are slightly worse than banks but convenient. Acceptable for small amounts when you need cash quickly.

5. UK Exchange (Avoid)

Exchanging to Egyptian Pounds in the UK offers terrible rates. The spread can be 10-15% or more. Always wait until you arrive in Egypt.

Using Cards in Egypt

Card acceptance in Egypt has improved but remains limited compared to Western countries:

Where Cards Work

International hotels, upmarket restaurants in tourist areas, shopping malls, large supermarkets (Carrefour, Seoudi), major tourist attractions with entry fees, airport shops, and some tour operators.

Where You'll Need Cash

Taxis and local transport, markets and souks (Khan el-Khalili, etc.), small restaurants and street food, tips and baksheesh, most shops outside tourist areas, felucca rides, camel/horse rides at pyramids, temple guards for access to restricted areas, toilet attendants, and most everyday purchases.

Card Tips for Egypt

Visa and Mastercard are most widely accepted. American Express is rarely accepted. Always ask "Do you take card?" before ordering or committing. When using cards, always pay in EGP — never accept conversion to GBP (DCC). Notify your bank before travelling as Egypt can trigger fraud alerts.

Withdrawing Cash from ATMs

ATMs are your backup option and work well in tourist areas and cities.

Best ATMs to Use

CIB (Commercial International Bank) — Most reliable for international cards. Found in major cities and tourist areas. Dispenses 100 and 200 EGP notes.

National Bank of Egypt — Good coverage, reliable machines.

Banque Misr — Widely available, generally works with foreign cards.

ATM Tips

Always decline the "convert to your home currency" option. Withdraw larger amounts to reduce per-transaction fees. ATMs may have limits of EGP 5,000-10,000 per withdrawal. Carry backup cash as ATMs in tourist sites may be empty or broken. In Luxor and Aswan, ATMs can run out of cash, especially on weekends.

ATM Availability

Widely available in Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, and Sharm el-Sheikh. Limited in rural areas, desert regions, and smaller oases. If taking desert excursions or Nile cruises, bring sufficient cash.

Understanding Baksheesh (Tipping Culture)

Baksheesh is central to Egyptian culture and essential to understand before your trip. It's a combination of tipping, charity, and payment for small services.

When and How Much

Restaurants: 10-15% if service charge not included. Check your bill first.

Hotel porters: EGP 20-50 per bag.

Housekeeping: EGP 30-50 per day left in the room.

Tour guides: EGP 100-200 per day for a good guide.

Drivers: EGP 50-100 per day.

Temple/tomb guardians: EGP 20-50 if they show you something special or take photos.

Toilet attendants: EGP 5-10.

Felucca captain: EGP 50-100 for a pleasant trip.

Anyone who helps you: EGP 10-20 for small services.

Baksheesh Tips

Always carry plenty of small notes (EGP 5, 10, 20, 50). You'll need baksheesh multiple times daily. It's not begging — it's an expected part of the service economy. Refusing baksheesh entirely is considered rude. Decide before a service if you want it — agreeing implies you'll tip. Don't overpay as it can inflate expectations for future tourists.

Money Safety Tips for Egypt

Egypt is generally safe for tourists, but sensible precautions apply:

Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and cards you don't need daily. Carry a money belt for larger amounts. Keep daily spending money in a front pocket. Be aware of your surroundings in crowded markets. Count your change carefully. Don't flash large amounts of cash. ATM skimming exists — use machines inside banks when possible. Keep small notes accessible for baksheesh without revealing your main cash.