What is the official currency of Egypt?
The Egyptian Pound (Egyptian Pound, EGP or £E), divided into 100 piastres. Banknotes in circulation: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 EGP. Coins: 25 piastres, 50 piastres, 1 EGP. In 2026 the country is transitioning to new polymer banknotes, some old cotton banknotes remain valid. Indicative exchange rate 2026: ≈ 52-55 EGP, 1 USD ≈ 48-50 EGP (floating rate - check before departure on xe.com).
Where to change your euros into Egyptian Pounds?
Best rates: official exchange offices (Bank of Cairo, NBE National Bank of Egypt) - some offices at the airport but prefer those in town (rates ~3-5% better). 5★ hotels and cruise ships: less favorable rates (-5 to -10%) but practical. Vending machines (ATM): interbank rate (the best) but commission from your French bank (3- + 1-3% of the amount). To avoid: street exchange offices (attractive advertised rate but frequent scams), informal money changers. Tip: change just enough at the airport for transfer + 1-2 days, then use ATM in town.
Are bank cards accepted in Egypt?
Yes, widely, but with nuances: Visa and Mastercard: accepted everywhere in 4-5★ hotels, modern restaurants, cruise ships, travel agencies, main archaeological sites. American Express: accepted in certain 5★ hotels (Hilton, Marriott) but less everywhere. Frequent overload: 2-3% on credit card payments (obligatory mention in theory, but often applied without warning). Markets, small restaurants, taxis: cash only. Before departure: notify your French bank of the trip to Egypt to avoid automatic blocking of the card on the first transactions.
How much cash to bring for 10 days in Egypt?
For a couple over 10 days (in addition to the all-inclusive package):
→ Tips (guides, drivers, crew): £150-£220 in USD/euros small denominations
→ Non-all-inclusive drinks, snacks, coffees: £40-£80 (EGP or USD)
→ Khan el-Khalili souvenirs, papyrus, perfumes: £40-£120 (EGP + USD mix)
→ Optional excursions (Abou Simbel, hot air balloon, water park): £150-£310 (often payable by credit card)
→ Uber/Careem taxis in town: £20-£30 (CB or EGP)
Total cash: £230-£380 in USD/euros + £40-£80 in EGP + CB card for the rest.
Are there ATMs in Egypt?
Yes, many in all tourist towns. Cairo: ATM in all 4-5★ hotels, shopping centers (City Stars, Mall of Egypt), airports. Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, Sharm: ATM at airports, 5★ hotels, city centers. On a cruise on the Nile: no ATM on board, but stopovers (Edfou, Kom Ombo) have few/no usable ATMs - collect in Cairo or Luxor BEFORE boarding. Limit per withdrawal: generally 3,000-5,000 EGP (~£40-£70) per operation. Fees: your French bank charges on average 3-/withdrawal + 1-3% of the amount. Accumulate withdrawals.
Can you pay in euros or USD directly in Egypt?
Yes in many places - but disadvantageous rates. Accepted in USD/EUR without flinching: 4-5★ hotels (at the final bill), cruise ships, travel agencies, entrance tickets to archaeological sites (Pyramids, Karnak, Valley of the Kings, etc. - often denominated in USD), private excursions. Refused for daily payments: taxis, small restaurants, markets, shopping in supermarkets. Rate charged by traders: often unfavorable by 5-10% vs official rate - prefer to pay in EGP when possible.
Do you have to declare your currencies to Egyptian customs?
Yes, beyond certain thresholds. Rule in force 2026: obligation to declare any sum greater than $10,000 or equivalent in euros. EGP export limit: Maximum EGP 5,000 (~£70). In practice for a classic traveler: no declaration required (you don't carry $10,000 for a 10 day trip). Keep your official exchange receipts (useful if checked at exit to justify the origin of unused funds).
What to do with the remaining Egyptian Books at the end of the stay?
3 options: (1) Reconvert at the airport upon departure (exchange office after security checks, before boarding gate) - less favorable but simple rate. (2) Keep as a souvenir small denominations (5, 10 EGP - nice design) - future use if returning to Egypt. (3) Give a final tip to the boat crew, maid, driver (exchange gain avoided, and it is appreciated). Do not try to resell EGP in France - not exchangeable in French banks (non-convertible currency outside the zone).
