What is the official currency of Egypt?
The Egyptian Pound (EGP or £E), divided into 100 piastres. Notes 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, while some older cotton notes remain valid. Indicative 2026 exchange rate: 1 USD ≈ 48-50 EGP, 1 EUR ≈ 52-55 EGP (floating rate - check before you leave on xe.com).
Where can I exchange dollars for Egyptian Pounds?
Best rates: official exchange offices (Banque du Caire, NBE National Bank of Egypt) - there are a few offices at the airport, but prefer the ones in town (rates ~3-5% better). 5-star hotels and cruise ships: less favorable rates (-5 to -10%) but convenient. ATMs: interbank rate (the best) but with a fee from your US bank ($3-5 + 1-3% of the amount). To avoid: street exchange stalls (the advertised rate looks attractive but scams are common), informal money changers. Tip: change just enough at the airport for the transfer + 1-2 days, then use ATMs in town.
Are credit cards accepted in Egypt?
Yes, widely, but with caveats: Visa and Mastercard: accepted everywhere in 4-5 star hotels, modern restaurants, cruise ships, travel agencies, major archaeological sites. American Express: accepted in some 5-star hotels (Hilton, Marriott) but less so elsewhere. Common surcharge: 2-3% on card payments (technically it must be disclosed, but it is often applied without notice). Markets, small restaurants, taxis: cash only. Before you go: notify your US bank of the trip to Egypt to avoid an automatic card block on your first transactions.
How much cash should I plan for a 10-day trip to Egypt?
For a couple over 10 days (on top of the all-inclusive package):
→ Tips (guides, drivers, crew): $200-310 in USD in small bills
→ Drinks outside all-inclusive, snacks, cafes: $55-110 (EGP or USD)
→ Souvenirs at Khan el-Khalili, papyrus, perfumes: $55-160 (a mix of EGP + USD)
→ Optional excursions (Abu Simbel, hot-air balloon, water park): $220-430 (often payable by card)
→ Uber/Careem rides in town: $20-45 (card or EGP)
Total cash: $320-540 in USD + $55-110 in EGP + a credit card for the rest.
Are there ATMs in Egypt?
Yes, plenty in every tourist city. Cairo: ATMs in all 4-5 star hotels, shopping malls (City Stars, Mall of Egypt), airports. Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, Sharm: ATMs at the airports, 5-star hotels, city centers. On a Nile cruise: no ATM on board, and the stops (Edfu, Kom Ombo) have few or no usable ATMs - withdraw in Cairo or Luxor BEFORE boarding. Limit per withdrawal: usually 3,000-5,000 EGP (~$60-100) per transaction. Fees: your US bank charges on average $3-5 per withdrawal + 1-3% of the amount. Bundle your withdrawals.
Can I pay in USD or euros directly in Egypt?
Yes in many places - but at an unfavorable rate. Accepted in USD/EUR without question: 4-5 star hotels (on the final bill), cruise ships, travel agencies, entry tickets to archaeological sites (Pyramids, Karnak, Valley of the Kings, etc. - often priced in USD), private excursions. Refused for everyday payments: taxis, small restaurants, markets, supermarket runs. Rate used by merchants: often unfavorable by 5-10% vs. the official rate - prefer to pay in EGP when you can.
Do I have to declare my currency to Egyptian customs?
Yes, above certain thresholds. Rule in force in 2026: you must declare any sum over 10,000 USD or the equivalent in euros. EGP export limit: 5,000 EGP maximum (~$100). In practice for a typical traveler: no declaration needed (you are not carrying 10,000 USD for a 10-day trip). Keep your official exchange receipts (useful if checked on the way out, to prove the source of any unused funds).
What should I do with leftover Egyptian Pounds at the end of the trip?
3 options: (1) Convert back at the airport on departure (exchange office after security, before the gate) - a less favorable rate but simple. (2) Keep them as a souvenir, the small bills (5, 10 EGP - nice design) - handy for a future return to Egypt. (3) Give them as a final tip to the boat crew, housekeeper, driver (no exchange loss, and it is appreciated). Do not try to resell EGP back home - it is not exchangeable at US banks (a non-convertible currency outside the country).
