Travel Money Egypt: A Guide to Banking, Money, & Currency  

Egyptian currency is available in two physical forms: banknotes and coins.

• Banknote denominations: E£5, E£10, E£20, E£50, E£100, and E£200
• Coin denominations: 5, 10, 25 and 50 piastres and E£1

The current exchange rate for USD to EGP is: US$1.00 = E£$30.90, though it constantly fluctuates.

Because exchange rates are subject to change, it’s essential to use an exchange rate calculator to check the current details. Tracking rates before and during your visit can help you better manage your spending.

In Egypt, travelers can pull money from authorized exchange offices, local banks, and currency-exchange counters and ATMs at major airports. Egyptian currency is readily accessible throughout the country, but it’s easy to obtain cash before leaving the airport.

ATMs are common in bank branches and at major shopping areas around Egypt. ATM cards with a four-digit PIN are standard in Egypt and usually work; as a precaution, though, ensure that your PIN doesn’t start with an “0” as international ATMs might have an issue with it.

Typically, ATMs in Egypt have withdrawal limits that vary between banks and types of account. Depending upon your bank account and other factors, the daily limit for withdrawals reportedly range from E£5,000 to E£10,000. To ensure you have accurate information, contact your bank or financial institution before your trip for specific details regarding withdrawal limits.

You should also check with your bank regarding any foreign transaction fees or applicable exchange-rate fees for international withdrawals, and inform them of the dates you’ll be traveling in Egypt and using local ATMs.

If a “friendly” person offers to help you with using an ATM, turn them down and safeguard your pin code; this is a reported scam. Practice common sense and be aware of your surroundings: Only withdraw cash in busy, well-populated areas, and be on the lookout for card readers that can capture your debit card data.

Major banks in Egypt include the National Bank of Egypt, Banque Misr, Commercial International Bank (CIB), and Arab African International Bank.

Most of these banks’ ATMs can be accessed before or after business hours.

Banking business hours in Egypt can vary, but generally they are open on weekdays from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm. During Ramadan, business hours are shortened—usually from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm, but it’s best to confirm before going to a bank.

• Meal at a mid-range restaurant: E£100 to E£300 per person
• Meal at a high-end restaurant: E£300 to E£1,000 per person
• Meal at a cafe or casual eatery: E£20 to E£150 per person
• Meal from a takeaway: E£20 to E£50 (for a local Egyptian dish); E£50 to E£100 (for a dish such as pizza); E£60 to E£100 (at an international fast-food chain)
• Hotel in a major city: E£200 to E£600 (budget); E£600 to E£1,200 (mid-level); E£800 to E£2,500.
• Accommodation in a hostel: LE£50 to $E£150 per night (dormitory-style room); E£150 to E£300 (mid-range); private rooms E£200 to E£500 per night.
• Guided Activities and Excursions: Costs vary depending on factors including duration, location, season, company, and type of activity. In Cairo, guided tours could cost anywhere from E£200 or E£300 and up to E£800 outside of Cairo. Don’t forget to factor in tipping your guides.Nile River cruises can range in price from E£150 to E£400 per person for short cruises to multi-day excursions ranging from E£3,000 to more than E£10,000.
  A one-day desert safari could cost around E£400 to E£800 per person, while multi-day excursions can cost upwards of LE $1,500. Introductory scuba diving excursions could cost around E£600 to E£1,200, not including equipment rental. Snorkeling excursions may range from E£200 to 500.
• Historical and Religious Sites: Guided tours of Egypt’s historical sites (such as the Pyramids of Giza and the Temples of Luxor) can range from E£200 to E£1,000 per person, depending on the provider. Entrance fees to religious sites, including mosques, Coptic Christian sites, and monasteries, could range from E£50 to E£100; some may be free of charge, but donations are encouraged. Check before visiting.
• Taxi Rides: The exact cost can vary significantly depending on the location and taxi company, but as a rough estimate, the standard fare for metered taxis is usually around E£5 to E£10. Be sure that the driver turns on the meter at the start of your journey to avoid any disputes. From Cairo International Airport, pricing depends on factors like traffic levels and time of day, but the estimated fare from the airport to the city center is typically around E£150 to E£300.
• Public Transit: Pricing for public transit in major cities is very budget-friendly, but do note that prices can change due to fuel costs and other factors.
  A single-journey ticket on the Cairo Metro can cost between E£3 to E£10, depending on the number of stations you travel through. Multi-journey tickets and monthly passes are also available for a discounted rate. In cities like Alexandria, tram fares are typically around E£1 to E£3.If taking ferries and river buses, prices can range from E£2 to E£25 depending on the type of service and the distance traveled.With long-distance buses, the cost for intercity travel can vary widely based on the destination and level of service. Budget services may start at around E£50 for shorter journeys, while premium services for longer distances can go up to E£200 to E£400.
  Train fares also vary based on distance and class of service. A second-class ticket from Cairo to Alexandria could cost around E£40 to E£70, while a first-class ticket might be around E£70 to E£150.With ridesharing services, Uber and Careem are commonly used for urban travel. Fares start at around E£5 to E£10, with per-kilometer charges adding to the total cost.

If you take a cash advance on your credit card, you’ll likely be subject to foreign-transaction or currency-conversion fees. Out-of-network ATM cash withdrawals usually incur a service charge too.

In Egypt, tipping is known as baksheesh, and it’s a part of the culture. With dining, 10% to 15% of your bill total is customary at cafes and restaurants. Loose change is encouraged for food purchases from street vendors and markets. With hotels, it’s suggested to tip porters between E£10-E£20 per bag and housekeeping around E£20 to E£50 per day.

With tour guides, a good frame for day tours is E£50 to E£100 per person; for extended tours, opt for E£80 to E£100 per day per person for guides and E£30 to E£50 for drivers.

Haggling can be done in Egypt, but it should be approached as a friendly exchange. Bazaars and public markets are acceptable places for bargaining, as are taxi-cab rides, independent stores selling crafts and wares, and tours and excursions. Avoid bargaining at places with fixed prices, such as restaurants and cafes, supermarkets and chain stores, government shops, and museums and historical sites.

Here are some tips for getting the best deals—and avoiding ruffling any feathers in the process.

• Start off the exchange with a smile and a friendly attitude.
• Learn and practice some basic words in the Arabic language.
• The shopkeeper will be very welcoming and complimentary and may offer you tea. Don’t feel obligated to drink if you prefer not to.
• Don’t bargain unless you’re genuinely interested in the item for sale.
• Visit souks and markets later in the day, when vendors want to close a few sales before shutting up shop.
• When buying gold, settle the price per gram, not the price per item.
• It’s okay to be a bit generous with your money, as exchange rates may be in your favor. A generous approach also benefits the merchant, who makes a living this way.

Haggling is a fun way to shop and interact with the locals while in Egypt, so be respectful, do your research, know your limits, and don’t take it too seriously.