Egypt Currency Guide: EGP, USD, Tipping and ATMs

Egypt's currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP or £E), divided into 100 piastres. Exchange rates move constantly — in mid-2026 roughly 50 EGP to the US dollar and 57 EGP to the euro — so check XE or Google on the day you fly. Cash is widely used, especially outside upscale hotels and restaurants.

How much cash to bring

Bring US$250–450 in mixed small bills ($1, $5, $10, $20). Use USD for the visa on arrival (US$30) and keep small bills for tips. Change USD or EUR into EGP as needed at bank ATMs or licensed exchange offices — never street changers.

ATMs

ATMs are common in cities and tourist areas. Use ones from major Egyptian banks: CIB, QNB, HSBC, Banque Misr, National Bank of Egypt. Withdrawal limits are usually 5,000–10,000 EGP per transaction, and most machines charge a fixed fee of 50–100 EGP. Notify your home bank of your travel.

Credit cards

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in hotels, upscale restaurants, malls, airline offices and — increasingly — at major museums and monuments, which now sell tickets by card or QR e-ticket. Amex is spotty. Small shops, taxis, souks and rural areas are cash-only. Always carry some EGP.

Tipping (baksheesh)

• Restaurants — 10% if service is not included.
• Hotel porter — 20–30 EGP per bag.
• Housekeeping — 30–50 EGP per day.
• Tour guide — 150–300 EGP per day per person.
• Driver — 100–150 EGP per day.
• Small helps (photo of a monument, restroom attendant) — 10 EGP.