Egypt Currency and Money Guide: EGP, ATMs, and Tipping

Egypt’s monetary situation has changed considerably since 2022. Multiple currency devaluations have shifted exchange rates significantly, and major site entrance fees have risen to reflect updated pricing in Egyptian pounds. Understanding the current landscape before you travel avoids unpleasant surprises at the ticket office.

The Egyptian Pound

Egypt’s currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP), sometimes written as LE or £E. It divides into 100 piastres, though amounts below EGP 1 are rarely relevant in practice today. As of 2026, approximately 50 EGP equals 1 USD — but verify the current rate at XE.com before you travel, as the rate has moved substantially in recent years and may continue to.

ATMs

ATMs are widely available in Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, Aswan, and Red Sea resort towns. International Visa and Mastercard cards generally work, though individual machines do sometimes decline foreign cards — if this happens, try another ATM or another bank before assuming a problem with your card. ATMs in smaller towns and remote areas are less reliable; carry cash when heading to places like Siwa or the Sinai interior.

Your home bank will charge a foreign transaction fee and possibly an ATM fee on top of the machine’s own fee. Some accounts (Wise, Starling, Revolut) reduce or eliminate these charges — worth considering for a longer trip.

Credit and Debit Cards

Cards are accepted at hotels, upscale restaurants, and larger tourist shops. They are not accepted at site ticket offices, local markets, small restaurants, transport, or for tips. Do not assume card payment will be available for anything beyond accommodation — budget for significant cash use throughout your trip.

Exchanging Cash

Official exchange offices offer better rates than hotel front desks. US dollars, euros, and GBP are all accepted; $50 and $100 USD bills typically receive a slightly better rate than smaller denominations. Avoid unofficial street changers — the risk of receiving counterfeit notes is real.

Airport exchange counters are available on arrival and work, though the rate is worse than city exchange offices. Exchanging a small amount at the airport for transport and initial expenses is sensible; exchange the bulk of your cash in the city.

Paying at Sites

Egypt’s major tourist sites do not reliably accept card payment. The Valley of the Kings, Karnak, the Giza pyramids, and the Egyptian Museum all require EGP cash for entry tickets. Individual extra-access tickets — for specific tombs, the Tutankhamun chamber, or photography permits — also require cash. Arrive at these sites with enough EGP to cover entry plus contingencies.

Tipping (Baksheesh)

Tipping is embedded in Egyptian service culture at a level that goes well beyond European or North American norms. It is not optional in practice, and approaching it as such will create friction throughout your trip.

For minor services — someone holding a door, showing you a spot, allowing access to a specific view at a site — EGP 20–50 is appropriate. At restaurants where service is not included, 10–15% is standard. For guides, EGP 100–200 per person per day is the expected range — this constitutes a significant part of their income, not a bonus. Drivers receive a similar level of tip. If you are travelling with a guide and driver for several days, build EGP 500–1,500 into your budget for tips alone.

This is not exploitation — it is the operating model. Factor it into your budget from the start.