Egypt travel money tips
Heading to Egypt? Here's a quick rundown of how to handle money on the ground — tipping etiquette, when to use cards versus cash, the best ATMs to use, and the most common pitfalls travelers run into. The local currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP, E£).
Tipping
'Baksheesh' is everywhere. 10% in restaurants, 5–20 EGP for small services (toilets, pictures, directions).
Cards vs cash
Cash dominates. Cards work in hotels and upmarket restaurants. Always carry small notes for tips.
Payment methods accepted
ATMs & cash tip
CIB, NBE, and HSBC ATMs are reliable. Withdraw 4,000–6,000 EGP at a time to spread the 50–60 EGP fee.
Heads-up
- Anyone offering to help, take your photo, or 'show you a shortcut' near the pyramids will demand a hefty tip — politely refuse.
- Always agree on the price (and currency) before any taxi, camel, or felucca ride.
About the Egyptian Pound (EGP)
The Egyptian Pound (EGP, symbol E£) is the official currency of Egypt. Knowing the live EGP rate against your home currency helps you sanity-check menu prices, taxi fares, and souvenir markups while traveling.
More travel tips
See all country tips →Tips are general guidance for travelers, not legal or financial advice. Customs vary — confirm with local sources for important plans.