Cash, Credit Cards and ATMs in Egypt

Use a combination of cards and Egyptian-pound cash. Cards work well for hotels, cruise ships, larger restaurants and shops, while cash is still essential for tips, small businesses, markets and many local transactions. Bring at least two cards, withdraw pounds from bank ATMs as you go, and keep a backup in case a card or terminal fails.

Money in Egypt is not complicated, but it works differently from home for most visitors. Card payments are widespread in the formal tourist economy and increasingly common elsewhere, yet a large part of daily life still runs on cash. Tipping, known locally as baksheesh, is customary and is almost always given in cash. Small shops, taxis, cafés, restroom attendants and market stalls may not take cards at all.

This guide explains the Egyptian currency, how to use cards and ATMs sensibly, how much cash to carry, how to avoid unnecessary fees and what to do if something goes wrong.

The Egyptian pound

Egypt's currency is the Egyptian pound, written EGP or LE. One pound is divided into 100 piastres. You will mostly handle banknotes in denominations from 5 up to 200 pounds, along with a few coins, including the 1-pound coin. Some lower notes now come in polymer versions as well as paper.

Exchange rates can move significantly, so we do not quote them here. Check a reliable current source, such as your bank or the Central Bank of Egypt, shortly before you travel, and think in terms of what everyday items cost locally rather than relying on an old conversion in your head.

Small notes matter

Large notes are easy to get from ATMs but can be awkward to spend, because small businesses and people receiving tips may not have change. Whenever you can, break large notes at hotels, supermarkets or restaurants, and keep a separate stash of smaller notes for tips and modest purchases.

Using credit and debit cards

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in hotels, cruise ships, larger restaurants, chain stores and many shops in tourist areas. American Express is accepted far less often, so do not rely on it as your main card. Contactless payment is increasingly common in larger businesses, but you should still carry your physical card and know your PIN.

Before you leave home

• Tell your bank you are traveling, if it asks for notice, to reduce the chance of a fraud block.
• Check your foreign transaction fees. Many cards add a percentage to every purchase or withdrawal abroad; some travel-focused cards waive it.
• Check ATM charges and daily limits on your debit card, including out-of-network fees.
• Bring at least two cards, ideally on different networks or from different banks, and store them separately.
• Save your bank's international contact number somewhere other than your phone's banking app.

Pay in pounds, not dollars

When a card terminal or ATM offers to charge you in U.S. dollars or your home currency instead of Egyptian pounds, it is usually offering dynamic currency conversion. That service applies its own exchange rate, which is often less favorable than your bank's. Read the screen carefully and choose to pay in Egyptian pounds.

ATMs in Egypt

ATMs are common in Cairo, Giza, Luxor, Aswan, Alexandria and Red Sea resorts such as Hurghada, and most accept international cards. They are scarcer in small towns and at some remote sites, so withdraw what you need before heading out for the day.

How to use them safely

• Choose ATMs attached to bank branches, hotels, malls or established businesses, preferably indoors or in well-lit areas.
• Use machines during bank hours when you can, so that if a card is retained you can ask for help inside.
• Cover the keypad when entering your PIN, and check the card slot for anything unusual.
• Count your cash before you leave the machine.
• Expect a local ATM fee on some machines in addition to your own bank's charges.

ATMs generally require a debit card or an ATM-enabled card. Cash advances on a credit card can carry interest from the day of withdrawal, so check your card terms before relying on one.

Card or cash: a quick guide

This is a general pattern, not a rule. Card acceptance keeps spreading, and some small businesses now take cards or mobile payments, so ask when in doubt.

When you will need cash

Even on a fully guided tour, you will want some cash for:

• Tips, for guides, drivers, cruise staff, porters and hotel staff, usually at the end of a service or a trip.
• Small purchases, such as water, snacks and coffee.
• Restroom attendants at sites and on road journeys.
• Market shopping, for instance in Khan el-Khalili or the souks of Luxor and Aswan, where bargaining in cash is normal.
• Local transport such as taxis, feluccas and horse carriages.
• Optional extras paid on the spot.

Our separate tipping guide explains typical customs. As a general rule, keep a mixture of small notes for tips in a separate pocket or envelope, so you are not handling your whole wallet in public.

How much cash to carry

There is no single right amount. A practical approach is to carry enough for a day or two of tips and small purchases, top up from ATMs as you go, and keep a modest emergency reserve separately in your hotel safe or cabin safe.

Bringing foreign cash

Many visitors bring some U.S. dollars, euros or pounds sterling as a backup. Clean, undamaged notes are easiest to exchange; torn or heavily marked notes may be refused. Foreign currency can be changed at banks, licensed exchange offices and some hotels. Keep receipts in case you need them later.

Egypt has rules on how much local and foreign currency travelers may bring in or take out, and amounts above certain levels must be declared. These rules can change, so check current official guidance from Egyptian customs or your consulate before you travel if you plan to carry a large sum.

What if something goes wrong?

Your card is declined

Try your backup card, check whether your bank has sent you a fraud alert, and contact the bank if needed. Keep enough local cash for immediate needs so a decline is an inconvenience, not a crisis.

An ATM keeps your card

If the machine is attached to a bank branch, ask inside during opening hours. Otherwise, contact your bank to cancel the card and switch to your backup.

A card is lost or stolen

Call your bank immediately to block it, then report it to your guide or hotel so they can help with any paperwork. This is why storing a second card separately is so important.

Practical tips

• Carry a day's cash in your pocket and leave the rest in the safe.
• Keep tip money separate from your main wallet.
• Photograph or note your card details and bank numbers, stored securely.
• Check the amount on a card terminal before entering your PIN.
• Ask for receipts on larger card payments.

Frequently asked questions

Are American credit cards accepted in Egypt?

Yes, Visa and Mastercard issued in the United States are widely accepted in hotels, cruise ships, larger restaurants and shops in tourist areas. American Express is accepted less often. Smaller businesses, markets and taxis may accept only cash.

Should I exchange money before I travel to Egypt?

It is usually not necessary to arrive with Egyptian pounds, since ATMs are available at major airports and in cities. Some travelers like to bring a small amount of foreign cash as a backup. Compare your bank's rates and fees before deciding.

Should I use a debit or credit card at ATMs?

Use a debit card or an ATM-enabled card for withdrawals. Credit card cash advances can carry fees and immediate interest. Check your bank's international terms before you go.

Can I pay in U.S. dollars in Egypt?

Some tourist businesses accept dollars, but Egyptian pounds are the normal currency for everyday payments, and prices are generally set in pounds. When paying by card, choose pounds rather than dollars to avoid dynamic currency conversion.

What should I do if my card is declined?

Try your backup card, check for a fraud alert from your bank and contact the bank if necessary. Always keep enough local cash for immediate needs while the issue is resolved.

Plan it with Nourbelle

On a package tour, most main services are paid before you travel, so day-to-day spending is mostly tips, meals outside the itinerary and shopping. If you have questions about money for your trip, plan your trip with a specialist and ask.