Money, Banking & Daily Costs in Egypt

Currency

The Egyptian Pound (EGP) is the official currency. Exchange rates fluctuate significantly, so check current rates before travelling. Major currencies — USD, EUR, GBP — are widely accepted at tourist sites and hotels, but you'll get noticeably better value using EGP for everyday purchases.

Payment Methods

• Cash: essential for taxis, small shops, markets, and tipping. Keep small denominations on hand.
• Credit/debit cards: accepted at hotels, major restaurants, and shopping malls. Visa and Mastercard are most widely accepted — notify your bank before travelling.
• ATMs: available throughout Cairo, Alexandria, and tourist areas. Use machines attached to banks for better security.
• Mobile payments: Vodafone Cash and similar wallets are growing but not essential for tourists.
• Digital wallets: Apple Pay and Google Pay work at some upscale establishments, but aren't universal yet.

Typical Daily Costs (2026 estimates)

Item	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
Meal (local restaurant)	50–100 EGP	150–300 EGP	500+ EGP
Coffee	20–40 EGP	50–80 EGP	100+ EGP
Taxi ride (city)	30–60 EGP	80–150 EGP	200+ EGP
Hotel (per night)	300–600 EGP	1,000–3,000 EGP	5,000+ EGP
Museum entry	50–100 EGP	200–450 EGP	VIP tours vary
Nile cruise (day)	200–400 EGP	800–1,500 EGP	3,000+ EGP

Tipping (Baksheesh) Culture

Tipping is deeply ingrained in Egyptian culture. Carry small bills and be prepared to tip restaurant staff (10–15%), hotel porters (20–50 EGP), tour guides (100–200 EGP per day), bathroom attendants (5–10 EGP), and taxi drivers (round up the fare). It's not mandatory, but it is highly appreciated and, in practice, expected in most tourist-facing interactions.