• Call: +201503044449
Email us

Navigating Egyptian Currency: A Beginner’s Guide

The Egyptian Pound (EGP) is the official currency. Cash is essential for most purchases and tipping, though credit cards are accepted at larger places. ATMs are widely available, and it's best to exchange money at banks for the best rates.
  • Updated: November 21, 2025

Understanding the Egyptian currency is key to a smooth trip in Egypt. The official currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP), also known as “L.E.” (Livre Égyptienne). Its subdivision is into 100 piastres.

FUN

Egyptian Currency and Denominations

Egyptian Currency and Denominations

  • Banknotes: You will primarily use banknotes, which come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 pounds. There are also smaller notes for 25 and 50 piastres. Egyptian banknotes are colorful and feature a mix of ancient and Islamic landmarks on one side and English on the other, making them easy for tourists to identify.
  • Coins: Coins are less common for tourists but are used for smaller transactions. They come in denominations of 1 pound and various piastres (25 and 50).
FUN

Cash vs. Card:

  • Cash is King: While major hotels, upscale restaurants, and large stores in cities accept credit and debit cards (Visa and Mastercard), Egypt is still largely a cash-based society. Always carry cash, especially for small purchases at local markets, street food stalls, taxis, and for tipping.
  • ATMs: ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. They are the most convenient way to get local currency. It’s best to use ATMs located inside banks or hotels for security. Be sure to inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any security blocks on your card. When withdrawing cash, always choose to be charged in EGP to avoid unfavorable exchange rates from dynamic currency conversion.

International Airfare to Egypt

Home International airfare to Egypt: Book your tickets now. Except for Egypt Fun Tours, all...

Read more
Related post
FUN

Exchanging Money:

  • Where to Exchange: For the best rates, exchange money at banks or official currency exchange offices. While airports and hotels offer this service, their rates are often less favorable. Avoid exchanging money with individuals on the street to prevent scams.
  • Tipping (Baksheesh): Tipping is a common practice in Egypt. It’s polite to tip for services rendered, and small denominations of banknotes and coins are essential for this.

Christmas in Egypt: Ancient Wonders & Festive Joy

Forget snow—imagine celebrating the holiday season against the backdrop of the Pyramids and the Nile!...
Read more
Related post
FUN

By familiarizing yourself with the Egyptian Pound and having a mix of cash and cards, you’ll be well-prepared to handle transactions with confidence during your trip. To learn more about other essential aspects of your trip, check out our full Egypt Travel Guide.

Egypt Tours From USA: Packages, Nile Cruises & All-Inclusive Deals with Airfare

Planning your journey to the Pyramids from the States? Our guide to Egypt Tours from...
Read more
Related post
FUN
6 Days Cairo and Hurghada Solo Woman Tour Egypt Fun Tours min 1

Solo Female Tour Package

Enjoy the charming atmosphere of Egypt....
  • Cairo / Hurghada
  • 6 Days / 5 Nights
  • Private
  • US$1650
View Trip
  • Available Everyday
Diving Trip in Hurghada - port ghalib diving excursion - 7 Days Cairo and Hurghada Holiday

Cairo and Hurghada

Explore ancient Egypt attractions in Cairo, then go to Hurghada to enjoy Red Sea....
  • Cairo / Giza / Hurghada
  • 7 Days / 6 Nights
  • Private
  • US$1990
View Trip
  • Available Everyday
  • Egypt Tours Reviews

Lenka Traverlers

Egypt Fun Tours was contracted by our travel agency, Lenka Travelers, to arrange and guide us through parts of Egypt and Jordon. They did a fabulous job. The hotels, restaurants, places we visited, and transportation were the best. Our guide in Egypt, Mohammad, was very knowledgeable, spoke perfect English, and

More »
hani ahmed 1

Hani Was our Awesome Tour Guide!

We had an 11-hour layover in Cairo on 12/15/2011. We wanted to go to see the Pyramids, Tahrir Square, and possibly the museum. We were so lucky to have a guide, Hani from Egypt Fun Tour, who made it possible to see all the above, plus the Bazaar, and time

More »
Pyramids and GEM Tour from Cairo Airport

Layover Tour in Cairo

This August, my boyfriend and I had quite a long layover in Cairo, 9 hours to be exact. Instead of wasting our time at the airport, we decided to do a layover tour of the city. I had been before, but my boyfriend hadn’t, so we wanted to hit the

More »

The best holiday ever!

The Nile cruise, Luxor, and Aswan were amazing sites to see, especially when you have the best tour guide in Egypt. Hamada was absolutely fantastic, lots of information, and some of it not spoken by others. This guy was not only a simple tour guide for us, but he also

More »

AMAZING TOUR, SOLO TRAVELER.

I am a California woman who traveled to Egypt alone, and thanks to Egypt Fun Tours, I had a great time. Hani, Mohammed, Kamal, and David (my driver) were very professional and very knowledgeable. I appreciate how respectful they were and how protective they were of me. They showed me

More »
Isis with wings

Top-rated Tour Packages

Isis with wings