How Much Money Should I Bring to Egypt?
Traveling to Egypt is a dream for many, but like any destination, it’s important to plan your daily budget and understand how money works on the ground. Knowing how much to expect in terms of daily expenses, how to carry your money safely, and which payment methods are best will save you a lot of stress and let you enjoy your adventure to the fullest.
Average Daily Spending in Egypt
Recent surveys from travel consultants in Egypt estimate that a traveler typically spends around 650 Egyptian pounds per day on personal expenses. This amount usually covers meals, transportation, small attractions, and basic shopping. Of course, the figure may vary depending on your lifestyle—luxury travelers might spend more, while budget travelers could spend less.
The Importance of Small Bills
If there’s one tip seasoned travelers swear by in Egypt, it’s keeping small notes handy. Denominations like 5 and 10 Egyptian pounds are incredibly useful, especially for tipping. Tipping is a common practice and often represents about 5–10% of your bill at restaurants, cafés, or when receiving services. Taxi drivers, waiters, and even people helping with luggage often expect a small tip, so a pocketful of small notes will make your life much easier.
Keeping Your Money Safe
Egypt is a busy country, with bustling streets, crowded markets, and heavily visited tourist attractions. To protect yourself from petty theft or simply losing your cash, it’s best to carry a money belt or secure travel pouch. Keep only what you need for the day easily accessible, and store larger amounts in a safer spot in your hotel room. On crowded buses, metros, or in tourist hotspots like the Pyramids of Giza or Khan El Khalili Bazaar, being mindful of your belongings is especially important.
Cash vs. Cards
While Egypt is becoming increasingly card-friendly, cash is still king in many situations. Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, upscale restaurants, and tourist shops. ATMs are also available in most large cities and well-known tourist sites, making it convenient to withdraw Egyptian pounds as needed. However, smaller businesses, street vendors, and local markets almost always prefer cash.
Why You Should Bring Foreign Currency
Because of Egypt’s ongoing currency shortages, more and more businesses—especially in the tourism sector—are requesting payments in US dollars. While you don’t need to carry large amounts, having a small stash of dollars tucked away can be a lifesaver for tours, hotels, or shops that prefer foreign currency. Alongside this, make sure to exchange some money into Egyptian pounds for everyday expenses like taxis, food, and small souvenirs.
Small Change for Everyday Needs
Another thing to keep in mind is that coins and smaller notes are often in short supply. Taxi drivers, café owners, and even merchants frequently struggle to provide change, so keeping a good supply of low-value bills will help you avoid awkward situations. These are particularly useful when buying street food, paying for public transport, or tipping.
Final Thoughts
Managing money in Egypt doesn’t have to be stressful—it just requires a little preparation. Plan for about 650 EGP per day, always keep small notes for tipping, use a money belt for security, and carry a mix of Egyptian pounds and US dollars. By balancing cash, cards, and common sense, you’ll be ready to fully enjoy the wonders of Egypt without worrying about financial hiccups along the way.
