Currency in Egypt

The currency of Egypt is the Egyptian pound (EGP). The Egyptian pound is divided into 100 piastres. The smallest denominations are 25 piastres and 50 piastres, both of which are available in the form of coins or banknotes. Notes also come in the following denominations: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200. Smaller notes are especially useful for tipping, but more and more are becoming available.

Using a card to withdraw money from an ATM

Sometimes the easiest and cheapest way to get cash is to withdraw it from your local ATM. ATMs are available in major cities such as Cairo, Hurghada, Sharm, Luxor or Alexandria. Most ATMs charge a small fee for using a foreign card, so it makes sense to minimize costs by withdrawing larger amounts. However, some ATMs have a limit of EGP 3,000; check out the Banque du Caire machine if you want to draw more.

Debit and credit cards should be accepted from major foreign banks throughout Egypt (Visa and Mastercard are usually a safe bet). Before you travel, contact your bank to confirm whether your card will work and ask about their withdrawal fees. You should also ask them to write down your travel dates so they don’t think your card is stolen and canceled the first time you use it at an Egyptian ATM.