What is the best way to get Egyptian currency?

Currency exchange offices (pronounced “SUH-RAW-FUH” in Egyptian Arabic) are a great place to exchange foreign currency for Egyptian Pounds. There are exchange offices throughout Cairo and the rest of Egypt, and these are great places to take foreign currency (in cash) and exchange it for Egyptian Pounds.



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Rather than converting your money prior to arrival, consider waiting until you're in Egypt for a more favorable exchange rate without currency exchange fees. Accepted currencies include Euros, US dollars, AUS dollars and British pounds, offering flexibility in payment methods.

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Whenever you tip during your trip to Egypt it is important to use the local currency, that is - Egyptian pounds. Otherwise you'll leave your service providers with cash they can't use without paying high fees on currency exchange.

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One of the most common tipping mistakes in Egypt is not tipping at all. In Egypt, tipping is expected, and failure to do so can be considered rude or disrespectful. Another mistake is tipping too little. While it may seem like a small amount to you, it can make a big difference to service providers.

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A budget traveler can expect to spend around $30 to $50 per day in Egypt, while a mid-range traveler can expect to spend around $50 to $100 per day. It is important to plan ahead and research activities and costs to create a budget that works for you.

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The Egyptian Tourism Authority advises that travelers are not allowed to bring more than 5,000 EGP (approximately 320 USD) into the country in local currency. You can bring up to 10,000 USD or the equivalent in foreign currency and then swap it for Egyptian pounds at a currency exchange.

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When traveling throughout Egypt, I highly recommend using Egyptian Pounds or credit card to pay for all purchases. Not only is it easier for Egyptian's to accept money in Egyptian Pounds (they will not need to exchange it later), tourists also often receive better prices when using Egyptian Pounds to make purchases.

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Customs rules You're allowed to bring in or take out up to 5,000 Egyptian pounds. There is no limit to the amount of hard currency that you can bring in, but you must declare it when you arrive if it's worth more than 10,000 US dollars.

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Cash is King in Egypt For best rates go to the nearest currency exchange shops or banks, and these are readily available across all Egyptian cities. Exchange shops have shorter waiting lines than banks. NOTE: you now need your passport with you at both exchange shops and banks.

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Reconsider travel to Egypt due to terrorism. Exercise increased caution in Egypt due to the Embassy's limited ability to assist dual national U.S.-Egyptian citizens who are arrested or detained. Do not travel to: The Sinai Peninsula (with the exception of travel to Sharm El-Sheikh by air) due to terrorism.

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Passengers may carry the following quantities of items and substances regulated by Egyptian law without incurring in customs fees, regardless of their age: 200 cigarettes, 25 cigars, or 200 grams of tobacco. 1 liter of alcoholic beverages. 1 liter of perfume or eau de cologne.

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Prices for two-week tours of Egypt are usually priced well upwards of $2,000+ per person for a decent package. As an example, this National Geographic tour is priced at $6,000 per person. So the cost per couple is more than $12,000 for that 11-day Egypt trip – ouch!

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Most businesses, restaurants and retailers accept debit cards, Visa, and MasterCard, however public service providers will not accept payment by credit cards. For example, utility bill collections, taxi services, smaller street kiosks will only accept cash payments. Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad.

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