Egypt is a wonderful country to visit. From the bustling streets of Cairo and the incredible pyramids of Giza to the River Nile, there’s fun, culture and history everywhere you go.
If you’re travelling to Egypt soon it’s important to be up to date on all things currency. Whilst don't sell this currency, here we’ll look at everything you need to know about Egyptian currency, including where to buy it and how much things are likely while you’re there.
In Egypt, they use the Egyptian pound, which is abbreviated to EGP. It is mainly a paper currency, so you’ll mostly be handling notes. If you do get any coins, they will usually be piastres (100 piastres makes a pound).
The Egyptian pound has been in place since 1834 and was named after our British pound, as this was the most important form of international finance at the time. Before 1834, the Egyptian currency was the piastre, which was based on Turkish kurus when Egypt was part of the Ottoman Empire[1].
Currently, access to Egyptian pounds is very limited in the UK. In the last couple of years, the currency has seen a lot of volatility, which means demand for cash is outstripping supply. At the moment, you can’t buy Egyptian pounds in the UK (correct as of March 2024)
If you’re in Egypt, you’ll find a few options to get some Egyptian pounds in your pocket. There are travel money bureaux at airports and you can also head into a local bank to exchange money. You’ll also find that many hotels change British pounds for Egyptian pounds, so ask at reception when you first arrive.
If you’re planning on exchanging currency in Egypt, make sure you:
Understand the mid-market rate: This is the true exchange rate with no hidden fees. Use an online currency converter before you travel to get an idea of what you should be paying, so you get a fair rate in Egypt.
Avoid changing at airports or hotels: Often they’ll charge hidden fees, and their rates may not be as competitive as other places.
Select local currency if you take cash out of an ATM: If you take money out of an ATM as a last resort, select the local currency as you’ll get the best rate available.
If you find a better exchange rate within 5 miles of one of our travel money bureaux, we’ll beat it with our Price Promise.
Stop by our travel money bureau and we’ll buy back your unused travel money. Even if you didn’t buy your travel currency from us, we’ll exchange it back commission free.
Order your travel money online and collect at your local travel money bureau for free, whilst you do your weekly shop! Minimum order £100.
In the UK, the cost of living is 200% higher than it is in Egypt[2]. This means that you’ll likely find things much cheaper than at home. Cairo is likely to be the most expensive place, but you’ll also pay tourist prices in the bars and restaurants in and around the Red Sea resorts.
When eating out in Egypt, you can expect to pay around 900 EGP for a three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant. This drops to around 200 EGP for an inexpensive restaurant. You’ll also be able to pick up street food snacks like falafel, Egyptian pizza and kebabs for much cheaper.
If you’re holidaying in the Red Sea, often your hotel will be all-inclusive, so you’ll only need to pay these prices when you venture out of the resort.
On your holiday in Egypt, you can expect to spend 70 EGP for a local beer (usually Luxor beer). For an imported beer, you’ll spend 140 EGP for a 33ml bottle.
On average, a coffee will usually set you back around 70 EGP.
You’ll spend around 16 EGP for a 33ml bottle of Coke or Pepsi, and 6 EGP for a 33ml bottle of water.
To go inside the Great Pyramid in Giza, you’ll pay around 900 EGP, whilst it’s 220 EGP for the 2nd or 3rd Pyramid.
In Cairo, at the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, you’ll pay 450 EGP for entry. If you’re heading to Luxor and want to see Karnak Temple, it’s around 450 EGP for entrance. You’ll also have to pay around 600 EGP to go to the Valley of the Kings.
A one-way ticket on a local bus is just 11 EGP. If you’re taking a taxi, expect to spend around 20 EGP as a starting fare and 15 EGP for every kilometre after.
If you’re booking a tour to see the sights from your hotel, your transport will be included in the cost.
You’ll find that you can use your credit or debit card to pay contactless in most of the major cities and tourist areas – even for small transactions.
You’ll likely need cash in more rural areas or if you’re shopping for souvenirs in the market or buying from a street food vendor.
You’ll also find ATMs in most of the main tourist areas and cities, but less so as things get more rural.
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With the cost of living much lower than at home, you may find prices a lot cheaper than the UK. However, some places such as Cairo are very popular with tourists and therefore prices may be higher.
100 EGP will usually cover the cost of a local beer, a couple of soft drinks or a coffee.
Yes, you do tip in Egypt. In restaurants, it’s usual to tip between 10 and 15% of the bill as we do at home. If you want to tip the staff in the hotel, between 20 and 30 EGP is fine, whilst your tour guide will probably expect a tip of around 100-200 EGP per day[3].
The Asda Rewards price for Asda Travel Money will be preferential compared to the standard rate advertised at your chosen place of purchase (being either online via https://money.asda.com/travel/travel-money/ (Website) or in-store at an Asda Travel Money bureau) on the date of purchase. Asda Rewards prices are only available on the sell rates of currencies in stock on the date of your purchase. When purchasing online, you must enter a valid Asda Rewards number found in the Asda Rewards App or Website to obtain the Asda Rewards price rate. When purchasing in-store, you must show the Asda Rewards barcode found in the app. Asda Rewards pricing available for Asda Travel Money purchases only offers you a more preferential exchange rate, you will not receive or be entitled to any Asda Rewards on your purchase. We reserve the right to withdraw this offer at any time and without prior notice.
Please note that Asda Travel Money Online Services Terms and Conditions are available at https://travelmoney.asda.com/asda/page/termsandconditions.
Asda Travel Money is provided by Travelex Agency Services Limited, registered number: 04621879. Registered Office: Worldwide House, Thorpewood, Peterborough, PE3 6SB
