Money & duty free for Egypt
Exchange rates:
Egyptian PoundC$1 = E£14.58
€1 = E£20.34
£1 = E£24.22
US$1 = E£19.55
Currency & Money
Egyptian Pound (EGP; symbol E£) = 100 piastres. The local currency is often referred to colloquially as the "le" (from the French livre), though this is not an official term. Notes are commonly issued in denominations of E£200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are denominated in piastres, though smaller denominations are rarely used in daily transactions.
US dollars and euros are widely accepted in tourist areas, hotels and for larger payments, but Egyptian pounds are essential for everyday expenses such as taxis, markets and small shops. When paying in foreign currency, change is usually given in Egyptian pounds.
Credit and debit cards are accepted at most hotels, larger restaurants, shopping malls and tour operators, particularly in Cairo, Alexandria and major tourist centres. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted. Smaller shops, markets, taxis and local cafés usually operate on a cash-only basis, so visitors should always carry some Egyptian pounds for daily expenses.
ATMs are widely available in cities, airports and tourist areas and dispense Egyptian pounds. Most machines accept international cards, though withdrawal limits and fees vary by bank. ATMs can be scarce in rural areas and smaller towns, so travellers should withdraw sufficient cash before leaving major centres.
Travellers are not permitted to bring more than E£5,000 (Egyptian pounds) into Egypt. Foreign currency may be imported up to the equivalent of US$10,000; amounts above this must be declared on arrival. These restrictions apply to cash only. Visitors are advised to carry foreign currency and exchange it locally as needed, as the export of Egyptian pounds is restricted.
Currency exchange is widely available in Egypt through banks, exchange bureaux, hotels and at international airports. US dollars, euros and British pounds are the most easily exchanged foreign currencies. Exchange rates are generally competitive at banks and authorised exchange offices, while rates at hotels and airports may be less favourable.
Foreign banknotes should be clean and undamaged, as torn or marked notes may be refused. Visitors are advised to keep exchange receipts, particularly if they plan to re-exchange Egyptian pounds before departure. In tourist areas, some hotels and larger businesses accept payment in foreign currency, but change is usually given in Egyptian pounds.
Egypt duty free
Travellers aged 18 and over may import the following goods into Egypt without incurring customs duty, provided the items are for personal use:
• Up to 200 cigarettes, or 25 cigars, or 200g of tobacco.
• Up to 1 litre of alcoholic beverages.
• Up to 1 litre of perfume or eau de cologne.
• Personal effects within reasonable limits.
Prohibited imports into Egypt include narcotics and illegal drugs, weapons and ammunition, explosives, and materials deemed harmful to public safety or national security. Importing drones, professional filming equipment and certain electronic or communications devices may require prior approval from the relevant authorities.
This list is not exhaustive. Customs regulations and enforcement practices may vary, and travellers are advised to seek official guidance before travel if carrying restricted or specialised items.
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