What Currency Is Used In Egypt?

What is the Currency in Egypt?

If you’re planning a holiday to Egypt or making purchases from Egyptian businesses, it’s important to understand the country’s currency. This article is designed for tourists, business travellers, and online shoppers who need clear, accurate information about how money works in Egypt. It explains what currency is used, how it’s structured, and how UK visitors can manage their money effectively when dealing with the Egyptian economy.

What is the official currency of Egypt?

The official currency of Egypt is the Egyptian Pound, abbreviated as EGP and often written with the symbol £E or sometimes just LE (from the French “livre égyptienne”). It is the only legal tender throughout Egypt, and all prices—whether for meals, hotels, souvenirs or transport—are quoted in Egyptian pounds.

The currency is issued and regulated by the Central Bank of Egypt.

How does the Egyptian pound work?

The Egyptian pound is divided into 100 smaller units called piastres, though piastres are rarely used in practice due to their low value. Common banknotes include:

• 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 Egyptian pounds

• Smaller notes such as 1 and 50 piastres also exist but are less commonly used

The pound’s value can fluctuate significantly due to Egypt’s economic conditions and inflation. At the time of writing, £1 sterling is worth around 60–70 EGP, though this varies frequently. It's wise to check the current exchange rate with a trusted financial source before your trip.

Is it better to bring cash or use cards in Egypt?

Egypt remains a cash-first society in many areas. While high-end hotels and shops in cities like Cairo, Luxor, or Sharm El Sheikh may accept credit or debit cards (particularly Visa and Mastercard), many everyday transactions require cash—especially in markets, small shops, taxis and rural areas.

For UK visitors, the most practical approach is to carry some local currency and supplement with a travel-friendly debit or credit card that offers fee-free foreign transactions. Revolut, Monzo and Starling are popular choices with UK travellers.

Where should you exchange money?

You may be able to order Egyptian pounds from some UK currency providers before travelling, though availability is not guaranteed. More commonly, tourists exchange money upon arrival at airports, hotels or banks in Egypt.

Authorised money exchange bureaus offer fair rates, but it’s important to avoid exchanging cash on the street, where scams and counterfeit notes are a risk. You may also be able to withdraw EGP directly from ATMs using your UK card, although fees and exchange rates vary by bank.

Tips for handling money in Egypt

• Carry small denominations to avoid issues with change, particularly when paying for taxis, tips, or local food

• Be cautious when using ATMs—choose machines located at banks or reputable locations

• Keep an eye on dynamic currency conversion (DCC) when using a card, and always opt to be charged in local currency (EGP) for a better rate

• Tipping is a common part of Egyptian culture—keep a supply of small notes for service workers, hotel staff and guides

Common mistakes and misconceptions

A common misunderstanding is that US dollars or euros are widely accepted in Egypt. While some high-end businesses may quote prices in foreign currencies, local law requires transactions to be paid in EGP. Bringing pounds or euros to exchange is fine, but you’ll still need to use EGP for purchases on the ground.

Another mistake is assuming that card payments will be accepted everywhere. Outside major tourist areas, many vendors are cash-only, so being unprepared can lead to awkward situations.

In summary

The Egyptian pound (EGP) is the official currency of Egypt, and while card use is growing, cash remains essential for many day-to-day transactions. UK travellers can save money and avoid inconvenience by exchanging funds at reputable locations, carrying small notes, and using fee-free travel cards when possible.