Are you traveling to Egypt soon? Before leaving, it is important to find out about the Egyptian pound, the Egyptian currency. Whether it is the available denominations of the Egyptian pound (coins and notes) or it’s the daily use of it (payment, exchange, withdrawal), knowing how to handle the currency ensures a more relaxed trip and might safe you some troubles.
In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about the currency in Egypt, the Egyptian pound, how to pay, exchange and withdraw money, to travel with confidence.
What is the currency in Egypt?
The currency in Egypt is the Egyptian pound or “guineh” in Arabic, issued by the National Bank of Egypt:
- Its symbol is: £E, E£ or LE
- Its abbreviation is EGP (Egyptian pound)
- 1 Egyptian pound can be divided into 100 piastres
Check the up-to-date British Pound to Egyptian Pound conversion rate with Western Union.
The Egyptian pound is historically more volatile than the British pound. Always check the current rate before you transfer or exchange money.
Note: Palestine also uses the Egyptian currency.
What are the coins and notes of the Egyptian currency?
Egyptian currency is made up of various coins and notes, ranging from 5 piastres to 200 pounds:
- Egyptian coins: 5, 10, 20, 25, 50 piastres and 1 pound
- Egyptian banknotes: 25 and 50 piastres, 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 pounds
Note: 5-, 10-and 20-piastres coins have not been issued since 2008 but remain accepted in the country.
Send money to Egypt with Western Union
Do you want to financially support your family in Egypt? Or are you planning a trip to Egypt and want to send local currency to yourself? With Western Union, you can send money to Egypt in just a few clicks at a grate rate.
How do I pay in Egypt?
There are two main ways to pay for your purchases in Egypt: by cash or by debit or credit card. While paying in Egyptian currencies in cash remains the most common way, credit card payment and contactless payments are also developing in tourist areas.
Pay with cash
Cash is the most convenient payment method in Egypt. You can always pay for your purchases in Egyptian pound, the Egyptian currency. So always remember to have enough Egyptian money with you, especially change. If you have larger denominations, make sure to break them at a supermarket or another bigger business to receive smaller denominations. Those smaller banknotes and coins will make it easier for you to pay for small daily purchases, such as your trips by taxi or public transport, and your purchases at the markets or souks. Cash is also essential for tips, or bakshish, a common custom in Egypt to show gratitude for good service.
Traveling with Egyptian coins and banknotes is also essential when traveling outside of major cities or tourist areas, as merchants there are less likely to accept card payments. Be careful, avoid carrying large sums of cash on you. It is safer to spread your Egyptian currency in several places: wallet, secure pocket, hotel safe, etc.
With Western Union you can send money to yourself for cash pick up. This way you do not have to carry too much cash at hand and can easily pick up the wanted amount of Egyptian pounds at any Western Union location in Egypt.
Note: when you receive change in Egypt, check the condition of the notes and refuse any notes that are torn or in too bad condition. They can be difficult to use afterwards. If most of the banknotes you will use are worn out (many have pen marks or scribbles), don’t worry, this is normal, it is often a habit of the Egyptians.
Pay by credit or debit card
Payment by credit card has become a popular payment method for tourists in Egypt. It is very convenient to pay for the expenses in hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, shopping malls, etc. Card payment is very common in Cairo, Giza, Luxor, or Hurghada, however, it is less accepted outside of large urban or tourist areas and it will be better to use Egyptian cash in that case.
Before your departure to Egypt, remember to indicate the dates of your stay to your bank, to avoid having your card blocked on the spot. Also remember to raise the payment and withdrawal limit, to avoid being unable to pay.
Note that, like Morocco or Türkiye, Egypt is a country where bargaining is king. To negotiate well, remember to find out in advance about the approximate price of the item in question and to establish a maximum price. Once in the store, wait for the seller to offer you a price, and then negotiate until you arrive at a fair price. If you don’t get the price you want, stay friendly and leave the shop quietly.
Can I pay in British pounds in Egypt?
Yes, it is often possible to pay directly in British pounds in the tourist areas of Egypt, especially in hotels, tour operators or tourist establishments. Outside these areas, it is less likely that euros, British pounds or US-Dollars are accepted. With Western Union you can also send euros for cash payout at selected locations in Egypt.
However, you should also consider potential downsides if you pay in British pounds in Egypt. The exchange rate is determined at the discretion of the seller. Therefore, the conversion rate might be disadvantageous. In addition, the money is often returned in Egyptian currency, which increases the complexity of the transaction. If you cannot pay in Egyptian pounds, check the exchange rate beforehand to ensure its legitimacy and only accept returns in British pounds.
To avoid this situation, you can send Egyptian pounds to yourself and pick them up at any Western Union location in Egypt.
Where to exchange money in Egypt?
You can exchange your money in Egypt:
- In the exchange offices, which are very numerous in cities (especially to exchange your currency in Cairo or Luxor)
- At exchange offices at the airport and ports
- In banks
- In high-end hotels
Exchange rates might be cheaper when you exchange your British pounds at banks and exchange agencies in the city than at hotels or airports. In case you need Egyptian pounds on arrival, exchange only a small amount that is enough for your first expenses. Once you arrive in Cairo or a tourist area, compare the exchange rates of different exchange offices and take advantage of potentially more beneficial rates.
No matter where you are changing your money in Egypt, keep these best practices in mind:
- Compare the exchange rates offered at different exchange offices, as each rate is determined by the institution.
- Check for hidden commissions and fixed or variable fees.
- Never exchange money on the street in Egypt, at the risk of being scammed or robbed.
- You can send money for cash pickup ahead of your travel with Western Union. This way you can pick a moment with a favourable exchange rate to make the transaction and collect the money on arrival at any Western Union location in Egypt.
Enjoy great exchange rates with Western Union. Whether you send money to yourself or friends and family in Egypt. You benefit from our safe, fast, and reliable service.
Where to withdraw money in Egypt?
You can withdraw money in Egypt from any ATM in the country, this might be a convenient way to get Egyptian currency. These vending machines are very common in large cities and tourist areas but are rarer in Middle Egypt. Note that there might be limits on how much money you can withdraw and always check the exchange rate before you withdraw the money.
Usually, you can withdraw money at banks, airports, hotels, shopping malls, etc. Banks, such as Crédit Agricole, Banque du Caire, National Bank of Egypt, Banque Misr, CIB, HSBC and Egyptian American Bank, offer the most reliable ATMs for withdrawing money in Egypt, usually compatible with Visa, Mastercard and American Express.
When withdrawing Egyptian currency, opt for odd amounts, which allow you to have small denominations and avoid £E200 banknotes for daily purchases on the market. If you have large denominations, rather use them in hotels or high-end shops.
Please note: each withdrawal of money in Egypt involves a commission from the local bank and possible fees from your bank in the UK (withdrawal fees and exchange rate commission).
FAQ
What currency should I take to go to Egypt?
While British pounds might be accepted in touristic areas, it is beneficial to have Egyptian pounds (EGP) with you to pay for everyday services. You can use Western Union to send Egyptian pounds for cash pickup to yourself before your travel. This way you can pick up Egyptian pounds as soon as you arrive in Egypt.
What is the rate of the Egyptian pound?
You can check the current Western Union rate of British pounds to Egyptian pounds here:
Easily convert GBP to EGP with Western Union.
How to send money to Egypt?
With Western Union, you can easily send money to Egypt from the UK:
- Online in a few clicks, via our website,
- With our mobile app,
- In person, by visiting one of our agent locations.
Your recipient will be able to receive the money in cash or in their account (via their Egyptian IBAN).
This blog is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure accuracy, information may change over time. For advice regarding your specific situation, please consult a qualified legal or professional advisor and refer to official sources.
