How Much Cash Should You Take to Egypt? (prices checked 12 October 2026)
Plan on about $25–$60 (EGP 1,300–3,200) per person per day in cash for meals, taxis, tips, water and market shopping. On top of that, carry $30 in US dollar notes if you will buy the visa on arrival. The big archaeological sites sell tickets by card, not cash, so entrance fees are mostly not part of your cash budget.
| Travel style | Daily cash | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $25–$35 (EGP 1,300–1,850) | Local meals (an inexpensive restaurant meal averages about EGP 250, roughly $4.75), taxis, water, small tips |
| Comfort | $40–$60 (EGP 2,100–3,150) | Mid-range lunches, tips for guide and driver, a few market purchases |
| Private/luxury | $60+ (EGP 3,150+) | Extra tips, premium shopping, flexibility |
Exchange rate used: EGP 52.6 per US dollar, the Banque Misr buying rate on 12 October 2026. This is our estimate built from current Cairo prices and tipping guides; hotels, tours and tickets are usually paid by card, so they are not counted here. Sources: Banque Misr, Numbeo Cairo, Egypt Tours Plus tipping guide.
Cash You Need Before You Leave the Airport: Visa Fee and Currency Rules
- Tourist visa fee: $30 for a single entry and $65 for multiple entries, according to the official Egypt e-Visa portal, where you apply and pay online by card (the portal asks you to apply at least 7 days before departure). Check whether your nationality needs a visa at all.
- Visa on arrival: the UK government’s travel advice says the physical visa costs $30, cash only, at approved airport kiosks before immigration. Bring clean US dollar notes in the exact amount; many older guides still quote $25, which is out of date. Since 1 August 2026 Cairo Airport also offers a digital visa on arrival for $36 (including a $6 service fee), paid by card only. A $3 rise in the single-entry fee, to $33, has been reported from 1 January 2027 (ATTA), so check the fee close to your travel date.
- Bringing cash in and out: you can bring up to EGP 5,000 in Egyptian pounds into or out of Egypt. There is no limit on foreign currency, but you must declare amounts worth more than $10,000 on arrival.
- Exchange rate: Banque Misr listed US dollar notes at EGP 52.6 (buy) and EGP 52.7 (sell) on 12 October 2026. Rates change daily and differ between banks and exchange offices.
Arriving late or with children? You can pre-book an airport transfer so your first payment on arrival is just the visa.
Average Costs of Accommodation, Food, and Transportation When You Travel to Egypt
Understanding daily expenses is the first step in determining how much cash to carry. Egypt offers a wide range of options to suit all budgets. Accommodation costs vary greatly. Budget travelers can find clean hostels or budget hotels for $10–$30 per night, while mid-range hotels range between $40–$80. For a more luxurious experience, expect to pay $100–$300 per night at five-star resorts or iconic properties near historical sites. Food is surprisingly affordable in Egypt. A meal at a local eatery costs around $3–$7, while dining at a mid-range restaurant may range from $10–$20 per person. For fine dining or international cuisines, prepare to spend $30–$50. Transportation is also budget-friendly. Taxis within cities typically cost $1–$5 per ride, while Uber and Careem are widely available in urban areas. Train and bus travel between cities can cost between $5–$20, depending on the distance and class of service. For daily expenses, plan to budget around $30–$70 per day, depending on your travel style. Planning for Entry Fees and Guided Tours While Traveling to Egypt
Egypt is a treasure trove of ancient wonders, and visiting them often requires entry fees. While these fees are generally affordable, they can add up, especially if you're visiting multiple sites. The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities lists foreign adult tickets at EGP 700 for the Giza plateau (about $13.30), EGP 550 for the Egyptian Museum and the Cairo Citadel (about $10.50 each), EGP 600 for Karnak (about $11.40) and EGP 750 for the Valley of the Kings (about $14.30); foreign students pay about half. The inside of the Great Pyramid, Tutankhamun’s tomb and some other tombs are separate extra tickets, and the Grand Egyptian Museum sells it's own, higher-priced ticket on it's official site. Many of our day tours include entrance fees, so nothing is paid at the ticket window. Guided tours are a popular option for travelers who want expert insights into Egypt’s history and culture. Prices for group tours typically range from $20 to $50 per person for a half-day experience. Private tours or specialized activities, such as hot air balloon rides over Luxor, can cost $100 or more. For a comprehensive travel to Egypt itinerary, budget at least $100–$200 for entry fees and guided tours. Keep in mind that the big sites (Giza, Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, the Egyptian Museum and the Citadel, among others) sell tickets by credit or debit card or Meeza card rather than cash, so bring a card that works abroad.How Much Cash to Carry for Local Markets and Small Businesses During Your Travel to Egypt
One of the joys of traveling to Egypt is exploring it's vibrant local markets, or souks, where bargaining is part of the experience. From spices and textiles to handmade jewelry and souvenirs, these markets are a must-visit for any traveler. Many small businesses and street vendors operate on a cash-only basis, so carrying cash is essential. For shopping in bazaars like Cairo’s Khan el-Khalili or Aswan’s Nubian markets, a budget of $50–$100 is usually sufficient for souvenirs and unique finds. Remember to haggle respectfully—it’s part of the culture and can lead to great deals. Cash is also needed for small expenses like tipping. In Egypt, tipping (known as "baksheesh") is customary for services such as hotel staff, taxi drivers, and tour guides. Typical amounts, based on current tipping guides: EGP 10–50 (about $0.20–$1) for small favours, 10–15% in sit-down restaurants (check whether a service charge is already on the bill), EGP 100–200 (about $2–$4) per person per day for a guide on a shared tour, EGP 150–350 (about $3–$7) for a private driver for the day, and EGP 50–100 (about $1–$2) per bag for hotel porters. Plan to carry about $25–$60 in cash daily for meals, tips and market shopping, in smaller notes for convenience. Sources: Egypt Tours Plus and Intrepid Travel; guides differ, so treat them as ranges.The Role of ATMs and Banks: Accessing Money While Traveling to Egypt
Carrying large amounts of cash can be inconvenient and risky. Luckily, Egypt has a widespread ATM network, especially in major cities and tourist areas. ATMs are a safe and convenient way to withdraw Egyptian pounds as needed. Most ATMs accept international cards such as Visa and Mastercard. However, each machine sets it's own per-withdrawal cap, commonly between EGP 2,000 and EGP 8,000 (about $38–$152 at EGP 52.6 per dollar), and a machine can run short of notes. Most bank-branded ATMs do not charge foreign cardholders, but independent and hotel machines can charge up to EGP 200 per transaction, and if the machine offers to convert the amount into your home currency, decline and pay in pounds (ATM Fee Saver, February 2026). Check with your own bank about international transaction fees and daily withdrawal limit's to avoid surprises. For larger cash needs, banks are a reliable option. Many banks in Egypt provide currency exchange services and cash advances. Popular banks include the National Bank of Egypt and Banque Misr. While ATMs are widely available in urban areas, access may be limited in remote locations like the desert or small villages. If your itinerary includes such areas, withdraw enough cash beforehand to cover your expenses.Tailoring Your Cash Needs Based on Your Travel Style in Egypt
The amount of cash you need depends heavily on your travel style. For budget travelers, focusing on hostels, street food, and public transport, $30–$50 per day in total may suffice. Mid-range travelers, opting for comfortable hotels, guided tours, and dining out, should budget around $70–$100 daily. Luxury travelers who enjoy high-end accommodations, fine dining, and exclusive experiences may need $150 or more per day. Consider the activities you plan to include. For instance, desert safaris, scuba diving, and Nile cruises typically require bookings, often paid by card. However, daily expenses like tips, snacks, and market purchases will require cash. Ultimately, the best strategy is to carry enough cash for immediate needs while relying on ATMs for replenishments. Because hotels, tours and entrance tickets are mostly paid by card, only part of your total daily spend (the $25–$60 above) needs to be cash. Divide your cash and cards between a wallet and a secure money pouch to minimize risks.Conclusion
Determining how much cash to bring when you travel to Egypt is a balance of preparation and flexibility. By understanding average costs, planning for entry fees, and tailoring your cash needs to your travel style, you can enjoy Egypt’s wonders without financial stress. Whether you’re navigating bustling markets or exploring ancient temples, having the right amount of cash ensures a hassle-free journey. Start planning today and make your Egyptian adventure unforgettable!If you prefer fewer cash decisions, compare our private Egypt tour packages with guided logistics included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I bring US dollars or euros to Egypt?
US dollars and euros are commonly exchanged in tourist areas, but you will still need Egyptian pounds for many small local payments. Bring at least $30 in clean US dollar notes if you will buy the visa on arrival (cash only at the airport kiosk, per UK government advice). You can bring only up to EGP 5,000 in pounds into Egypt, so get the rest of your pounds locally.
Can I use credit cards in Egypt?
Yes, in many hotels, cruises, and larger businesses, and the major archaeological sites sell tickets by card or Meeza card rather than cash. Cash is still needed for tips, small shops, markets, and local transport. Bring a second card from a different network in case one is declined.
Is it better to exchange money before arriving in Egypt?
Many travelers bring some USD or EUR and exchange in Egypt as needed, while also using ATMs in secure locations. Banque Misr listed US dollar notes at EGP 52.6 (buy) on 12 October 2026. Only EGP 5,000 in pounds may be brought into the country, so you cannot buy a large stock of pounds beforehand.