Nile Cruise Hub

Egypt Money & Currency Guide for Nile Cruise Travelers

Practical guidance on cash, cards, and currency for your trip, so you’re not caught out at a temple gift shop or in a taxi with the wrong currency in hand.

The Currency

Egypt’s currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP), sometimes written as LE. Small purchases — taxis, tips, souvenirs at local markets, drinks off-ship — are usually cash-only in EGP, even in tourist areas.

Cash vs. Card

Hotels, larger restaurants, and cruise-related payments generally accept credit cards, especially at 4-star-and-up establishments.
Everyday spending — taxis, small shops, tipping, local markets — is still largely cash-based outside major hotels and malls.
US dollars in small bills ($1–$20) are commonly accepted for tips and at some tourist-facing businesses, but Egyptian pounds are more broadly useful and often get you a fairer effective rate than paying in USD.

Using ATMs

ATMs are widely available in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and other major tourist cities, including at airports and larger hotels. A few practical points:

Expect a local ATM fee (commonly cited in the range of roughly 15–120 EGP depending on the bank) plus whatever your home bank charges for foreign withdrawals — check with your bank before you travel.
When an ATM asks whether to charge you in EGP or your home currency (“Dynamic Currency Conversion”), always choose EGP. The “convenience” of being charged in your home currency usually comes with a worse exchange rate.
Use ATMs attached to banks or inside hotels/malls rather than standalone street machines, and withdraw during daylight hours where possible.

Exchanging Currency

Banks and official exchange bureaus generally offer fairer rates than airport counters, though airport counters are the most convenient option right after landing for a small initial amount. Avoid street money changers — they carry a real risk of counterfeit notes or short-changing, with no recourse if something goes wrong. Count your cash before you walk away from any exchange window.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I bring US dollars or exchange for Egyptian pounds?
Bring some small-denomination USD for tips and convenience, but plan to use EGP (from ATMs or exchange bureaus) for most day-to-day spending — it’s more widely accepted and often better value.

Are credit cards widely accepted in Egypt?
At hotels, larger restaurants, and higher-end shops, generally yes. For taxis, small vendors, and local markets, cash is still the norm.

Is it safe to use ATMs in Egypt?
Yes, when you use machines attached to banks, hotels, or malls rather than isolated street ATMs, and decline any “charge in home currency” option.

Plan Your Trip

See our Tipping Guide for how much cash to budget for gratuities, our Visa Guide for entry requirements, or send your dates through the request form for a confirmed quote.

Egypt Money & Currency Guide for Nile Cruise Travelers