Cash, Cards, ATMs & Tipping

Egyptian Pound Money Guide

Egypt runs primarily on cash. Here’s how to exchange, withdraw, tip correctly (baksheesh), and budget for different travel styles in Luxor

CurrencyEGP / LE

ATM Withdrawal Limit~8,000 EGP

Sites (2026)Cashless

Keep ReadySmall bills

Prices and rates verified 2026

Egypt runs primarily on cash. Cards work at hotels, mid-range and upscale restaurants, and large shopping centers — but taxis, market vendors, local cafés, and tips all run on Egyptian pounds. Coming underprepared on cash, especially small denominations, is one of the most consistent practical frustrations for Luxor visitors.

The Egyptian Pound (EGP)

Egypt’s currency is the Egyptian pound, abbreviated EGP and sometimes written as LE (from the French livre égyptienne). Banknotes come in denominations of 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, and 5 pounds. Coins of 1 pound and 50 piastres exist but are less commonly used.

Small bills matter. Taxi drivers, vendors, and small restaurants frequently cannot give change for 200 or 100 pound notes. Keep a supply of 10s, 20s, and 50s in a separate pocket from larger bills.

Reference prices as of 2025— verify closer to travel, as Egyptian inflation has been significant:

Bottle of water10–15 EGP

Short taxi, East Bank80–100 EGP

Simple local meal150–250 EGP

Koshari at local café30–50 EGP

Getting Cash

ATMs

ATMs are common around the Corniche, city center, and souk area. Withdrawal limits are typically 8,000 EGP per transaction, with fees applying from the Egyptian bank and potentially your home bank.

Best

ATMs inside banks or hotel lobbiesMore secure than standalone ATMs in isolated locations. Check your home bank’s foreign transaction fee before travel — some charge 2–3% per withdrawal.

Avoid

Standalone ATMs in isolated locationsHigher risk of skimming devices. Use bank-lobby machines where possible.

Currency Exchange

Option	Rate	Notes
Banks	Best rates	Most reliable — use for bulk of your exchange
Licensed exchange offices	Good rates	Reliable, often more convenient than banks
Luxor Airport	Poor rates	Practical for small arrival amount (1,000–2,000 EGP) for transport and tips only
Hotels	Worst rates	Most convenient but consistently lowest rates
Street exchange	Avoid	Short-changing and counterfeit notes are the predictable risks

Keep exchange receipts. They let you reconvert remaining EGP to your home currency on departure, up to a proportion of what you originally exchanged.

Cards

Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted cards in Egypt. American Express has limited acceptance outside of international hotels.

2026 update — archaeological sites: most ticket counters at Luxor’s archaeological sites — including the Tombs of the Nobles — have shifted to cashless card-only payment. Carry your payment card specifically for site entries. Don’t assume cash will be accepted at the ticket window.

Use your card

International and mid-range hotels

Upscale restaurants

Major shopping centers

Archaeological site ticket counters

Many pharmacies

Cash only

Taxis and microbuses

Luxor Souk and market vendors

Street food stalls and local cafés

Photography permit attendants

Tips

A working plan: use a card for hotel bills and site ticket purchases; keep cash for everything else.

Tipping (Baksheesh)

Service	Typical Tip
Licensed tour guide (full day)	EGP 100–200
Private driver (full day)	EGP 100–150
Hotel housekeeping	EGP 20–30 per day
Luggage assistance	EGP 10–20 per bag
Restaurant (cash)	10% of bill
Tomb/site guard (who shows you something)	EGP 20–50
Bathroom attendant	EGP 5–10

Carry small bills specifically for tipping. A 200 EGP note is useless for a 20 EGP tip and creates an uncomfortable situation if the person cannot make change.

Avoiding Money Problems

Check This

Counterfeit notesReal Egyptian banknotes have raised ink on printed areas and a watermark visible when held to light. When receiving change in markets, check your notes quickly before pocketing them.

Always

Agree on prices before transactionsFor taxis (before you get in), carriage rides, small tour services, and market purchases. Bekam? (“How much?”) before committing prevents almost all overcharging disputes.

Avoid

Unofficial exchange pointsThe rate looks attractive until you count the notes — you’ll receive fewer than promised, or some will be counterfeit.

Sensible Habit

Split your cashKeep daily spending money in a front pocket, larger reserves separately. A money belt for passport, cards, and main cash reserve is sensible in crowded market environments.

Budgeting for Luxor

Daily per-person estimates covering accommodation, food, transport, and site entries. These figures fluctuate with Egypt’s exchange rate and ongoing inflation — use as a rough planning guide and verify closer to travel.

Travel Style	Estimated Daily Spend
Budget	EGP 700–1,000
Mid-range	EGP 1,500–2,500
Luxury	EGP 4,000+

Travel Style	Covers
Budget (EGP 700–1,000)	Hostels/guesthouses, street food and local restaurants, public ferry, shared taxis and minibuses to sites
Mid-range (EGP 1,500–2,500)	Comfortable hotel, mix of local and tourist restaurants, private driver for West Bank sites, occasional guided tour
Luxury (EGP 4,000+)	5-star hotel, private guide, upscale dining, private transfers

Budget sorted?

Check entrance fees for every site

Current ticket prices across the East Bank, West Bank, and day-trip sites — so you know exactly what to budget before you arrive.

See Entrance Fees → Getting Around Luxor