Tourist's Guide to Money Exchange in Cairo, Alexandria & Egypt
Everything tourists need to know about exchanging money in Egypt's major cities. Where to go, what to avoid, and how to get the best deals.
Money Exchange Guide for Tourists in Egypt
Navigating currency exchange as a tourist in Egypt can be confusing, especially on your first visit. This city-by-city guide covers everything you need to know.
Before You Arrive: Essential Preparation
What currency to bring:
- US Dollars (USD) are the most widely accepted and easiest to exchange
- British Pounds (GBP) are accepted at most banks
- Other currencies may be harder to exchange outside major banks
Condition of notes matters: Egyptian banks are strict about foreign banknotes. They may reject torn, heavily creased, or written-on notes. Bring clean, recent-series notes in large denominations ($50 or $100).
Cairo: Where to Exchange Money
Cairo offers the widest range of exchange options.
Airport Exchange (Cairo International Airport): Available 24/7 but rates are 2-5% worse than city center. Use only for small amounts for transport to your hotel.
Downtown Cairo (Talaat Harb / Tahrir Square): Highest concentration of banks and exchange offices. NBE, Banque Misr, and CIB all have branches here. Best area for comparing rates quickly on foot.
Zamalek: Several banks on 26th of July Street. More relaxed atmosphere with good rates.
Maadi: Popular expat area with many bank branches accustomed to serving foreigners.
Khan el-Khalili: Avoid exchanging at shops inside the bazaar. Use banks on nearby Al-Azhar Street instead. Never exchange with street changers.
Alexandria: Where to Exchange
Corniche Area: Several banks along the Corniche road near Bibliotheca Alexandrina.
Downtown (Saad Zaghloul Square): Multiple banks in walking distance with rates comparable to Cairo.
Luxor: Where to Exchange
East Bank (City Center): Banks on Corniche el-Nil Street and near Luxor Temple.
West Bank (Valley of the Kings): Very limited options. Exchange money on the East Bank before crossing. No ATMs near the Valley of the Kings.
Aswan and Abu Simbel
Banks in Aswan on Corniche el-Nil and in the souk area. Abu Simbel has no reliable exchange facilities — bring sufficient EGP before arriving.
Sharm El Sheikh and Red Sea Resorts
Banks in Naama Bay and Old Market areas. Resort hotel exchange rates are typically 3-5% worse than banks.
Cash vs Card in Egypt
Cards widely accepted at: Major hotels, shopping malls, chain stores, higher-end restaurants.
Cash needed at: Street vendors, local restaurants, taxis, markets (including Khan el-Khalili), most tourist sites, and for tips.
Plan on needing cash for 60-70% of your expenses.
Tipping Culture (Baksheesh)
- Restaurant waiters: 10-15% of the bill
- Taxi drivers: Round up to nearest 10 EGP
- Bathroom attendants: 5-10 EGP
Keep a supply of small notes (5, 10, 20, 50 EGP) for tipping.
Safety Tips
Digital Payments Growing
Visa/Mastercard contactless payments are growing. InstaPay QR codes work at many stores. However, cash remains essential for most tourist activities.
Conclusion
The key to successful money exchange in Egypt is preparation. Bring clean USD or EUR bills, use banks or licensed offices in city centers, and compare rates on 3omlla before visiting. With planning, you can save significantly on every exchange.
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