Egyptian Pound (EGP/LE) 💰
The official currency of Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (LE or E£).
Banknotes
| Denomination | Color | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|
| 200 LE | Purple | Qani Bay Mosque |
| 100 LE | Green | Great Sphinx |
| 50 LE | Red | Abu Hurayba Mosque |
| 20 LE | Green | Mohammed Ali Mosque |
| 10 LE | Orange | Khafre Pyramid |
| 5 LE | Blue | Ibn Tulun Mosque |
| 1 LE | Brown | Abu Simbel |
Khan El Khalili Market
Khan El Khalili Market - where cash is king
ATMs 🏧
ATMs are widely available 24/7 in major cities and tourist areas.
Best Banks for Withdrawals
- CIB - Most reliable, best rates
- QNB - Widely available
- HSBC - Good for international cards
- Banque Misr - Found everywhere
Tip: Withdraw larger amounts less frequently to minimize ATM fees. Most machines dispense up to 5,000 LE per transaction.
Credit Cards 💳
| Accepted | Where |
|---|---|
| ✅ Visa | Hotels, major restaurants, malls |
| ✅ Mastercard | Hotels, major restaurants, malls |
| ⚠️ Amex | Limited acceptance |
| ❌ Discover | Rarely accepted |
Money Tips 💡
- Cash is king for taxis, small shops, and tips
- Always carry small denominations (5s, 10s, 20s)
- Exchange at banks or official exchange offices for best rates
- Keep some USD or EUR for visa payment at the airport
- Bargaining is expected in markets - start at 50% of asking price!
Current Exchange Rates:
- Check XE.com for live rates