Money and duty free for Egypt

Currency and Money

Currency information

Egyptian Pound or ginee (LE; symbol E£) = 100 piastres. Notes are in denominations of E£ 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 1, 50 piastres and 25 piastres. Coins are in denominations of 25, 20, 10 and 5 piastres.

British pounds sterling, Euros and the US Dollar are accepted everywhere although change may be given in Egyptian pounds.

Credit cards

Credit cards are widely accepted in all major hotels and restaurants, but taxi services and smaller shops only accept cash. You will also need some money for tipping (known as baksheesh).

ATM

ATMS can be found in all major towns and cities.

Travellers cheques

Travellers' cheques are no longer relevant and should be avoided.

Banking hours

Sun-Thurs 0830-1400. Bureaux de change are generally also open in the evening 1800-2100.

Currency restrictions

The import and export of local currency are limited to E£ 5,000. Importing foreign currency is unlimited, but sums equivalent to US$ 10,000 or higher need to be declared. Foreign currency can be exported up to the amount that was imported.

Currency exchange

The Egyptian pound is available outside Egypt, and you can change money before your trip.

You can also exchange your money in Egyptian banks and currency exchange outlets upon arrival. Major currencies such as US dollars, euros, and British pound sterling can be freely exchangeable in Egypt.

Egypt duty free

Overview

The following items may be imported into Egypt by travellers over 18 without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 200g of tobacco.
• 1L of alcoholic beverages.
• Other goods (including gifts and personal items) up to a value of E£ 1,500.

Banned Imports

Drugs, firearms and cotton.

Banned Exports

Drugs, firearms and cotton.

You may only export small quantities of locally bought gold and silver for personal use.

If exporting antiquities over 100 years old, you must obtain a licence.