Egypt remains a destination where cash is king: between baksheesh, haggling and small shops, it is best to arrive with Egyptian pounds (EGP) and a well-prepared cash budget. Here is how to plan your currency exchange from Paris before you leave.
The Egyptian pound (EGP): what you need to know
The official currency is the Egyptian pound, abbreviated EGP or written £E (sometimes "LE" for livre égyptienne). It is divided into 100 piastres, but piastres now have little practical value. You will mainly handle banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 pounds. The pound is a currency whose rate varies noticeably from one day to the next; the rates displayed in store are indicative counter rates, revised every business day.
An important point: the Egyptian pound is hard to obtain, and at a poor rate, once you are on site in tourist areas. Preparing an initial reserve before departure saves you from queues at Cairo airport and improvised exchange offices. You can check the availability of the EGP among our currencies and book online before visiting the store.
Baksheesh: understanding the cash tipping culture
In Egypt, baksheesh shapes a large part of daily interactions. The term covers tipping, small gifts and gratuities for a service rendered all at once. In practice, you give baksheesh to the porter carrying your luggage, to the guard who opens a room in a temple, to the driver, to the waiter, or to the person who shows you the way.
A few useful principles:
- Always carry small change: 5, 10 and 20 pound notes are essential. Handing over a large note for lack of change will cost you dearly.
- At restaurants, a tip of around 10% is appreciated, even when a "service" charge already appears on the bill.
- For a guide or driver hired by the day, set aside a daily envelope separate from your everyday spending.
- Baksheesh is not a legal obligation: it is a social custom. Giving with a smile and without excess remains the right approach.
It is precisely this omnipresence of tipping that makes cash indispensable: a bank card does not replace the handful of notes you will hand out every day.
Haggling: an expected practice
In souks such as the Khan el-Khalili in Cairo, with souvenir vendors or for a horse-drawn carriage in Luxor, haggling is part of the game. The first price quoted is rarely the final price. A few benchmarks:
- Stay courteous and smiling: negotiation is an exchange, not a confrontation.
- Announce a counter-offer that is clearly lower, then move up in steps.
- Pay in cash and with the exact amount: pulling out a large note reduces your bargaining room.
- In fixed-price shops, supermarkets and most museums, you do not haggle.
For taxis, favour apps when they work, or agree on the price before getting in. Having a variety of denominations spares you the classic "I have no change".
How much cash should you plan for Egypt?
Bank cards are accepted in large hotels, some tourist restaurants and major shops. Outside these places, daily life is paid in cash. ATMs exist in cities and at tourist sites, but they may be out of service, capped on withdrawal limits or charge fees. So do not rely on them alone.
Rather than putting forward false figures, think in terms of categories: local transport, meals outside the hotel, daily tips, site entry fees and purchases in the souk make up most of your cash spending. Estimate your travel pace, then plan a comfortable reserve of small and medium denominations. Many travellers also keep a few backup euros or dollars, sometimes accepted in hotels.
A customs rule to know: when entering or leaving the European Union, any transport of cash equal to or exceeding €10,000 (or the equivalent in foreign currency) must be the subject of a mandatory customs declaration. Egypt also applies its own rules on the import and export of currency: find out before travelling with large sums.
Preparing your currency exchange before you leave
Exchanging your euros for Egyptian pounds before departure saves you time and avoids the unfavourable rates of transit areas. At Paris Change, a currency exchange office approved by the ACPR (Banque de France), you benefit from commission-free exchange, more than 53 currencies and online booking with in-store collection. Our single address: 4 Boulevard Saint-Michel, 75005 Paris, in the heart of the Latin Quarter, accessible via the Saint-Michel metro (line 4) and the RER B and C (Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame). We are open 7 days a week: Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, and Sunday from 10:00 am to 7:30 pm.
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to exchange your euros in France or in Egypt?
Preparing an initial reserve of Egyptian pounds in France avoids queues and the unappealing rates of airport offices. You arrive ready for your first tips, taxis and purchases, without depending on an ATM that is sometimes unavailable.
Should you keep small change at all times?
Yes. Baksheesh and haggling rely on small denominations. Always keep 5, 10 and 20 pound notes separate from your larger notes so you can pay with the exact amount.
Can you pay by card everywhere in Egypt?
No. Cards work in large hotels and some tourist establishments, but most everyday transactions (transport, souks, tips, small shops) are paid in cash.
Prepare your trip with peace of mind: book your Egyptian pounds online and collect them in store at 4 Boulevard Saint-Michel. Discover availability among our currencies and set off with a clear mind.
