Your Trusted Guide to:

Money & Currency
in Sharm El Sheikh

Q: Is Apple Pay or Google Pay widely accepted in Egypt?

If you are staying for less than 15 days and staying within the Sinai Peninsula (Sharm, Dahab, Nuweiba, Taba), you can get the free "Sinai Only" stamp . If you plan to visit Cairo, Luxor, or stay longer, you must buy the full tourist visa.

Navigate Exchange Rates, ATMs, and Tipping Without Getting Scammed

Sharm El Sheikh money and currency Managing your money in Egypt can feel overwhelming, but it is actually very easy if you know the local rules. This guide is built on real-time information from the ground in Egypt to ensure you navigate the local economy like a pro. Whether you are wondering if you should bring cash, which ATMs to trust, or how to avoid the “home currency” trap at the machine, we’ve got the no-nonsense facts. Before you change a single Dollar or Euro, here is everything you need to know about spending in Egypt.

Egyptian Currency Banknotes

5 Egyptian Pounds banknote used in Sharm El Sheikh — 5 Egyptian Pounds

New 10 EGP polymer bill - Egypt currency for tourists in Sharm — 10 Egyptian Pounds

New 20 Egyptian Pounds plastic banknote in Sharm El Sheikh — 20 Egyptian Pounds

50 Egyptian Pounds cash - Local money for shopping in Sharm — 50 Egyptian Pounds

100 EGP banknote - Official Egyptian currency in Sharm El Sheikh — 100 Egyptian Pounds

200 Egyptian Pounds bill - Largest denomination of Egypt money in Sharm — 200 Egyptian Pounds

Money Exchange

Where you can change currency in Sharm?

At the Airport

Unlike many international airports, exchanging money at Sharm El Sheikh Airport (SSH) is actually a fair deal. You will find bank kiosks in the arrivals hall that offer the official central bank rate. However, only change a small amount at the airport to cover your initial taxi and tips, then wait until you reach the city for larger amounts.

⚠️ Using ATMs

You can exchange cash 24/7 at specialized ATMs found throughout Naama Bay, Soho Square, Old Market, and in every hotel. Just select ‘Currency Exchange’ on the screen (no card needed), insert your USD, EUR, or GBP, and the machine will show the official bank rate with zero commission. You can review the amount and either confirm to receive your Egyptian Pounds or press ‘Cancel’ to get your original bills back instantly. It’s a safe, transparent, and hassle-free way to get the best local rates.

⚠️ Bank & Exchange Offices

For those who prefer not to use ATMs, official bank branches and exchange offices in Naama Bay and the Old Market offer the same official rates with zero commission. While banks typically close between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM, exchange offices stay open until midnight to accommodate late transactions. Note that these physical offices are limited in number compared to ATMs; you can find their reliable locations and verify current operating hours below.

Credit & Debit Cards

What can you do with your card in Sharm?

ATM Withdrawals

You can use your international card to withdraw Egyptian Pounds (EGP) from any ATM in Sharm El Sheikh. Your home bank will handle the conversion based on their daily rates. Be aware that most local ATMs have a withdrawal limit between 5,000 and 10,000 EGP per transaction, and your bank may charge a foreign transaction fee.

Contactless Payment:

Cards are widely accepted in hotels, major malls, and upscale restaurants. Apple Pay and Contactless payments are also supported at most modern payment terminals throughout the city. However, always keep some cash for taxis, small shops, and the Old Market, where card machines are rarely available.

⚠️ Good to Know:

For the best value, exchanging your home currency (USD/EUR/GBP) into cash EGP is the cheapest option. While cards offer safety and convenience, they often come with hidden bank commissions and less favorable exchange rates. If you want to avoid extra fees and get the most out of your budget, rely on cash for your daily spending.

Accepted Currencies in Sharm

USD, EUR, and GBP
are widely accepted across Sharm El Sheikh, especially in hotels, dive centers, and most tourist-oriented shops. You will find that many service providers actually prefer these currencies for larger transactions. However, it is always a good idea to keep some smaller bills on hand for tipping or minor purchases where change in foreign currency might not be readily available.

⚠️ Good to Know:
Large Retailers Major supermarkets like Carrefour and Metro are legally bound by Egyptian law to transact in Egyptian Pounds (EGP) only. Many tourists spend time filling their carts only to have their foreign cash rejected at the checkout counter. To avoid this frustration, always ensure you carry enough local currency or a valid credit card when heading to these major retailers or any official government-run outlets.

Quick Wins for Your Trip

Small tips that make a big difference in your daily holiday experience

New USD Series

If you bring US Dollars, try to have the “New Blue” $100 bills. Some older series (pre-2013) might be harder to exchange in some local offices.

Weekend Closures

Remember that banks in Egypt are closed on Fridays and Saturdays. Plan your exchange or use ATMs/Exchange offices during these days.

Foreign Coins

Foreign coins are not accepted for exchange at banks or for payments in shops. Only banknotes can be used. If you plan to spend or exchange your home currency, ensure you only carry bills.

Small Change

Always keep small change (5, 10, & 20 EGP notes). Taxi drivers and small shops often claim they “don’t have change” to keep the extra.

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Money & Currency

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Visa Requirements

Learn the exact difference between Egyptian visa types

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my foreign debit/credit card work in Egypt?

Yes, Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted at ATMs, supermarkets, and modern restaurants. (American Express and Discover are rarely accepted).

Is Apple Pay or Google Pay widely accepted in Egypt?

If you are staying for less than 15 days and staying within the Sinai Peninsula (Sharm, Dahab, Nuweiba, Taba), you can get the free “Sinai Only” stamp. If you plan to visit Cairo, Luxor, or stay longer, you must buy the full tourist visa.

How much cash should I carry around daily?

For an average day out (taxis, snacks, tipping, and minor souvenirs), carrying around 1,000 to 2,000 EGP in small notes is usually more than enough. Use your card for larger restaurant bills.

Can I use ATMs to withdraw money in Egypt instead of exchanging cash?

Yes, using ATMs is actually the most efficient and recommended way to get Egyptian Pounds throughout your trip. ATMs are plentiful in all tourist areas and are very easy to use for international travelers. Ensure you have a Visa or Mastercard debit card, as credit cards often incur high cash-advance fees. It is crucial to notify your home bank of your travel dates to Egypt before you fly to prevent your card from being blocked for security reasons. For extra peace of mind, we highly recommend carrying two different cards from separate banks just in case one is rejected or faces any technical issues.

Is the exchange rate at the airport the same as in the city?

Yes. Unlike many countries, currency exchange rates in Egypt are government-regulated, meaning you will get the exact same official rate at the airport bank kiosks as you would at any bank or exchange office in Sharm El Sheikh. It is a safe and convenient place to get your first Egyptian Pounds without worrying about hidden fees or poor rates.

Can I exchange my leftover Egyptian Pounds back before I leave?

It is very difficult to exchange EGP back to your home currency. We strongly recommend only withdrawing or exchanging the amount of Egyptian Pounds you genuinely need for your trip. It is better to run slightly low on EGP and use your card for final purchases than to be stuck with local currency you cannot convert back once you leave Egypt.

Are traveler’s cheques accepted in Egypt?

Absolutely not. Traveler’s cheques are completely obsolete in Egypt, and you will struggle to find any bank, hotel, or exchange office that accepts them. Bringing them will only cause unnecessary stress and wasted time. Instead, rely on a mix of cash (USD, EUR, or GBP) and a reliable Visa or Mastercard debit card for ATM withdrawals. Modern travel in Egypt has moved entirely to digital and cash transactions, making traveler’s cheques a thing of the past.

Should I buy Egyptian Pounds (EGP) at my home bank before traveling to Egypt?

We strongly recommend NOT exchanging your money for Egyptian Pounds before you arrive. Banks outside of Egypt usually offer very poor exchange rates, meaning you’ll lose a significant portion of your budget before you even land. Additionally, Egyptian law strictly prohibits travelers from entering or leaving the country with more than 10,000 EGP in local currency. The smartest and most cost-effective move is to bring USD, Euro, or GBP cash to exchange at the airport kiosks upon arrival, or simply use a local ATM with your debit card to get the official government regulated rate.

Money & Currency
in Sharm El Sheikh

Egyptian Currency Banknotes

Money Exchange

Credit & Debit Cards

Accepted Currencies in Sharm