Cashless Egypt: A UK Traveller’s Guide to Cards vs. Cash (2026)
If you last visited Egypt a few years ago, the financial landscape has changed significantly. In 2026, Egypt is rapidly moving toward a “less-cash” society. For a UK traveller, this is mostly good news—it means fewer heavy pockets of coins—but it requires a specific strategy to avoid getting stuck at a temple gate or losing money on poor exchange rates.
The Golden Rule: The “Cashless” Sites
As of early 2026, the Ministry of Tourism has transitioned almost all major archaeological sites to a card-only system. You cannot use cash to buy tickets at the following locations:
- Giza Plateau (The Pyramids)
- The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
- Valley of the Kings & Karnak Temple (Luxor)
- Egyptian Museum in Tahrir (Cairo)
What to use: Visa and Mastercard are standard. I recommend a travel card like Revolut or Monzo. When the card machine asks if you want to be charged in GBP or EGP, always choose EGP. This allows your UK bank to handle the conversion at a much fairer rate than the Egyptian bank’s machine.
Exchange Rates: UK vs. Egypt
The question of where to change your money is simple: Do it in Egypt.
- In the UK: High-street exchange bureaus (and even the Post Office) often offer poor rates for Egyptian Pounds because it is considered a “volatile” currency. You will likely lose 10–15% of your value before you even land.
- In Egypt: The exchange rate is regulated. Whether you change money at a “Bureau de Change” in Hurghada or use a bank’s ATM (National Bank of Egypt or CIB), you will get the official market rate.
Current Rate (Feb 2026): > £1 GBP ≈ 63.50 EGP (Always check a live converter before your trip, as this can shift weekly).
ATM Strategy: Avoiding the Fees
While cards are for tickets, cash (EGP) is still king for tipping (baksheesh), souks, and small local cafes.
- Avoid Airport ATMs: These often have higher withdrawal fees or lower limits. Wait until you get to your hotel or a city center.
- Look for NBE or CIB: The National Bank of Egypt (NBE) and CIB are the most reliable for UK cards. Most NBE machines do not charge a local “convenience fee,” whereas some private ATMs may charge around 150 EGP (£2.36) per withdrawal.
- Withdrawal Limits: Most ATMs limit you to 4,000 – 8,000 EGP (£63 – £126) per transaction.
Cash vs. Card Comparison Table
| Item | Best Payment Method | Approx. Cost (EGP) | Approx. Cost (GBP) |
| Pyramids Entry | Card Only | 700 EGP | £11.00 |
| Street Food (Koshary) | Cash (EGP) | 60 EGP | £0.95 |
| Tipping a Driver | Cash (EGP) | 100 – 200 EGP | £1.60 – £3.15 |
| Nile Cruise/Hotels | Card | Varies | Varies |
| Airport Visa | Cash (USD/GBP/EUR) | $25 USD | ~£20.00 |
Pro-Tip: The “Visa on Arrival” Exception
While you need EGP for the streets and a Card for the temples, you need Foreign Currency for your Entry Visa at the airport.
The visa costs $25 USD. While you can pay in GBP (approx. £20), the bank counters at Cairo or Hurghada airport will often give you your change in EGP at a slightly lower rate. Bringing exactly $25 USD or the exact GBP equivalent is the cleanest way to start your trip.
Planning a trip soon? Use my 2026 Price Tracker to see exactly how many EGP you’ll need for your chosen itinerary.