Egyptian Pound Guide: How to Exchange Money, Avoid Scams, and Handle Cash in Hurghada

Look, I’m going to be real with you. I’m Salem, and after 15 years living in Hurghada, I’ve seen pretty much every money mistake a tourist can make. The lady who handed over €100 and got 40 EGP back? Watched it happen. The guy who exchanged €500 at the airport and lost maybe €80 in bad rates? That was my neighbor’s guest.

Here’s the thing — understanding Egyptian money isn’t just about knowing which note is which. It’s about walking into a bazaar and not getting played. It’s about budgeting your holiday so you don’t run out of cash on day 5. And honestly? It’s about respecting the local tipping culture without getting ripped off.

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Understanding Egyptian Money

The Egyptian Pound (EGP or LE – Livre Égyptienne) is the official currency. One pound equals 100 piastres, though piastres are rarely used in tourist areas. As of late 2024, 1 USD ≈ 49-51 EGP, 1 EUR ≈ 53-55 EGP. Always check current rates before your trip!

Real talk — the Egyptian pound has been… let’s say “volatile” lately. The good news? For you as a tourist, this means Egypt is incredibly affordable right now. The bad news? Rates change weekly, so don’t rely on what your friend told you six months ago.

💵 Egyptian Banknotes — Know Your Colors!

Here’s the thing about Egyptian notes — they look similar in low light. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen tourists hand over a 200 thinking it was a 100. Learn the colors. Seriously.

200 EGP Green

Qani-Bay Mosque / Seated Scribe

100 EGP Beige/Brown

Sultan Hassan Mosque / Sphinx

50 EGP Reddish

Abu Hariba Mosque / Edfu Temple

New Polymer

20 EGP Greenish

Mohammed Ali Mosque

Old Paper

20 EGP Greenish

Mohammed Ali Mosque

New Polymer

10 EGP Brownish

Al-Rifai Mosque

Old Paper

10 EGP Brownish

Al-Rifai Mosque

5 EGP Blue

Ibn Tulun Mosque

1 EGP Yellow/Brown

Sultan Qaitbay Mosque / Abu Simbel

⚠️ Pro Tip: The 200 and 100 notes can look similar in bad lighting—both have brownish tones. Always double-check before handing money over. I’ve seen tourists accidentally give 200 thinking it was 100!

🪙 Egyptian Coins

Coins exist but honestly… barely used in tourist areas. You might get:

1 Pound Gold

Common – Tutankhamun

50 Piastres Silver

Half Pound

25 Piastres Silver

Quarter Pound

💡 Note: Smaller than 25 piastres is basically worthless. If someone gives you tiny coins as change, they’re probably hoping you won’t notice they shorted you.

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Currency Comparison: EGP vs EUR vs USD vs GBP

Can you pay with Euros or Dollars directly in Hurghada? Yes. Should you? That depends. Here’s the honest breakdown:

Factor	🇪🇬 EGP	🇪🇺 EUR	🇺🇸 USD	🇬🇧 GBP
Ease of Use	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐
Exchange Convenience	Already local	Easy everywhere	Easy everywhere	Banks only
Small Change Available	Always	Never expect it	Never expect it	Never expect it
Value for Money	Best rates	~5% worse	~5% worse	~7% worse
Accepted in Markets/Taxis	✅ Always	Sometimes	Sometimes	Rarely

💡 Salem’s Verdict: Use EGP for everything except emergencies. If you pay with Euros at a small shop, they’ll calculate at maybe 45 EGP per Euro when the real rate is 53. That’s not a “favor” — that’s an extra 15% profit for them.

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Where to Exchange Money

Not all exchange places are equal. After 15 years here, I know which ones give honest rates and which ones try to take advantage of tourists. Here’s the real breakdown:

Best Rates

🏦 Local Banks

National Bank of Egypt, Banque Misr, CIB. Official rates, no negotiation needed. Open Sun-Thu, 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM.

Good Rates

🏪 Licensed Exchange Offices

Look for offices with official license displayed. Slightly lower than banks but open longer hours. Ask rate BEFORE handing over money.

Convenient

🏨 Hotel Reception

Safe and convenient but usually 3-5% worse rates. Good for small amounts when banks are closed.

Avoid

✈️ Airport Exchange

Worst rates in Egypt. Only exchange €20-30 for taxi if needed. Exchange the rest in town.

💰 Salem’s Money Tip: Bring clean, new bills (USD, EUR, or GBP). Damaged or old notes may be rejected or get worse rates. €50 and €100 notes often get slightly better rates than smaller denominations.

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Using ATMs in Hurghada

ATMs are everywhere in Hurghada—shopping centers, hotels, and main streets. But not all ATMs are created equal:

Recommended ATMs:

CIB (Commercial International Bank) — Highest withdrawal limits, reliable
QNB (Qatar National Bank) — Good for Mastercard users
Banque Misr — Widest network, found everywhere

Important ATM Tips:

Maximum withdrawal: Usually 5,000-10,000 EGP per transaction
Daily limit: Around 20,000-30,000 EGP (check with your bank)
Always choose “WITHOUT conversion” when asked—let your bank do the conversion
Avoid ATMs that look damaged or have suspicious attachments

⚠️ Warning: Some ATMs offer “Dynamic Currency Conversion” showing your home currency. ALWAYS DECLINE and choose Egyptian Pounds. The conversion rate is terrible—you’ll lose 5-8% immediately.

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Cash vs Card: What Works in Hurghada

Can I pay with credit card in Hurghada? The answer is… complicated. Here’s the honest truth:

✅ Cards Accepted

5-star hotels & resorts
Large restaurants in Marina
Senzo Mall & branded shops
Supermarkets (Carrefour, Metro)
Tour agencies (reputable ones)

💵 Cash Only (No Exception)

Taxis & Uber/Careem
Markets & bazaars
Small restaurants & cafes
Tips (everywhere)
Street vendors & beach sellers

📋 My Rule: I recommend bringing 70% of your spending money in cash (EUR or USD) and relying on ATMs for the rest. Even if a place “accepts” cards, the machine might be “broken” that day. Happened to me twice last month alone.

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5 Real Scam Stories (and How to Avoid Them)

I hate writing this section. I really do. But after 15 years, I’ve seen these tricks happen to too many tourists. Here are real stories from people I know — with all the psychological tricks exposed.

🎭 Story 1: The Currency Swap

“My friend Katharina from Germany bought a small statue for €60. She handed over a €100 note. The shopkeeper disappeared into the back, came out and gave her 40 EGP as change. She didn’t realize until she got back to the hotel. He’d given her Egyptian pounds instead of Euros.”

🛡️ Protection: Count your change immediately, in front of the seller. Say out loud: “I gave you 100 Euros, I expect 40 Euros back.” Most importantly — never let them disappear to “get change.”

🎭 Story 2: The Old Notes Trick

“A British couple exchanged £200 at a small shop (red flag #1). They got a stack of faded, beaten-up notes. When they tried to use them at their hotel restaurant, three notes were rejected — ‘too damaged’ or ‘out of circulation.’ They lost about £25 worth of unusable money.”

🛡️ Protection: Check EVERY note before leaving. Look for tears, missing corners, or faded print. Legitimate notes have a watermark (hold to light) and a security thread. Reject damaged notes on the spot.

🎭 Story 3: “No Change” Forces Extra Purchase

“Tourist buys scarf for 140 EGP, hands over 200 EGP. Shopkeeper: ‘Ah, no change today my friend! But look — this small bottle of perfume oil is exactly 60 EGP. Perfect match!’ Tourist ends up with overpriced perfume oil they never wanted. Saw this exact trick last week in the bazaar.”

🛡️ Protection: ALWAYS carry small notes (10s, 20s, 50s). Break big notes at your hotel or supermarket first. If they claim no change, simply say “I’ll wait” or walk out. Suddenly change appears 90% of the time.

🎭 Story 4: The “You Gave Me 10, Not 100”

“Dutch tourist hands over 100 EGP for a 50 EGP item. Seller says ‘You gave me 10 EGP, this is not enough.’ Tourist is confused, thinks maybe he made a mistake. Pays another 100 EGP. Later realizes he was right the first time.”

🛡️ Protection: Before handing over any note, state clearly: “This is ONE HUNDRED pounds.” Make eye contact. Say it in front of any witnesses. This simple act stops this scam cold.

🎭 Story 5: The Street Money Changer

“A guy approaches tourist near the bazaar: ‘My friend! Official rate is 50, but I give you 55 per Euro! Better than bank!’ Tourist hands over €300. Gets handed a stack of notes, counted quickly. Back at hotel — it’s only €200 worth. The quick counting had hidden switches.”

🛡️ Protection: NEVER exchange money on the street. Ever. No exceptions. “Better rates” are always scams. Use banks, hotels, or licensed exchange offices only. I’ve seen tourists lose €500+ this way.

🛡️ General Rule: If a money situation feels rushed, confusing, or “too good to be true” — stop. Step back. Say you need to think about it. Real businesses will still be there tomorrow. Scammers won’t wait.

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Daily Budget Planner for Hurghada

How much should I budget per day in Hurghada? Here’s the honest breakdown based on real 2024/2025 prices:

Expense Category	💰 Budget	💎 Mid-Range	👑 Luxury
Lunch (outside hotel)	150-250 EGP ~€3-5	400-600 EGP ~€8-12	800-1500 EGP ~€15-30
Drinks & Snacks	100-200 EGP ~€2-4	300-500 EGP ~€6-10	500-1000 EGP ~€10-20
Tips (daily total)	100-150 EGP ~€2-3	200-400 EGP ~€4-8	500-800 EGP ~€10-15
Transport	100-200 EGP ~€2-4	300-500 EGP ~€6-10	800-1500 EGP ~€15-30
Souvenirs/Shopping	200-400 EGP ~€4-8	500-1000 EGP ~€10-20	2000+ EGP ~€40+
📊 DAILY TOTAL	~€15-25/day	~€35-60/day	~€90-120+/day

📋 All-Inclusive Guests: If you’re staying all-inclusive, your daily spending drops to mainly tips, souvenirs, and excursions. Budget €20-40/day for comfort.

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Complete Tipping (Baksheesh) Guide

Tipping (“baksheesh”) is deeply ingrained in Egyptian culture. It’s not optional—it’s expected and often how people supplement very low wages. Here’s the complete guide:

🏨 Hotel Staff

Porter (per bag): 20-50 EGP
Housekeeping: 50-100 EGP/day
Concierge (helpful): 100-200 EGP
Room service: 20-50 EGP

🍽️ Restaurants & Cafes

Restaurants: 10-15% of bill
Cafes: Round up + 10-20 EGP
Delivery: 20-30 EGP
Check if “service” already included!

🚗 Transport

Taxi: Round up 10-20 EGP
Driver (full day): 150-300 EGP
Airport transfer: 50-100 EGP
Uber/Careem: Optional via app

🏊 Tours & Activities

Tour guide: 100-200 EGP/day
Dive instructor: 100-200 EGP
Boat crew: 50-100 EGP
Snorkeling guide: 50-100 EGP

⚠️ Important: Some people will try to “help” you (hold the door, take a photo, “guide” you somewhere) then demand a tip. You’re not obligated to pay for unsolicited “help.” A firm but polite “no thank you” is acceptable.

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Transport & Money Tips

Transport is one area where tourists lose money fast. Here’s how to avoid the common traps:

🚕 Taxi Reality Check

Regular taxis have NO meter — always agree price before getting in
Airport taxi to Hurghada center: Should be ~300-400 EGP, they’ll ask 1000+
Use Uber or Careem apps — fixed prices, no negotiation, card payment option
Hotel taxis are safe but expensive — often 50% more than street price

🚐 Skip the Taxi Hassle — Book a Private Transfer

Honestly? After seeing tourists get overcharged so many times, I recommend this to everyone: book your airport transfer before you land. Fixed price, driver with your name sign, no “meter broken” nonsense.

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Fixed Price

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English Drivers

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Name Sign

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24/7 Pickup

Book Your Transfer with KiwiTaxi →

I use them for all my European guests. Airport to Sahl Hasheesh? Around €20-25. Zero stress.

🚗 Car Rental Tips

Only recommended for experienced drivers — Egyptian roads are… challenging
Always get full insurance — repairs here are expensive
Check the car thoroughly before accepting. Document any scratches.
For day trips to Luxor or Marsa Alam, a hired driver is safer and similar price

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The Art of Haggling (Fassal)

Bargaining is expected in markets (souks) and with taxi drivers. Here’s my approach after 15 years — it works every time:

Ask the price — Even if you’re just browsing. This starts the game.
React shocked — Even if the price is okay. Say “Oh, that’s expensive for me.”
Counter at 30-40% — If they say 500, you say “I could do maybe 150 or 200.”
Be friendly! — Smile, chat, ask about their family. This ISN’T a fight.
Walk away — If they don’t meet your price, thank them and start leaving. Magic happens here.
Final price = 50-60% — If first price was 500, you should pay 250-300. Maybe less.

⚠️ Where NOT to Bargain: Supermarkets, pharmacies, restaurants with menus, shops with prices displayed, anything with a barcode. Trying to bargain here makes you look foolish and insulting.

💡 Pro Tip: The phrase you need: “Ghali awi” (غالي اوي) — means “too expensive.” Combined with a smile and a head shake, it’s your best weapon.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Euros or Dollars directly in Hurghada?

Yes, many tourist shops, restaurants, and hotels accept EUR and USD. However, you’ll get a worse exchange rate than if you pay in Egyptian Pounds — usually 5-10% worse. I recommend using EGP for better value.

How much cash should I bring to Hurghada?

For a week, I suggest €300-500 in cash (depending on your spending habits) plus access to ATMs. All-inclusive guests need less—mainly for tips, souvenirs, and excursions. Maybe €150-250.

Are credit cards widely accepted in Hurghada?

In hotels, upscale restaurants, and larger shops—yes. In markets, small restaurants, taxis, and for tips—no. Always have cash backup. I’d say 70% of transactions in Hurghada are still cash.

Is it safe to carry cash in Hurghada?

Generally yes, Hurghada is safe. But use common sense: don’t flash large amounts, use hotel safes for valuables, and keep daily spending money separate from your main stash.

What is the currency exchange rate in Hurghada today?

As of late 2024: 1 EUR ≈ 53-55 EGP, 1 USD ≈ 49-51 EGP, 1 GBP ≈ 62-65 EGP. Check xe.com before your trip for current rates. Egyptian pound has been volatile, so check weekly.

How much to tip in Hurghada hotels?

Hotel porters: 20-50 EGP per bag. Housekeeping: 50-100 EGP per day (leave daily, not at end). Room service: 20-50 EGP. Concierge who helps with bookings: 100-200 EGP. It adds up, so budget 100-200 EGP/day for hotel tips alone.

Is Uber available in Hurghada?

Yes! Both Uber and Careem (similar app) work in Hurghada. Fixed prices, no negotiation, card or cash payment. Much less stressful than regular taxis. Download both apps before you arrive.

Can I pay with credit card in Hurghada markets?

No. Markets, bazaars, and small shops are cash only. Even larger shops sometimes have “broken” card machines. Always have EGP cash for market shopping.

What if I run out of Egyptian Pounds?

ATMs are everywhere—Senzo Mall, Hurghada Marina, El Dahar downtown, and most hotel areas. Your hotel can also usually exchange money at acceptable rates (3-5% worse than banks).

Should I exchange money at Hurghada airport?

Only exchange €20-30 for immediate needs (like taxi or tips). Airport rates are the worst in Egypt—sometimes 10-15% below real rates. Exchange the rest at banks or licensed offices in town.

How do I avoid getting scammed with money in Egypt?

Count change immediately, state amounts out loud when paying, never exchange on the street, check notes for damage before accepting, keep small bills separate from large ones, and use hotel safes. Most importantly — if a deal feels “too good,” walk away.

Is alcohol expensive in Hurghada?

Local Egyptian beer (Stella, Sakara): 40-80 EGP (~€1-1.50). Imported beer in restaurants: 100-200 EGP (~€2-4). Cocktails in bars: 200-400 EGP (~€4-8). Liquor stores exist but are harder to find outside tourist areas.

Ready for Your Hurghada Adventure?

Now that you understand Egyptian money, you’re ready to shop, dine, and explore like a savvy traveler!

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