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

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!

💵 Egyptian Banknotes

200 EGP Green

Qani-Bay Mosque

100 EGP Beige/Brown

The Sphinx

50 EGP Reddish

Abu Hariba Mosque

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

Abu Simbel Temple

⚠️ 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.

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:

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

I hate to say this about my country, but tourists do get targeted sometimes. Here are the most common tricks and how to avoid them:

• The “No Change” Trick
  Shop says they have no change for your big note. Solution: Always carry small notes (10s, 20s, 50s). Break big notes at hotels or supermarkets first.
• The Switcheroo
  You give 100, they claim you gave 10. Solution: Always state the amount clearly as you hand it over: “Here is one hundred.”
• Old/Fake Notes in Change
  Getting damaged notes that nobody will accept, or rarely, counterfeit. Solution: Check your change immediately. Genuine notes have watermarks and security threads.
• Street Money Changers
  “Better than bank rate” offers are always scams. Solution: Never exchange money on the street. Ever. I’ve seen tourists lose hundreds this way.

💵 Tipping Culture in Egypt

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 a quick guide:

• Restaurants: 10-15% if service not included (check bill)
• Hotel porters: 20-50 EGP per bag
• Housekeeping: 50-100 EGP per day
• Tour guides: 100-200 EGP per day
• Boat crew: 50-100 EGP for day trip
• Taxi drivers: Round up to nearest 10-20 EGP

🛍️ Bargaining Tips

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

1. Ask the price, then offer 30-40% of what they say
2. Be friendly and smile—it’s a social game, not a fight
3. Walk away if they won’t meet your price. Often they’ll call you back
4. Final price should be 50-60% of the first asking price
5. Don’t bargain in supermarkets or shops with fixed prices displayed