Is Egypt cashless?
Cash preferred#105 of 197 in The Cashlessy Index 2026 · #10 of 54 in Africa
Short answer: Use bank ATMs to get plenty of small notes for tips and taxis, and pay by card in hotels and malls.
Hotels, malls and chains take cards, and major sites like the pyramids are card only. You will still need plenty of small cash for tips, taxis and markets.
Will my card work?
In cities and tourist areas. Hotels, chains and larger restaurants in Egypt take cards; smaller places often do not.
Do I need cash?
Yes. Cards work in some places, but you will need cash most days in Egypt.
Local currency: Egyptian pound (EGP)
How does tipping work?
Tipping (baksheesh) is part of daily life: 10-15% in restaurants plus small tips for guides, drivers and attendants.
Mobile payments
Local apps often need a local bank account or phone number.
Getting cash: ATMs
Fee-free ATMs are easy to find
Most bank ATMs do not charge foreign cards. Hotel and independent ATMs can charge up to EGP 200.
Fee-free options
- CIB, National Bank of Egypt, Banque Misr and QNB (reported free)
Avoid
- Hotel and independent ATMs
Your own bank may charge extra. When an ATM offers to convert to your home currency, decline and pay in the local currency.
Good to know
- Carry lots of small notes (5, 10 and 20 pounds) for tips.
Frequently asked questions
Is Egypt cashless?
Egypt scores 42/100 on Cashlessy (cash preferred), ranking #105 of 197 countries. Hotels, malls and chains take cards, and major sites like the pyramids are card only. You will still need plenty of small cash for tips, taxis and markets.
Do I need cash in Egypt?
Yes. Cards work in some places, but you will need cash most days in Egypt.
Are credit cards accepted in Egypt?
In cities and tourist areas. Hotels, chains and larger restaurants in Egypt take cards; smaller places often do not.
Do you tip in Egypt?
Tipping (baksheesh) is part of daily life: 10-15% in restaurants plus small tips for guides, drivers and attendants.
Can I use Apple Pay or Google Pay in Egypt?
Yes. Phone wallets work at most terminals that accept contactless cards in Egypt.
Which ATMs are free in Egypt?
Most bank ATMs do not charge foreign cards. Hotel and independent ATMs can charge up to EGP 200. Best options: CIB, National Bank of Egypt, Banque Misr and QNB (reported free). Avoid: Hotel and independent ATMs.
Compare with Africa
Sources
Checked against sources in September 2026. Payment habits change quickly; see how we score.