What Currency Should You Use in Hurghada?
The official currency in Hurghada is the Egyptian pound, abbreviated as EGP. It is the best choice for taxis, tips, markets, cafés and small everyday purchases.
Cards work well in hotels, shopping centres and larger restaurants. However, tourists should still carry small Egyptian pound notes and keep a second payment method available.
Foreign money is easy to exchange in tourist areas. However, the most practical currency in Hurghada is the Egyptian pound. However, you should still carry Egyptian pounds for everyday expenses. Such as taxis, tips, small shops and local purchases.
Our recommendation: bring your usual bank card and some cash. In addition, keep Egyptian pounds in small denominations during your holiday.
Hurghada Currency – Quick Guide
| Payment | Where It's Most Useful |
|---|---|
| 🇪🇬 Egyptian Pound (EGP) | Taxis, tips, local shops, cafés and markets |
| 💳 Visa / Mastercard | Hotels, larger restaurants, shops and many tourist businesses |
| 🇪🇺 Euro (EUR) | Useful to bring or exchange; sometimes accepted in tourist areas |
| 🇺🇸 US Dollar (USD) | Easy to exchange and sometimes accepted in tourist areas |
| 🇬🇧 British Pound (GBP) | Can be exchanged at banks and exchange offices in Hurghada |
| 📱 Contactless | Available in many modern businesses, but don't rely on it everywhere |
Best strategy: card + Egyptian Pounds + a small amount of backup foreign cash.
Should I Bring Egyptian Pounds to Hurghada?
You don’t necessarily need to arrive in Egypt carrying a large amount of Egyptian Pounds.
Foreign currency exchange is available at airports, banks, exchange offices and many tourist areas, while ATMs are widely available. Egypt’s official tourism information confirms that currency exchange services are readily available in major hotels, tourist destinations and airports.
Don’t exchange your entire holiday budget at once.
Exchange or withdraw what you realistically expect to use and keep some smaller EGP notes for everyday purchases.
What Is the Best Currency to Bring?
Euros
Euros are widely accepted and easy to exchange in Hurghada. Many European tourists prefer bringing cash in Euros and exchanging small amounts during their stay.
US Dollars
US Dollars are also accepted almost everywhere in tourist areas. Make sure your bills are clean and newer versions, as damaged notes may be refused.
British Pounds
British Pounds can also be exchanged easily, especially in major exchange offices and banks.
Where Can You Exchange Money in Hurghada?
You can exchange currency at: Banks, Official exchange offices, Airport exchange counters and ATM machines
ATMs are available across Hurghada and usually offer good exchange rates when withdrawing Egyptian Pounds directly with your bank card.
Can You Pay by Card?
Understanding how to use currency in Hurghada will help you avoid unnecessary conversion fees.
ATMs are widely available around Hurghada, including tourist areas, shopping centres and near many hotels.
They can be a convenient way to withdraw Egyptian Pounds, but always check:
Your bank’s foreign withdrawal fee
Your own bank may charge for international ATM withdrawals.
ATM fees
Additional charges may apply depending on the machine and card.
Exchange-rate conversion
Read the ATM screen carefully before accepting any optional currency conversion.
Withdrawal limits
Limits may apply per transaction or per day.
If an ATM offers to convert the withdrawal into your home currency, check the displayed rate carefully before accepting it.
Cash or Card in Hurghada?
Both cash and cards are useful in Hurghada. Cards work well at hotels and larger businesses, while Egyptian Pounds are still important for taxis, tips, markets and smaller purchases.
- 🏨 Hotels
- 🍽️ Larger restaurants
- 🛍️ Shopping centres
- 🤿 Established tourist businesses
- 🏪 Larger supermarkets
- 🚕 Taxis
- 💰 Tips
- ☕ Small cafés
- 🛍️ Markets and bazaars
- 🥤 Small purchases
- 🏜️ Some activities and local services
Our tip: Don't rely on only one payment method in Hurghada. Carry a bank card and keep some Egyptian Pounds in smaller notes for everyday expenses.
Is Tipping Common in Egypt?
Yes — tipping is part of Egyptian culture and is appreciated for good service.
Common tipping situations:
Hotel staff, Drivers, Boat crew, Tour guides and Restaurant workers
Small amounts in Egyptian Pounds are usually preferred.
Helpful Money Tips for Tourists
Always carry small bills, Avoid exchanging money with unofficial street vendors, Check exchange rates before converting large amounts, Keep some cash with you during excursions and Notify your bank before traveling to Egypt.
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Cairo • Luxor • Snorkeling • Safari • Private Tours
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