Egypt's currency: the pound, the notes and the cash rules
The Egyptian pound, its notes and coins, and the cash rules at the border.
By the Local SIM Egypt team, checked September 30, 2026
The short answer
Egypt's currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP), written LE or E£ and divided into 100 piastres. Notes run from 1 to 200 pounds. You may bring up to 5,000 pounds into or out of Egypt, and must declare foreign currency worth more than 10,000 US dollars.
- The Egyptian pound, EGP: 100 piastres, written LE or E£.
- Notes: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 pounds; the 10 and 20 are polymer.
- Bring up to 5,000 pounds in or out; declare over 10,000 US dollars in foreign currency.
- Some airport shops take cash only.
Checked September 30, 2026
Cash or card
Visa on arrival kiosks
- How you pay
- 30 US dollars, cash only
SIM shops at Hurghada airport
- How you pay
- Cash only: euros, pounds or dollars
The eSIM plans on this site
- How you pay
- By card on the store, in US dollars
The notes and coins
Notes
1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 pounds. Polymer 10 and 20 pound notes came in 2022 and 2023.
Coins
25 and 50 piastres, and a bimetallic 1 pound coin.
Exchange rate
The pound fell 40% against the dollar in 2022. Check the rate on the day you travel.
The bottom line
Lowest price per day for trips up to 7 days
7 days · 3 GB · US$8.99
The eSIM is paid by card before you fly, so you land online without spending cash at a SIM counter.
Buy on BaobabSIMQuestions
Should I bring US dollars to Egypt?
Some payments at the border are in dollars: the visa on arrival costs 30 US dollars in cash. For everything else, check with your bank before you travel.
Get your Egypt eSIM before you fly.
Plans from US$8.99, tax included. Pick one here and pay on the store in US dollars.
See the plansCheckout on BaobabSIM · full refund if it does not work