Carry enough small-denomination cash for tips, small vendors and taxis — most travelers find $10-20 equivalent in local currency per day covers this, on top of a card for hotels, restaurants and larger purchases. The exact amount depends more on how many people are tipped each day than on anything else, since tipping in Egypt is expected and mostly cash-based.
Key takeaways
- Tipping is the main reason to carry cash daily — see our full tipping in Egypt guide, including the 5-10% of trip cost rule of thumb.
- Cards are widely accepted at hotels, larger restaurants and shops in tourist areas; small vendors, drivers and site staff expect cash.
- Carry small notes — change is often in short supply, and a large note for a small tip creates an awkward moment.
- See our cash or card in Egypt guide for where each is actually usable.
A rough daily estimate
| Trip length | Cash for daily tips and small spends |
|---|---|
| 5-7 days | Enough for 5-7 days of small tips and incidentals |
| 10-14 days | Roughly double the 5-7 day estimate, plus the larger end-of-trip guide and driver tip |
This is on top of, not instead of, the larger tips for your Egyptologist guide, driver and cruise crew described in our tipping guide — those are usually one or two larger cash amounts given at natural breakpoints, not a daily expense.
Practical tips
- Bring a mix of small notes rather than relying on one large-denomination note you cannot break.
- Top up as you go rather than carrying a large amount from day one — ATMs are common in cities and hotels.
- Keep a small emergency cash reserve separate from your daily spending cash.
Frequently asked questions
Should I bring cash from home or withdraw in Egypt?
Withdrawing from ATMs on arrival is usually simpler than sourcing Egyptian currency at home, where it is less commonly stocked.
Is it safe to carry cash in Egypt?
Use the same common-sense precautions as any destination — a money belt or split cash across bags rather than one visible wallet.
Reviewed September 2026.