Taking cash in or out of Egypt: rules and limits (2026 guide)

UK visitors can take foreign currency into Egypt up to the equivalent of $10,000 without declaring it, but physical Egyptian pounds (EGP) are strictly capped at EGP5,000. There are also cashless entry rules coming into force that will change how you pay for tickets at major sites.

This guide explains the legal limits, the customs declaration process, and how you can handle spending with Revolut while in Egypt.

16+, T&Cs apply. Exchange fees, fair-usage limits, and weekend fees may apply.

How much cash can you take into Egypt?

There are 2 separate limits to understand. One for foreign currency, and one for local Egyptian pounds:

• Foreign currency limit: you can bring foreign currency (GBP, USD, EUR and others) into Egypt up to the equivalent of $10,000 (around £8,000) without declaring it. If you're carrying the equivalent of $10,000 or more, you must declare it on arrival.
• Local currency limit: you may bring a strict maximum of EGP5,000 (around £80) of physical Egyptian pounds into the country. This is a hard cap, not a declaration threshold — you can't bring in more than EGP5,000 regardless of whether you declare it.

What counts as "cash" for declaration purposes:

• Banknotes and coins in any currency
• Travellers' cheques
• Money orders
• Bearer bonds

If you're unsure whether something counts as cash, declare it just to be safe.

Declaring cash at Egyptian customs: step-by-step

If you're carrying the equivalent of $10,000 or more in foreign currency, or any amount of EGP that you wish to declare, you must use the Red Channel (Goods to Declare) on arrival at an Egyptian port or airport.

Get the following ready before you reach the customs desk:

• Passport details
• Hotel or accommodation address
• Flight itinerary
• Total cash amount, broken down by currency
• Source of funds (for example, savings or business income)
• Intended use of the funds during your stay

Present the completed declaration form to the customs officer. Keep the stamped copy — you may need to show it when leaving Egypt if you're taking currency back out.

Penalties for exceeding cash limits in Egypt

Failing to declare cash above the $10,000 threshold, or exceeding the EGP5,000 local currency cap, can lead to serious consequences, including:

• confiscation of the undeclared or excess funds
• heavy fines
• potential prosecution or detainment

The EGP5,000 limit is enforced particularly strictly. Customs officers may search baggage and count physical Egyptian pounds on arrival. If you're found carrying more than EGP5,000, the excess can be seized even if you declare it.

Taking cash out of Egypt

The same thresholds apply when leaving Egypt. You may take foreign currency out of the country up to the equivalent of $10,000 without declaring it — anything at or above that amount must be declared at departure. The maximum of EGP5,000 in physical Egyptian pounds also applies on the way out.

Before heading to the airport, convert or spend any of your excess EGP. You're unlikely to find a convenient exchange counter after security, and Egyptian pounds can be difficult to change back to GBP once you return to the UK. A good approach is to spend your remaining EGP on meals, souvenirs, or tips in the days before you fly home.

What's the best currency to take to Egypt from the UK?

This is one of the most common questions for people visiting Egypt, and the answer depends on what you plan to spend money on.

USD and EUR are widely accepted for major expenses such as visas on arrival, hotel bills, and organised excursions. Many larger hotels and tour operators also quote prices in USD or EUR.

EGP is essential for day-to-day spending on things like taxis, markets, local cafes, and tipping. Carrying small EGP notes (EGP1, 5, 10, 20, and 50) makes everyday payments far easier.

GBP is accepted in some tourist-facing businesses, but it isn't as widely welcomed as USD or EUR, and exchange rates offered locally are often unfavourable.

Can you use euros in Egypt?

Yes, you can use euros in Egypt for many larger, tourist-facing transactions. Hotels, resorts, dive centres, and organised tours frequently accept EUR, and it's a practical currency to carry for major expenses. However, euros aren't useful for small everyday purchases like taxi rides, market stalls, or tips — those require Egyptian pounds.

Is the Egyptian pound a closed currency?

The Egyptian pound isn't technically a closed currency, but UK supply is often restricted due to market volatility. Many high-street exchange providers don't stock EGP, or offer it only at unfavourable rates. For this reason, many visitors bring GBP, USD, or EUR and exchange a small amount into EGP once they arrive in Egypt, or withdraw EGP from an ATM locally.

Learn more about Egyptian currency.

Cash vs card in Egypt: how to pay

Egypt is a mixed economy when it comes to payments. Cards are accepted by larger businesses and at an increasing number of tourist sites, but cash remains essential for everyday spending.

When you need cash in Egypt

Carry small EGP notes for:

• tipping (known as baksheesh) — expected for many services, from hotel staff to guides
• markets (souks) and street vendors
• local cafes and small restaurants
• taxis, especially those without card readers

Small denominations matter. Vendors and drivers often can't change larger notes, so a wallet full of 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 Egyptian pound notes will make daily life much smoother.

When you need a card in Egypt

Cards are accepted at:

• major hotels and resorts
• fine-dining restaurants
• larger shops and malls
• mandatory cashless entry for major tourist monuments (sites including the Pyramids of Giza, Valley of the Kings, and Karnak are moving to card-only payments for entry tickets)

The cashless monument entry rules make carrying a card more important than ever. Even if you prefer to pay with cash day-to-day, you'll need a card to buy tickets at some of Egypt's most visited sites.

Withdrawing cash from ATMs in Egypt

ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas, but a few habits can help you avoid unnecessary costs:

• Choose to be charged in the local currency (EGP) rather than GBP at the ATM. Selecting GBP triggers dynamic currency conversion (DCC), which applies an unfavourable exchange rate set by the ATM operator.
• Use ATMs attached to banks where possible, as standalone machines in remote areas may impose their own surcharges.
• Keep an eye on your withdrawal limits, both from your card provider and from the ATM itself.

Spend smart in Egypt with Revolut

A Revolut card can be a practical, cash-light companion for a trip to Egypt. With a Revolut account, you can hold and exchange multiple currencies, including EGP, at the Revolut rate, and spend directly from your balance without needing to visit a bureau de change.

Our key features for spending in Egypt:

• Currency exchange at the Revolut rate: exchange GBP to EGP (and to USD or EUR) at competitive rates in-app before or during your trip.
• ATM withdrawals: use your Revolut card to withdraw EGP from ATMs across Egypt at competitive exchange rates with no additional fees from us during market hours and within your plan limits.¹
• Virtual cards and instant card freezing: add an extra layer of security while travelling. If you misplace your card, freeze it instantly in-app.
• Instant notifications: you get an immediate in-app notification showing the exact amount spent in EGP and the corresponding GBP equivalent deducted from your balance, helping you track your holiday budget easily.

Fair-usage and weekend fees may apply, depending on your plan.

How to set up a Revolut account

Setting up a Revolut account is straightforward and takes a few minutes from your phone. Here's how it works:

1. Download the Revolut app from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Sign up using your phone number and email address.
3. Verify your identity. You'll need a valid form of ID such as a passport or driving licence, and a quick selfie check. This is a standard requirement for all UK financial accounts.
4. Choose your plan. Aside from our free Standard plan, we offer several paid plans with different exchange allowances and ATM withdrawal limits. Review the plan features to find the one that suits how you travel. Paid Plan Terms apply.
5. Add money to your account. Top up by bank transfer or debit card. You can then exchange GBP into EGP, USD, or EUR in-app at the Revolut rate.
6. Order your card. Get a physical card, which will be delivered to your UK address (delivery fees may apply). You can also set up a virtual card instantly to start spending online or via Apple Pay or Google Pay right away.
7. Start spending. Once your card arrives, activate it in-app and you're ready to use it in Egypt and beyond.

If you already hold a Revolut account, simply open the app, exchange the currency you need, and check your plan's ATM withdrawal allowance before you travel.

¹No ATM withdrawal fees within plan limits on a monthly basis. ATM withdrawals are subject to a 2% fee for Standard customers, and a 2% fee for Premium and Metal customers once their plan limits are exceeded. Third-party providers may charge a withdrawal fee. Currency and ATM fair-usage fees apply. Weekend markups on currency exchange will apply.

The information provided is accurate as of 3 September 2026.

The content of this page is for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. If you have any questions about your personal circumstances, please seek professional and independent advice. Revolut is not a financial adviser.