Egypt — Currency & Money

Currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP), which floats and has depreciated sharply since 2022; check the day's rate before changing money. Cash dominates outside four- and five-star hotels — small notes for taxis, tuk-tuks, tips and mosque custodians. ATMs (CIB, QNB, Banque Misr) are ubiquitous in Cairo, Alexandria and the Red Sea resorts; foreign-card fees run EGP 40–75 per withdrawal on top of your home bank's charge.

Tipping (baksheesh) is not optional — 10% in restaurants (service charge is often already added, add a bit extra for staff), EGP 10–20 for porters and bathroom attendants, and small notes for anyone who helps you find, park or photograph anything.