You're standing at a bustling stall in Cairo's Khan el-Khalili, the scent of roasting cumin and old dust thick in the air. You reach for a gorgeous brass lamp. The vendor smiles, says a number, and suddenly you realize you have no idea what to call the crumpled bills in your pocket. What is the money called in Egypt? It’s the Egyptian Pound. Simple enough, right? Well, sort of. While the official name is the pound, if you want to sound like you actually know what’s going on, you’ll need to wrap your head around ginay, piastres, and why everyone is obsessed with finding small change.
Money in Egypt is a bit of a sensory experience. It's often weathered, soft like fabric, and carries the weight of a history that stretches back long before modern banking existed.
The Basics of the Egyptian Pound
The official currency of the Arab Republic of Egypt is the Egyptian Pound. Locally, you’ll hear it called the Geneih. It’s been around since the early 19th century, replacing the old piastre as the main unit of currency. It is abbreviated as EGP, or often written as LE. That LE stands for livre égyptienne, which is just French for Egyptian pound.
Why French? Back in the day, French was the language of the Egyptian elite and international diplomacy. The influence stuck.
Each pound is divided into 100 piastres (or qirsh). You might see these on your bank statement or at a high-end supermarket, but in the streets? Piastres are basically ghost money. Inflation has pushed the value of the piastre so low that you’ll rarely see the coins anymore. If you do find a 25-piastre or 50-piastre coin, keep it as a souvenir. It’s worth more as a shiny metal disc than as actual buying power.
The Look and Feel of the Cash
Egyptian banknotes are gorgeous. Honestly. One side features the country's Islamic heritage, with famous mosques like Al-Azhar or Sultan Hassan. Flip the bill over, and you’re staring at Ancient Egypt—pharaohs, temples, and chariots. It’s like carrying a tiny museum in your wallet.
The denominations you'll actually use are:
- 1 pound (rarely seen in paper now, usually a bi-metallic coin)
- 5 pounds
- 10 pounds (the new polymer ones look like plastic and are indestructible)
- 20 pounds
- 50 pounds
- 100 pounds
- 200 pounds
The 200-pound note is the big daddy. It’s great for paying a hotel bill, but it is the absolute enemy of a taxi driver. If you try to pay for a 30-pound Uber ride with a 200-pound note, expect some dramatic sighs and a frantic search for change among neighboring drivers.
Why "What is the Money Called in Egypt" Matters for Your Budget
Understanding the currency isn't just about the name; it’s about the value. The Egyptian Pound has had a rough ride lately. In the last few years, the Central Bank of Egypt has moved toward a more flexible exchange rate. This means the value can swing quite a bit against the US Dollar or the Euro.
Always check a live converter like XE or Oanda before you land.
Here’s the thing: Egypt is a cash-heavy society. While big hotels in Giza or fancy restaurants in Zamalek take Visa and Mastercard, the "real" Egypt runs on paper. You need those pounds for tipping (baksheesh), buying street food like koshary, or grabbing a cold bottle of water in the 100-degree heat of Luxor.
The Baksheesh Culture
In Egypt, money is a conversation. Tipping isn't just a reward for good service; it's a social lubricant. A few pounds here and there can open doors—literally. If a guard at a tomb shows you a "secret" carving, he’s going to expect a small tip. If someone helps you carry your bags, they’ll wait for a moment.
Don't feel pressured to give huge amounts. A 5 or 10-pound note is often perfectly fine for small favors. But this is exactly why "what is the money called in Egypt" becomes a practical problem. If you only have 100s, you’re going to overpay for everything or feel like a jerk for giving nothing.
Pro tip: Whenever you break a large bill at a grocery store or a pharmacy, hoard the small change. Tuck those 5s, 10s, and 20s into a separate pocket. You’ll thank me when you’re trying to use a public restroom and the attendant is looking for their 5-pound fee.
Plastic vs. Paper: The New 10 and 20 Pound Notes
Egypt recently started rolling out polymer banknotes. They’re made of a fancy plastic material that doesn't tear or get soggy in the humidity. The 10-pound note was the first, featuring the Al-Fattah Al-Aleem Mosque. Then came the 20-pound note.
📖 Related: Inside the Double Decker Airplane: Why the A380 Still Wins Over Frequent Flyers
These are great because the old paper small bills used to get incredibly grimy. Like, "I need to wash my hands after touching this" grimy. The new ones stay clean. Just be aware that some older vending machines or very rural shops might look at them suspiciously for a split second, though they are legal tender everywhere.
Dealing with Scams and Confusion
When you're asking about what the money is called in Egypt, you also need to know what it isn't called. Sometimes, unscrupulous vendors might quote a price in "pounds," and when it comes time to pay, they claim they meant British Pounds or US Dollars.
Always clarify: "Egyptian Pounds?" or simply "LE?"
Another thing to watch for is the "50" confusion. The 50-piastre note (which is half a pound) looks vaguely similar to the 50-pound note if you’re in a rush or it’s dark. One is worth almost nothing; the other is a decent amount of money. Look at the numbers carefully.
The Practical Side of Currency Exchange
Don't bother buying Egyptian Pounds before you leave your home country. The rates are usually terrible at international airports in London or New York.
Instead, wait until you hit Cairo International Airport. There are currency exchange desks right before immigration (you'll actually need to use one to buy your $25 entry visa anyway). The rates at the airport banks are actually quite fair and regulated by the government.
- ATMs: They are everywhere in cities. Stick to bank-affiliated ATMs (like CIB, QNB, or Banque Misr) for the best security and lower fees.
- Credit Cards: Use them for the big stuff. Most have a 1-3% foreign transaction fee, but the exchange rate is usually better than what you’d get at a physical booth.
- Black Market: In years past, there was a massive gap between the official rate and the "street" rate. Following recent economic reforms, that gap has largely closed. Stick to official channels to avoid getting counterfeit bills or getting into legal trouble.
Making Your Money Go Further
Egypt is remarkably affordable for most Western travelers, but it's easy to "tourist" your way into spending too much.
If you're at a market, the first price is never the real price. It's a suggestion. It's an opening gambit. If a scarf is 200 pounds, you might end up paying 120. It's not being rude; it's the national sport. Just remember to keep it friendly. A smile and a "La, shukran" (No, thank you) go a long way.
Also, be mindful of the "tourist price" vs. the "Egyptian price" at local eateries. Menus at local spots are often in Arabic. If you’re at a place where the prices aren't listed, you might pay a few pounds more than a local. Honestly? It’s usually a matter of 50 cents. Don't let it ruin your vacation.
What to do with Leftover Pounds
The Egyptian Pound is a closed currency, meaning it’s hard to exchange it back once you leave the country. Try to spend your remaining cash before you head to the gate. Buy some hibiscus tea, some dates, or a last-minute papyrus painting. If you have a significant amount left, you can exchange it back at the airport banks, but you’ll need your original exchange receipt in most cases.
Actionable Steps for Managing Your Money in Egypt
- Download a converter app: Get something that works offline. The internet in the middle of the Valley of the Kings is spotty at best.
- Call your bank: Tell them you're going to Egypt. If you don't, they will see a charge from a Cairo ATM and freeze your card faster than you can say "Sphinx."
- Break big bills early: Buy a pack of gum or a soda at a big supermarket (like Carrefour or Spinneys) to turn those 200s into usable small change.
- Carry a mix: Keep some US Dollars or Euros in a hidden spot as a backup, but do your daily business in Egyptian Pounds.
- Check your bills: Don't accept torn or heavily taped banknotes. Some merchants might refuse to take them from you later.
Money is just a tool to help you see the wonders of the Nile. Now that you know it’s the Egyptian Pound—and you know how to handle the quirks of the Geneih—you’re ready to navigate the markets like a pro.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
Check the current exchange rate on the Central Bank of Egypt's official website to get the most accurate daily figures. Once you have your cash, prioritize keeping small denominations (5, 10, and 20 LE) in an accessible pocket specifically for tipping and small purchases to avoid the hassle of finding change in busy areas.