Egypt Travel Budget: Real Daily Costs and Money Tips

How much does Egypt cost per day?

Egypt is one of the best-value destinations in the world, but prices vary hugely between street stalls and Nile cruises. Here are realistic daily budgets per person, excluding international flights.

• Budget backpacker: 500 to 800 EGP (about 10 to 16 USD) per day, with hostels, street food and public transport.
• Mid-range traveller: 1,500 to 3,000 EGP (about 30 to 60 USD), with a 3-star hotel, taxis and a daily attraction.
• Comfort and tours: 4,500 EGP and up (90 USD plus), with nicer hotels, private drivers and guided sites.

Sample prices

• Koshari (Egypt's national dish) at a local spot: 40 to 70 EGP.
• Falafel (taameya) sandwich: 15 to 30 EGP.
• Sit-down meal in a mid-range Cairo restaurant: 200 to 400 EGP.
• Bottle of water: 10 to 15 EGP.
• Local coffee or shai (tea): 15 to 40 EGP.
• Cairo metro ticket: 8 to 20 EGP by line and distance.
• Uber across central Cairo: 70 to 150 EGP.

Attraction tickets

Site entry is where costs add up for tourists, who pay more than locals.

• Pyramids of Giza entry: around 700 EGP, with extra fees to enter the Great Pyramid.
• Grand Egyptian Museum: around 1,200 EGP for foreigners.
• Valley of the Kings in Luxor: roughly 750 EGP for three tombs.
• Abu Simbel: around 800 EGP.

A student card can roughly halve many ticket prices, so bring an ISIC if you have one.

Money and cards

The local currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP, also written LE). Carry cash, as many small shops, taxis and tips run on it. ATMs are widespread in cities but charge fees, so withdraw larger amounts less often. Cards work in hotels, malls and bigger restaurants, but always have pounds for markets, mosques and small towns. Tipping (baksheesh) of 10 to 20 EGP is normal for small services.

Saving tips

• Eat where locals eat: koshari, foul and taameya are filling and cheap.
• Use the Cairo metro and Uber instead of tourist taxis.
• Buy a combo ticket at large sites if you plan to see multiple areas.
• Travel in shoulder season (spring or autumn) for lower hotel rates.
• Agree the fare or price before you ride or buy at markets like Khan el-Khalili.

Stay connected in Egypt

A HelloSIM eSIM keeps you online for maps, translation and bookings the moment you land, with no roaming bills. Activate it before your flight and skip the airport SIM queues.