Money in Sharm El Sheikh: Currency, Cards, Tipping and Bargaining

Money in Sharm El Sheikh is simple once you know the habits. Prices for tourists are often in euros or dollars, everyday life runs in Egyptian pounds, and small tips oil every wheel. Here is what to expect.

Currency: Egyptian pounds and foreign cash

Egypt's currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP, often written LE or E£). In Sharm El Sheikh you will also find that:

• •Excursions, diving and many tourist services are priced in euros or US dollars, and can be paid in that currency.
• •Supermarkets, local cafés, taxis and Old Market shops usually price in Egyptian pounds, though many also accept euros or dollars.
• •Exchange rates move, so check a current rate before you go rather than relying on old guidebooks.

Our tours are priced in euros. You can pay at pickup or arrange payment in advance; see our price list, or our guide to Sharm El Sheikh on a budget for the best-value trips.

Cards, ATMs and exchange

• •Cards are accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, malls and supermarkets. Small shops, taxis and markets usually want cash.
• •ATMs are easy to find in Naama Bay, Old Market and many hotels, and dispense Egyptian pounds.
• •Exchange money at banks or official exchange offices, which offer much better rates than hotels.
• •Bring clean, undamaged notes. Torn, written-on or very old foreign banknotes are often refused.
• •Keep small notes (in pounds, euros or dollars) for tips.

Tipping (baksheesh)

Tipping is part of daily life in Egypt and many people in tourism rely on it. It is always appreciated and never compulsory. As a rough guide:

• •Restaurants: check the bill; many add a service charge. Where they don't, around 10% is common for good service.
• •Excursion guides: a few euros per person for a half-day or full-day trip if you enjoyed it.
• •Drivers and boat crews: a small tip per person; on boats such as the Ras Mohammed trip, the crew often share a collection at the end of the day.
• •Hotel housekeeping: a small note per day, left with a thank-you.
• •Porters: a small note per bag.
• •Toilet attendants and photo helpers: a few Egyptian pounds.

Tip in local currency where you can; small euro or dollar notes are also welcome. Coins in foreign currency can't be exchanged, so avoid tipping in coins.

Bargaining

In the Old Market and souvenir shops, bargaining is expected and part of the fun.

1. Decide what an item is worth to you before asking the price.
2. Start well below the first price and meet in the middle.
3. Stay friendly. A smile and a joke go further than hard bargaining.
4. If the price doesn't work for you, thank them and walk on; there is always another shop.

Prices in supermarkets, pharmacies, malls and restaurants are fixed.

Avoiding surprises

• •Agree taxi fares before you get in, or ask your hotel to order a taxi.
• •Check what's included in a tour. On our trips, inclusions and exclusions are listed on each tour page; for example, snorkeling gear is not included on the Ras Mohammed trips.
• •Photos with camels or in costume may come with a request for a tip; agree beforehand.

Before you fly, see our packing list and the Sharm El Sheikh travel guide.

Frequently asked questions

What currency should I take to Sharm El Sheikh?

Euros or US dollars are useful for excursions and tourist services, and Egyptian pounds for everyday spending. Bring some clean foreign cash and use ATMs for pounds.

Can I use euros in Sharm El Sheikh?

Yes, euros are widely accepted for tours and in many tourist shops and restaurants. Local cafés, taxis and supermarkets usually price in Egyptian pounds.

How much should I tip a tour guide in Egypt?

Tipping is optional. If you enjoyed the trip, a few euros per person for a guide on a half-day or full-day excursion is a common, appreciated amount.

Are credit cards accepted in Sharm El Sheikh?

Cards are accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, malls and supermarkets. Carry cash for taxis, markets, small shops and tips.