Trying to figure out if buses and metros in Egypt take cards or if Ill need small cash. Any recent experiences?
Egypt’s public transport really tested my patience. The metro itself was fine, but buying tickets was a hassle when I only had EGP 100 bills from National Bank ATMs. Clerks at Sadat or Ramses stations often refused to give change. On buses around Giza, conductors shouted when I didn’t have coins. With tourism booming, you’d think they’d allow cards or contactless by now, but nope - it’s cash, exact change, or nothing. Definitely carry a stash of small bills or risk being stranded.
The Cairo metro was surprisingly efficient. For just a few pounds, I could get from Dokki to Heliopolis quickly. The ticket counters were easy to use, and staff accepted cash without fuss if I had small notes. I withdrew money from a Banque Misr ATM in Zamalek and used the smaller bills for tickets. I liked that it was affordable and straightforward, even if it wasn’t card-based. For longer trips, booking a Go Bus online with my Visa card was smooth too.
I stayed near Tahrir Square and used the metro daily from Sadat station. Tickets were sold at the booth for 5-10 pounds, always paid in cash. I withdrew from a CIB ATM in Garden City, but the machine only gave me large notes, which the ticket clerks hated. I’d end up buying bottled water at kiosks just to break them. Same issue on buses heading into Giza - conductor wanted exact change. For day-to-day rides, cash was the only option.
Cairo has a metro and extensive bus network. Both are mostly cash-based, with metro tickets bought at station counters (around 5-10 EGP depending on distance). Buses also take cash from the conductor. Newer smart cards exist but aren’t widely used yet. ATMs from Banque Misr, CIB, and National Bank of Egypt are in every district. Carry small bills - EGP 5 and 10 are best, as conductors rarely have change. Intercity buses from Go Bus or Blue Bus can be booked online with cards, but local rides need cash.