Just landed - wondering what gives the better rate in Egypt: ATM withdrawal or airport exchange counter?
Use airport counters in Egypt for a small amount only, maybe EGP 200-300 to cover transport or a snack. Budget EGP 600-800 per day if you’re visiting attractions and dining out. Withdraw the rest from ATMs at major banks, where you’ll get a stronger conversion rate. Always use ATMs attached to actual bank branches for safety. Skip dynamic currency conversion and choose to be charged in pounds for the best value.
I made the mistake of converting $150 at Cairo Airport. The exchange counter took a big cut, and when I later checked an ATM, I realized I’d lost enough to pay for an extra day trip to Saqqara. Egypt is very cash-heavy, so I needed pounds every day. I felt frustrated wasting money so quickly. If you’re budgeting EGP 500-1,000 daily, don’t throw it away at the airport desk - the ATMs are the only smart option.
I exchanged $40 at Cairo Airport for my taxi, and the rate was poor. Later, I withdrew from a CIB ATM downtown, and the difference was obvious - I got far more Egyptian pounds. I was spending about EGP 600 daily on food, attractions like the Pyramids, and metro rides, and the ATM rate made my budget stretch. The counters are okay for small amounts, but for serious spending money, ATMs win hands down.
In Egypt, ATMs usually give you a better exchange rate than the airport counters. Machines operated by Banque Misr, CIB, or National Bank of Egypt provide fair conversions into Egyptian pounds. Airport exchange desks add higher margins. If you’re budgeting EGP 500-700 daily for meals, taxis, and museum entries, withdrawing directly from an ATM is more cost-effective. Exchange only a little at the airport for an initial Uber or taxi, and get the rest via ATMs in town.