The Egypt Guides

Egypt Travel Budget: How Much Does Egypt Cost?

· 3 min read Travel Info
Local koshary restaurant in Cairo

Contents

  1. Currency and Exchange Rate
  2. Daily Budget Tiers
  3. Entrance Fees
  4. Food Costs
  5. Transport Costs
  6. Tipping (Baksheesh)

Egypt offers real value at every budget level, but the pricing landscape has shifted considerably since 2022. Entrance fees to the major ancient sites have increased significantly and continue to be adjusted — a budget that worked two years ago needs updating. Here is an honest breakdown of current costs.

Currency and Exchange Rate

Egypt uses the Egyptian Pound (EGP). As of 2026, approximately 50 EGP equals 1 USD — but the rate has been volatile following multiple devaluations since 2022. Always check the current rate at XE.com before you travel, and plan for the possibility of further movement.

Daily Budget Tiers

Budget (backpacker): approximately $25–45 per day. Hostel dorms, local transport (metro, minibuses), street food and simple local restaurants. Possible, but entrance fees make one or two major sites per week a significant portion of this budget.

Mid-range: approximately $60–120 per day. Guesthouses or three-star hotels, Uber/Careem for transport, sit-down restaurants, one major site per day. This is the most comfortable entry point for independent travellers who want to see the main sites without stress.

Comfortable: approximately $150–300 per day. Four or five-star hotels, guided tours, a Nile cruise cabin upgrade, private transfers. Entirely achievable given Egypt’s lower-than-expected luxury hotel pricing outside of the absolute top tier.

Entrance Fees

Site entry prices are set in EGP and have risen sharply — the figures below are approximate and should be verified before travel, as they continue to change:

  • Giza Plateau (pyramids): approximately EGP 500 ($10)
  • Valley of the Kings (three tombs included): approximately EGP 500 ($10)
  • Tutankhamun’s tomb (separate ticket): approximately EGP 300 ($6)
  • Egyptian Museum, Cairo: approximately EGP 450 ($9)
  • Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM): approximately EGP 800 ($16)
  • Karnak Temple: approximately EGP 450 ($9)

A week visiting Cairo and Luxor’s main sites can cost $60–80 per person in entrance fees alone. Budget for this explicitly.

Food Costs

Local Egyptian food is genuinely affordable. A bowl of koshary (Egypt’s national dish — lentils, rice, pasta, tomato sauce) costs approximately EGP 20–40 ($0.50–1). A foul and ta’ameya breakfast (fava beans and falafel) runs EGP 30–60 ($0.60–1.20). A main course at a mid-range sit-down restaurant is EGP 150–350 ($3–7). Tourist-oriented restaurants at Nile-view locations in Cairo or Luxor charge EGP 400–700 ($8–14) for a main.

Transport Costs

Cairo Metro fares are EGP 7–15 per journey — one of the cheapest metro systems anywhere. Uber and Careem within Cairo typically cost EGP 50–100 for most journeys ($1–2). The overnight sleeper train from Cairo to Luxor costs approximately EGP 700–1,400 ($14–28) per person — verify current pricing as it adjusts. Intercity buses via Go Bus are competitively priced and bookable online.

Tipping (Baksheesh)

Tipping is embedded in Egyptian service culture and is not optional in practice. Budget for it explicitly: EGP 20–50 for minor services such as someone helping with a door or photo opportunity. Approximately 10% at restaurants where it is not included. Guides expect approximately EGP 100–200 per person per day — this is a significant part of their income, not an add-on. Drivers similarly. A week with a private guide and driver means budgeting an additional $30–60 in tips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Egypt an expensive country to visit?
Egypt is generally affordable by European or North American standards, but entrance fees to major sites have risen significantly in recent years. The pyramids, Valley of the Kings, Egyptian Museum, and GEM combined can cost $50–60 per person in admission alone. Budget $60–100/day for mid-range independent travel including accommodation, food, and one major site per day.
Should I use US dollars or Egyptian pounds?
Egyptian pounds. Exchange US dollars or euros at official exchange offices (not hotels) for the best rate. ATMs dispense Egyptian pounds at the current rate. Avoid using US dollars to pay at tourist sites — the posted EGP price is lower than what you'd pay in foreign currency if offered that option.