Egypt is known for its ancient monuments and contemporary urban areas. The pyramids of Giza, the markets of Cairo, and the Nile River are among the many attractions in Egypt. Whether visiting the temples of Luxor, diving in the Red Sea, or exploring Alexandria, this guide provides essential information on cash and ATMs in Egypt, including withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card acceptance.
Where to find ATMs in Egypt?
ATMs are easily found in urban areas such as Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, and Aswan, particularly in city centers, downtown areas, shopping malls like City Stars Mall in Cairo, and Mall of Arabia in Giza. Tourist areas such as Naama Bay in Sharm El-Sheikh, Khan el-Khalili bazaar, Luxor Temple, and the Corniche in Alexandria also have ATMs. Other tourist destinations like Pyramids of Giza, Sharm El-Sheikh, Hurghada, etc. also have ATMs nearby. Of course, you will also find many ATMs at airports (Cairo International Airport, Hurghada International Airport, etc.).
In rural areas and remote regions, ATMs are less common. Locations such as desert regions (e.g., Siwa Oasis, Western Desert), Nile River villages (e.g., between Luxor and Aswan), and remote monasteries like St. Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai may have limited ATM availability. Religious sites and secluded resorts often lack ATMs, so plan ahead.
Best ATMs to use in Egypt for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Egypt are those owned by popular banks such as:
– National Bank of Egypt (NBE)
– Banque Misr
– QNB Alahli
– CIB
– Faisal Bank
There are other banks with ATMs that also accept international debit and credit cards. Some international banks also have their ATMs in Australia, namely HSBC abd Credit Agricole.
There are no known Global ATM Alliance member banks or All Points network banks in Egypt.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Egypt, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or, Charge in EGP).
— If you ‘Accept’ – ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate. If you Decline, the ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).
— Now if you ‘Accept’, you pay an extra % fee to the ATM for currency conversion also.
So, to avoid extra fees, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in EGP’.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Egypt?
Yes, most ATMs in Egypt accept foreign cards easily. They usually accept Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, and Cirrus cards. However, they don’t usually accept American Express, Diners Club, JCB UnionPay, Discover, or Rupay cards.
What are the ATM opening hours
Most ATMs in Egypt operate 24/7, especially those located outside of bank branches. However, ATMs situated within bank premises may be accessible only during the bank’s operating hours, typically from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Sunday through Thursday.
ATM Terminologies
What is an ATM called in Egypt: Word ATM is used commonly or simply the signage of the bank name in English.
PIN types: ATMs accept both 4-digit and 6-digit PINs. Many merchants require a magnetic stripe on the card rather than a chip-and-pin card.
Language Options: ATMs usually offer instructions in Arabic and English. Using live translation apps like Google Translate can be helpful if you don’t understand these 2 languages
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Egypt?
ATMs primarily dispense Egyptian Pounds (EGP). Some banks also offer currency exchange options within the ATM for other major global currencies like USD, Euro, and Pound.
ATM withdrawal limits in Egypt?
ATMs in Egypt have maximum withdrawal limit per transaction between £ 2,000 and £ 8,000, most commonly being £ 8,000 (all figures in Egyptian Pounds £). Some ATMs have maximum daily withdrawal limits of £ 20,000. Note that ATM withdrawal limits depends on the amount of bank notes available inside the ATM at the time of withdrawal.
ATM Fees in Egypt
There are many fee-free ATMs in Egypt. Bank ATMs in Egypt typically do not charge any ATM fees, however, non-bank ATMs and hotel ATMs can charge EGP 200 (Egyptian Pound) ATM fee per transaction. So be sure to use only bank ATMs, decline conversion at these ATMs to take advantage of the many fee-free ATMs you can use in Egypt as a foreign cardholder.
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Egypt. These are:
— Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
— Your Bank’s currency conversion fee – Some banks charge the card holder a fee to use the card abroad. Cross check with your bank on what the charges are.
Cost-saving tips and ways to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in Egypt
Some of cost saving tips are – use fee-free or lower fee ATMs in the country and use the ATM Fee Saver app to them ATMs, opt for Decline Conversion or Without Conversion during ATM transactions, get fee-free cards from your home country, avoid using ATMs at the airports, sometimes they have higher fees.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs in Egypt?
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs in Egypt on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATMs of ldeaing banks on a map along with its details such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in Egypt. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 100+ countries including Egypt.
Safety at ATMs
In Egypt, ATM safety varies by location and time. Using ATMs in well-lit, populated areas, especially during daylight hours, is advisable. Opt for machines located inside or near bank branches, as they often have enhanced security measures. Be vigilant for any unusual devices attached to ATMs, which could indicate skimming attempts. For added security, monitor your card transactions regularly through your bank’s app, avoid using public Wi-Fi for banking, keep your card in sight during transactions, and carry a backup card.
Common FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in Egypt takes your card, you can contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may be able to retreive the card for you if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline, some banks retreive and send the card to you for a fee. However, typically they only retreive and resend new cards for their own customers. In such cases, you will need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a card to you at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs in Egypt?
Yes, its possible. There are many fee-free ATMs in Egypt. Bank ATMs in Egypt typically do not charge any ATM fees, however, non-bank ATMs and hotel ATMs can charge EGP 200 (Egyptian Pound) ATM fee per transaction. So be sure to use only bank ATMs, decline conversion at these ATMs to take advantage of the many fee-free ATMs you can use in Egypt as a foreign cardholder.
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted?
Absolutely yes! You can usually use cards from the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and other countries at ATMs in Egypt
Bitcoin ATMs
As of now, there are no known Bitcoin ATMs operating in Egypt. Cryptocurrency activities, including the use of Bitcoin ATMs, are subject to regulatory restrictions in the country.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in Egypt
Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs here.
Citibank: Yes, Citibank operates branches and ATMs primarily in Cairo.
Barclays: No, Barclays does not have ATMs here.
HSBC: Yes, HSBC has a significant presence here with many ATMs across major cities.
Standard Chartered: No, Standard Chartered does not have ATMs here.
