How to Pay in Egypt

A short-stay foreign visitor does not need an Egyptian payment app.

Bring an internationally enabled Visa or Mastercard, a backup card and some Egyptian-pound cash. Card and contactless acceptance has expanded, Apple Pay is supported by participating Egyptian banks and many major attractions use electronic ticketing. Still, tips, small shops, some drivers and incidental purchases often need cash. Pay in Egyptian pounds when a terminal offers currency conversion, because the merchant's conversion rate is usually less favorable than letting the card network handle it.

Keep small notes and avoid depending on a single ATM or card. Vodafone Cash and other Egyptian mobile wallets are not tourist wallets: Central Bank rules require a valid Egyptian National ID and a phone subscription whose identity details match that ID. Buying a prepaid SIM with a passport does not remove that wallet requirement. myFawry is mainly a local bill, recharge and payment hub, not something a visitor must set up to pay merchants.

InstaPay is also built around participating Egyptian bank accounts. At archaeological sites, use the official ticket channel and carry the physical card as well as a mobile wallet. Never give a driver or stranger a one-time code, and decline unsolicited offers to exchange money or complete an electronic payment for you.