Egypt Travel Budget 2025
Plan your Egypt trip budget with our comprehensive cost breakdown.
Egypt captivates travelers with its ancient pyramids, majestic Nile River, and vibrant culture spanning over 5,000 years. From the iconic Sphinx and Valley of the Kings to bustling Cairo bazaars and Red Sea coral reefs, Egypt offers an unforgettable journey through history and natural beauty.
Daily Budget Overview
Average daily costs for travelers in Egypt.
- Basic guesthouse or hostel
- Street food and local eateries
- Public transportation
- Free attractions
- 3-star hotel with amenities
- Mix of local and international restaurants
- Taxis and some tours
- Major attractions
- 4-5 star hotels
- Fine dining experiences
- Private transport and guides
- Premium experiences
Cost Breakdown
Detailed breakdown of typical travel expenses.
🏨 Accommodation
🍽️ Food
🚗 Transportation
🎫 Activities
Budget Planning Spreadsheet
Download our complete budget calculator with cost tracker and saving tips.
Sample Trip Budgets
What to expect at different budget levels for a 7-day trip.
Budget Trip (7 days)
- Hostels/basic guesthouses
- Street food and local eateries
- Public transport only
- Free attractions and walking tours
- Limited souvenirs
Mid-Range Trip (7 days)
- 3-star hotels with breakfast
- Mix of dining options
- Taxis and some tours
- Major paid attractions
- Some shopping and souvenirs
Luxury Trip (7 days)
- 4-5 star hotels
- Fine dining experiences
- Private drivers and guides
- Premium tours and access
- Shopping without limits
Money-Saving Tips
Stretch your budget further with these insider tips.
Travel mid-October to November or late February to March for shoulder-season prices 20-30% lower than peak
Egyptian National Railways first-class sleeper trains between Cairo and Luxor ($30-50) are far cheaper than flights and include accommodation
Eat where locals eat — koshari, ful, and ta'ameya meals cost $1-3 at local shops compared to $8-15 at tourist restaurants
Negotiate all taxi and felucca fares before you board; use Uber/Careem to get fair prices automatically
Many site tickets cover multiple attractions — the Luxor pass ($100) is excellent value if visiting 5+ West and East Bank sites
Free & Cheap Activities
Experience Egypt without spending a fortune.
Giza Plateau Exterior
Walking around the exterior of the Giza Plateau and photographing the pyramids from the public road is free — only the interior of the complex requires a ticket.
Khan el-Khalili Exploration
Wandering the medieval alleyways of Khan el-Khalili bazaar, visiting El-Fishawy coffeehouse, and exploring Islamic Cairo's architecture costs nothing.
Al-Azhar Mosque Visit
Non-Muslims are welcome to visit Al-Azhar Mosque's exterior courtyard and halls outside prayer times, free of charge.
Corniche Walks (Nile)
The Nile Corniche in Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan offers wonderful free riverside walking with boat and felucca views.
Islamic Cairo Street Architecture
A self-guided walk through Islamic Cairo between the Citadel and Khan el-Khalili passes 50+ medieval monuments visible from the street.
Currency & Payment Tips
Essential information about money matters.
Currency
Egyptian Pound (EGP)
ATMs in major cities give best exchange rates; avoid airport currency exchange desks which charge high fees. Rates fluctuate significantly — check before traveling.
ATMs
ATMs widely available in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and resort cities. Less reliable in remote areas. Use bank ATMs (Banque Misr, National Bank of Egypt, CIB) over standalone ATMs for best reliability.
Credit Cards
Visa and Mastercard accepted at hotels, large restaurants, and tourist shops in major cities. Cash essential for markets, street food, transport, and small towns.
Tipping
Baksheesh (tipping) is culturally essential — EGP 10-20 per service for site guards, toilet attendants, porters. 10-15% at restaurants. Private guide $20-30/day tip expected.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
- Photography fees at some sites ($3-7) are charged separately from entrance tickets
- Interior pyramid access costs extra ($8-15) beyond the general Giza Plateau ticket
- Felucca and horse/camel tours at tourist sites are 'free' but operators expect payment — agree price before mounting
- Tourist police baksheesh at major sites — small tips EGP 10-20 are expected when guards open additional areas or pose for photos
- SIM card and data — budget $10-15 for 30 days unlimited data with Vodafone Egypt
- Luggage storage at Cairo train station costs EGP 10-15 per item per day
Plan Your Egypt Budget
Get our complete budget guide with detailed cost breakdown, budget calculator, and 50+ money-saving tips.
Download Budget Guide