Should I carry USD or EGP?

Carry USD in clean, new bills to exchange for EGP once you arrive. You will need EGP for 95% of your transactions, including taxis and restaurants.

Are credit cards widely accepted?

Only at high-end hotels and large malls. Always carry enough cash for your daily expenses, as ATMs can run out of money or be finicky.

How to budget for a week in Egypt

Budget for $60–$90 per person per day to cover mid-range hotels, local food, site entry fees, and internal transport. You will need to account for an extra $200–$300 total for domestic flights or sleeper trains if you plan to move between Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan.

Calculate your base daily spend. Expect to pay $30 for a clean, air-conditioned 3-star hotel room, $15 for meals (street food or local eateries), and $15 for a combination of Uber/Careem rides and small tips (baksheesh). Budget $10–$20 daily for site entrance fees, as these have risen significantly in recent years.
Set aside a 'tipping fund'. Baksheesh is expected for almost every service. Carry a dedicated pocket of small denomination Egyptian pound notes (5, 10, and 20 EGP). You will easily go through 100 EGP ($2 USD) per day in small tips for bathroom attendants, baggage handlers, and guards.
Account for big-ticket site fees. Entrance fees for major sites like the Great Pyramid, the Valley of the Kings, and the Egyptian Museum are pricey. Budget specifically for these: the Giza Plateau costs roughly 540 EGP ($11 USD) and the Valley of the Kings costs 600 EGP ($12 USD) before any extra tomb tickets.
Choose your transport strategy early. Domestic flights (Cairo to Luxor/Aswan) cost around $80–$120 one way if booked 2 weeks out. The overnight sleeper train is a cheaper alternative at $80 including dinner and breakfast, but it is less reliable. Factor this in as a lump sum outside your daily $60–$90 allowance.

Should I carry USD or EGP?: Carry USD in clean, new bills to exchange for EGP once you arrive. You will need EGP for 95% of your transactions, including taxis and restaurants.
Are credit cards widely accepted?: Only at high-end hotels and large malls. Always carry enough cash for your daily expenses, as ATMs can run out of money or be finicky.