If you visit historic Egypt, you will need the local currency. This is the Egyptian Pound. In Egyptian Arabic it is pronounced ginēh (جنيه). How did the Egyptian pound come into existence and what exactly is the exchange rate of this currency? And how expensive are things in Egypt?
- History of the Egyptian Pound
- Appearance of the Egyptian Pound
- Coins and banknotes
- Egyptian Pound on travel
- Egyptian Pound Rate
History of the Egyptian Pound
The Egyptian Pound was first introduced in 1834. The first banknotes came in 1889. The rate of the Egyptian was first linked to the British Pound, but since 1962 it has been linked to the rate of the American dollar. Only in recent years have more ATMs entered Egypt. Where previously you could only get money at a bank, nowadays there are many more options for tourists and the people of Egypt themselves to get money. Yet there are still many problems with money. For example, many stores usually have a shortage of change.
Appearance of the Egyptian Pound
The inscription on the notes is written in both Arabic and English. This applies not only to the texts, but also to the numbers. The front of the banknote always shows a mosque and on the back you will find images of famous Egyptian and historical sights.
|
Egyptian Pound |
Colour |
Front image |
Back image |
|
25 Piaster |
Light blue |
Mosque of Umm-al-mu’minīn Aisha |
Coat of arms of Egypt |
|
50 Piaster |
Light green |
Mosque of Al-Azhar |
Ramesses II |
|
1 Pound |
Orange |
Mosque of Qaitbay |
Abu Simbel |
|
5 Pounds |
Blue/greenish |
Mosque of Ibn Tulun |
A symbol representing the Nile River |
|
10 Pounds |
Pink |
Mosque of Al Rifa’i |
Khafra |
|
20 Pounds |
Green |
Mosque of Muhammad Ali |
A historic vehicle for the war |
|
50 Pounds |
Brown/reddish |
Mosque of Abu Huraiba |
Temple of Edfu |
|
100 Pounds |
Purple |
Mosque of Sultan Hassan |
Sphinx |
|
200 Pounds |
Olive |
Mosque of Qanibay |
The sitting Scribe |
Coins and banknotes
The Egyptian Pound has both coins and banknotes. The coins are virtually non-existent, because shops often do not have enough change. The cents are called Piaster in Egypt. There are coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 25 Piaster. Notes are more common in Egypt. There are both Piasters and Pounds notes. The following notes are available in Egypt: 10, 25 and 50 Piaster, 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 Pounds.
Egyptian Pound on travel
If you go on holiday to Egypt, you will logically also have to deal with the Egyptian Pound. Be careful when you spend money. The banknotes are very similar and there is therefore a chance that you are giving too much money. Most retailers are not honest and will not let you know. Also make sure that you do not have too large bills, because there is often no change for these. So make sure you always have change, especially if you take a taxi or for the tips you give. Banknotes that are damaged or torn are almost never accepted. Debit card payment is possible, but often only in the larger cities. Money can be exchanged in hotels and banks. At tourist places you can often pay with Euros, because they are of course worth more than the Egyptian Pounds. However, only pay with smaller notes to avoid problems. You can often only use the credit card at larger hotels and restaurants. Traveler’s checks are possible, but it takes a lot of time and effort to exchange them.
Prices in Egypt Things are a lot cheaper in Egypt than in Europe. You can usually spend the equivalent of 25 euros comfortably. Sometimes you even spend a lot less, depending on the things you do.
Egyptian Pound Rate
The rate of the Egyptian Pound is linked to the US Dollar. The rate can be different every day and it is therefore advisable to consult the current rates at the banks in Egypt when you are there. You can also find the current rates at the Border Exchange Office.
|
Date |
Euro |
Egyptian Pound |
|
5-4-2010 |
100 |
743.79 |