What can you use to pay for purchases in Egypt in 2026?

In 2026, when shopping in Egypt, tourists from Russia have several payment options, but the most reliable is cash.

• Cash (Egyptian pounds, dollars, euros): This is the main method of payment. In markets and shops, you can pay with dollars or euros, but change may be given in pounds at an unfavorable rate. In large supermarkets and fixed-price stores (e.g., Carrefour), only Egyptian pounds are usually accepted. Always agree in advance which currency you will pay with and in which you will receive change.
• Rubles: Some tourist shops accept rubles, but the exchange rate will be very unfavorable (10-20% worse than the official rate). Paying in rubles is not recommended.
• Bank cards: The situation with cards for Russians is complicated. Russian Visa, Mastercard, and Mir cards as of 2026 do not work in Egypt. Cards of the Chinese UnionPay system issued by Russian banks may work unstably, and there is no guarantee of acceptance. Cards are accepted only in large supermarkets, chain stores, and some pharmacies.

More information about currency, exchange rates, and financial nuances can be found in our detailed guide: All about currency and money in Egypt for tourists.

Does everyone get a Sinai stamp in Sharm?
How much does an excursion to Cairo and the pyramids cost?
Where is best to exchange currency?
Follow the link, all these questions are discussed in the chat - https://t.me/egypt_travel_chat