In 2023, during a weekend meetup in Giza, I met a group of Egyptian freelancers. They spoke about how they were landing gigs from the US and UK, earning well, and working hours that matched their international clients. Egypt’s skilled workers and convenient time zone make it easier than ever to earn abroad, and these freelancers were proving it every day. We had great conversations, and I even got some recommendations from them, but one issue kept coming up.
Most of them said the hardest part was getting their money safely and storing foreign currency without losing value. It's a fairly common problem. In this post, I’ll show how Egyptian freelancers can earn, receive, and convert payments from abroad smoothly, keeping more of what they make.
Also read: How Egypt is becoming a MENA hub for remote workers
Egyptian freelancers are making waves globally, earning in dollars and pounds. From tech to design, there are plenty of ways to land international gigs and build a strong freelance career.
Egypt produces highly skilled developers who can build websites, apps, and platforms that meet international standards. Freelancers in Cairo, Alexandria, and beyond are creating responsive, functional websites for clients in the US, UK, and Europe. If you enjoy coding and problem-solving, web development is a high-paying field. You can start by exploring platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Toptal. Imagine building a client’s website from your home in Cairo, then seeing it go live across the world. That’s the thrill of international freelance work.
From logos to social media visuals, Egyptian graphic designers are in high demand globally. Companies love the creativity, attention to detail, and affordability they bring. If you enjoy turning ideas into visuals, freelance design offers both creative satisfaction and good pay. Platforms like 99designs and Behance are great starting points.
Egyptian freelancers are creating blogs, marketing copy, and website content for international clients. Strong English skills and the ability to tell a compelling story make them highly sought after by US and UK companies. Writing can be done from anywhere, whether a Cairo apartment or a quiet spot in Marsa Matrouh. Platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and ProBlogger connect writers with clients worldwide, helping them build steady work and earn in foreign currency while maintaining flexible schedules.
With more brands going global, Egyptian freelancers are managing social media accounts, SEO, and online advertising campaigns for international clients. This work blends strategy, creativity, and analysis, offering both variety and strong earning potential. Freelancers often find opportunities through LinkedIn, Upwork, and Freelancer.com, where clients look for expertise in marketing, content planning, and campaign execution.
Also read: How to open a UK bank account remotely from Egypt
During the meetup in 2023, I heard first-hand how they handle payments as they shared tips, and debated the best methods. Here’s how to receive money from abroad as an Egyptian freelancer, plus a few smart ways they store foreign currency to protect their earnings.
Many of the freelancers I met in Giza preferred PayPal for small, fast payments. It’s easy to use, almost everyone has it, and clients trust it. Some complained about the fees and the exchange rates, but most agreed it’s reliable for quick transfers or one-off projects when timing matters.
Several freelancers mentioned Payoneer as their alternative for recurring payments. It lets them withdraw funds from international platforms and deposit them into Egyptian banks. People liked how it handles multiple clients and keeps payments organised. Upwork and Fiverr often default to Payoneer, which makes it convenient for freelancers working with multiple companies at once.
Direct bank transfers sparked the most debate. Some freelancers trusted it for big payments because it’s secure and direct, but others complained about slow processing, high fees, and poor exchange rates. Most agreed it works for occasional large transfers, but not for regular freelance payments.
I recently recommended Grey to some of my Egyptian freelancer friends, and the platform has been buzzing ever since. Grey handles USD, GBP, and EUR, and converts to Egyptian pounds at competitive rates with no hidden fees. One developer even told me he’s been receiving more payments than he ever did on other platforms. For freelancers working with clients abroad, Grey makes getting paid simple, reliable, and stress-free, exactly what you need when handling international payments.
Once freelancers set up a multi-currency account, they can link the digital card to Apple Pay or Google Pay and store foreign earnings securely. The funds stay in dollars or euros until needed, while the wallet makes spending simple. It’s practical for travel, online payments, and everyday purchases abroad.
Some freelancers choose crypto wallets to store stablecoins like USDT or USDC, which are pegged to major currencies such as the US dollar. This allows them to hold foreign earnings digitally without converting to local currency. It’s a modern option for those comfortable with crypto and global transactions.
Egyptian freelancers often keep earnings in dollars, pounds, or euros instead of converting to local currency. It’s a smart way to protect money, avoid losses, and maintain value while working with international clients.
The Egyptian Pound has lost value over the years, which affects everyone’s buying power. For freelancers earning abroad, keeping money in stronger currencies like USD or GBP helps maintain what they’ve earned. It ensures that international payments still stretch further and aren’t eroded by local currency devaluation.
With prices in Egypt rising quickly, freelancers worry about their savings losing value. Storing money in foreign currency protects earnings from inflation, keeping funds more stable over time. Instead of converting immediately and watching your money lose power, storing it allows flexibility and security.
Some products and services aren’t available locally, from software subscriptions to imported equipment. Freelancers with foreign currency can pay for these directly, run businesses that rely on international tools, or even shop online for items not found in Egyptian stores. Having dollars, pounds, or euros makes it easier to operate globally without currency barriers.
LDMAG1
Grey is a top choice for freelancers who want to store foreign currency. With multi-currency support for USD, EUR, and GBP, you can hold your earnings safely and convert them when the rates are best, avoiding extra fees and protecting your money from inflation. While your funds are in Grey, you can also use a virtual card to shop internationally, pay for subscriptions, or run freelance business expenses, all without stress. Sign up or download the app to earn and store foreign currency easily.
.svg)
Back to top
