Egypt is a popular African destination for tourists, digital nomads, expatriates and entrepreneurs. The country’s rich history, tourist attractions, robust infrastructure and booming economy attracted over 15 million foreigners in 2024.

However, many non-citizens visiting Egypt face hassles when buying Egyptian pounds. Traditional options like banks and currency exchange bureaus remain popular. Unfortunately, they might experience transaction delays, tedious paperwork and unfriendly exchange rates. Fintech solutions such as Grey provide a more seamless and cost-effective approach to buying Egyptian pounds as a non-citizen.

This article explores your options when buying Egyptian pounds as a non-citizen.

Read also: How to open US bank accounts in Egypt

Methods to buy Egyptian pound

You can consider any of these traditional methods of buying EGP in Egypt.

1. Banks and exchange bureaus

Most travellers and foreign visitors opt for traditional financial institutions such as banks and exchange bureaus to buy EGP. Banks like the National Bank of Egypt (NBE) and Banque Misr offer currency exchange services at official rates. Exchange bureaus, often found in airports, shopping malls, and major cities, provide an alternative for quick conversions. However, these options may have high fees and less favourable exchange rates compared to fintech solutions.

2. ATMs in Egypt

Another option is to withdraw EGP directly from ATMs in Egypt using an international debit or credit card. This method is convenient but may come with foreign transaction fees and ATM withdrawal limits imposed by your home bank.

3. Hotels and tourist spots

Some hotels and tourist areas offer currency exchange services. These often come with significantly marked-up rates. They should be used only as a last resort.

Buying Egyptian pounds with Grey

Grey is a fintech solution that provides seamless currency exchange and international transactions. It benefits digital nomads, freelancers, and travellers looking to exchange money efficiently without the excessive fees imposed by traditional banking systems.

How to use Grey to get Egyptian pounds

Follow these steps to set up an account on Grey and start buying EGP without any hassles.

1. Sign up on Grey – Create an account on Grey’s website or download the mobile app. Complete the registration process and verify your account.

2. Fund your account – Deposit funds into your Grey wallet using supported currencies like USD, GBP, or EUR.

3. Convert to EGP – Use Grey’s exchange feature to convert your funds to Egyptian pounds at competitive rates.

4. Withdraw or use your funds – You can send the EGP to a local Egyptian bank account or withdraw cash as needed.

Read also: Secure ways to receive international payments in Egypt

Benefits of using Grey

Here are the advantages of converting your funds to EGP with Grey.

• Better exchange rates – Grey offers competitive rates compared to traditional exchange methods.
• Lower fees – Minimal transaction costs make it a more economical option.
• Convenience – Transactions can be completed online without the need to visit a physical exchange bureau.
• Speed – Fast processing times mean you can access your EGP almost instantly.

Buying Egyptian pound seamlessly

For non-citizens looking to buy Egyptian pounds, traditional options like banks and exchange bureaus remain viable but often come with higher costs.

Grey offers a modern, cost-effective, and convenient alternative. This makes them an excellent choice for digital nomads, expatriates, and travellers needing access to EGP. By leveraging Grey’s platform, users can enjoy seamless currency conversion with competitive rates and minimal fees.

Sign up on Grey or download the mobile app to buy EGP seamlessly.

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