Money, tipping, and prices in Luxor
Luxor runs on cash for small transactions and card for hotels. Tipping (baksheesh) is expected and small — budget $5-10 a day for tips alone.
Egyptian pound notes and coins beside a receipt
Cash, cards and ATMs
Bring some cash to change on arrival (US dollars, euros or pounds all work) — the airport rate is fair. ATMs are on Sharia al-Mahatta, along the Corniche and at all four-star hotels; NBE and CIB machines are reliable, daily limit around $260. Cards work at hotels, mid-range restaurants and Luxor Museum; not at temple ticket booths (cash only) or in the souq.
What things actually cost
Karnak $12, Luxor Temple $10, Luxor Museum $10. Valley of the Kings three-tomb ticket $15, Tutankhamun $15, Seti I $20, Nefertari $75. Bottle of water $0.30 from a shop. Ta’ameya sandwich $0.50. Koshari $2. Sit-down local restaurant meal $6-10. Nice restaurant $15-25. Beer $3-4. Taxi across town $2-3. Calèche $5-10. Balloon $80-100.
Tipping without being awkward
Baksheesh isn’t optional but the amounts are small. Guardians who unlock tomb rooms or point out a good angle: $0.50-1. Restaurant server: 10% (check if service is already added). Housekeeping: $1-2 a day. Guide: $10-15 a day per couple. Driver: $5-10 a day. Bathroom attendant: $0.20. Carry a stack of small notes — nothing kills the moment like handing over a $20 for a $1 tip.
Frequently asked questions
What people ask before they set off on this one.
Sometimes for hotels and big-ticket things like the balloon. Everyday transactions are in Egyptian pounds. Bring both.
Yes in the souq and with taxis (agree fares first). Not in restaurants, hotels or at ticket booths.
$200-300 equivalent will cover the first two days including tickets and taxis.
Only if you actually want the photo. $0.50-1 is fair. Firm 'no thank you' is fine if you don’t.
Hotels in Luxor
Hotels we cover across Luxor
- Sirius Palace Luxor 4★
- Soliman Nile View 4★
- Soliman Villa 4★
- Spirit Luxor Luxury 4★
- Steigenberger Minerva Nile Cruise Every Thursday from Luxor for 07 & 04 Nights Every Monday From Aswan for 03 Nights 4★
- Sunrise Mahrousa Cruise 4★
- Sunrise Semiramis I Cruise 4★
- Sunset Mirage 4★
- Sunshine House 4★
- Swiss Inn Luxor 4★
- Tasneem Palace 4★
- Temple House Luxor 4★
- Terrasses et Jardins sur le Nil chez Hagag rive Ouest 4★
- The Brown House 4★
- The House Of Love 4★
- The Temple Hotel & Spa Luxor 4★
- Tomorrow Land villa 4★
- Top View 4★
- Twilight palace 4★
- Valley Of The Kings House 4★
- Villa Abo Tarek 4★
- Villa Al Diwan Luxor 4★
- Villa Barba Luxor 4★
- Villa Cleopatra Luxor west bank 4★
More guides to Luxor
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