💰 This page covers the street-level details of spending money in Luxor: card acceptance at temples, how much cash to carry on the West Bank, felucca and calèche prices, and souq shopping tips. For Egypt-wide ATM tips, tipping norms, and exchange rate advice:
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Order EGP → CEI Currency ExchangeDo You Need Cash in Luxor?
Yes, much more than in Cairo. Luxor is heavily cash-dependent. Most restaurants, the souq, calèche drivers, felucca captains, West Bank transport, and many smaller hotels require Egyptian pounds. Some temple ticket offices now accept cards, but service can be unreliable. Carry EGP 500–1,000 per day to be safe.
Where You Will Need Cash
Luxor Souq (spices, alabaster, papyrus, souvenirs). Calèche rides (horse carriages). Felucca rides on the Nile. West Bank taxis and minivans. Local ferry to the West Bank (EGP 5–10). Most restaurants outside hotels. Baksheesh (tips) for temple guards, guides, and drivers. Some temple ticket offices as backup when card machines are down.
Where Cards Work Fine
Hotels (Sofitel Winter Palace, Hilton, Steigenberger, Jolie Ville). Major temple ticket offices (Karnak, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings) sometimes accept cards. Hotel restaurants. Cruise ships (onboard charges by card). Supermarkets (limited). Compared to Cairo, Luxor requires significantly more cash for everyday spending.
Paying by Card in Luxor
Card acceptance in Luxor is limited outside of hotels. Visa and Mastercard work at upscale hotels and some ticket offices. Amex is rare. Contactless payments are uncommon. Card machines at archaeological sites sometimes malfunction, so always carry cash as backup. The city is far more cash-dependent than Cairo.
East Bank: Corniche & Temples
The Nile-side Corniche has the major hotels (Sofitel Winter Palace, Hilton) which accept cards. Luxor Temple (EGP 300, card sometimes accepted) and Karnak Temple (EGP 450, card sometimes accepted) are on the East Bank. Restaurants along the Corniche are mixed: tourist-oriented ones may take cards, local spots are cash. The Luxor Museum (EGP 300, card sometimes accepted) is excellent.
Luxor Souq
The tourist souq between Luxor Temple and the train station is almost entirely cash-only. Alabaster workshops, papyrus shops, spice sellers, and souvenir stalls all expect cash and haggling. Start at 30–40% of the asking price. Scarves, small alabaster pieces, and spices make affordable souvenirs. Budget EGP 200–500 for souq shopping.
West Bank: Valley of the Kings
The West Bank is Luxor's main draw: Valley of the Kings (EGP 600 general, card sometimes at the office), Hatshepsut Temple (EGP 300), Medinet Habu (EGP 200), Valley of the Queens (EGP 200). Ticket offices sometimes accept cards, but machines fail regularly. Carry EGP 1,000+ in cash for a full West Bank day to cover all entries and transport.
West Bank: Villages & Restaurants
Small restaurants near the West Bank landing and along the road to the Valley of the Kings are all cash. Marsam Hotel restaurant (budget-friendly, cash) is popular with backpackers. Alabaster workshops near the Colossi of Memnon are cash-only. The entire West Bank has no card infrastructure outside of a few upscale hotels.
Hotel District & Cruise Ships
The Sofitel Winter Palace, Hilton, Steigenberger Nile Palace, and Jolie Ville are fully card-friendly for rooms, restaurants, and spa. Nile cruise ships charge onboard purchases to your cabin (settle by card at checkout). If you are staying at a major hotel, you can minimize cash needs for evenings.
ATMs in Luxor
For Egypt-wide ATM advice, see the Egypt guide.
Look for these logos. Egyptian bank ATMs accept foreign Visa and Mastercard.
NBE
CIB
Banque MisrATM Locations
Corniche: NBE and CIB ATMs near the major hotels and Luxor Temple. Train station area: Banque Misr ATM. Luxor Airport (LXR): ATMs in the arrivals hall. West Bank: Very few ATMs. Withdraw on the East Bank before crossing. ATMs dispense EGP 200 and EGP 100 notes. Request smaller denominations when possible, as vendors struggle with EGP 200 notes.
⚠ Withdraw Extra Before the West Bank
There are almost no ATMs on the West Bank. Temple entry fees alone can total EGP 1,500–3,000 if you visit multiple sites. Add taxi/minivan hire (EGP 400–600) and you need EGP 2,000+ for a full West Bank day. Withdraw on the East Bank the evening before. Always decline DCC at ATMs.
Paying for Ferries, Taxis & Calèches
Local Ferry to the West Bank
The public ferry from the East Bank to the West Bank landing costs EGP 5–10 (cash). It departs from a dock south of Luxor Temple. The crossing takes 10 minutes. Private motorboats are faster and cost EGP 20–50. From the West Bank landing, you will need a taxi or minivan to reach the sites (they do not run on a schedule).
West Bank Taxis
Hire a taxi or minivan for the day to cover the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Medinet Habu, and other sites. A full-day hire costs EGP 400–600 (negotiate before departing, cash). The driver waits while you explore each site. Some drivers also act as informal guides. Agree on the itinerary and price in advance.
Calèches (Horse Carriages)
Calèches are a Luxor tradition. A ride from the Corniche to Luxor Temple costs EGP 50–100. A longer ride to Karnak Temple costs EGP 100–200. Negotiate firmly before boarding and agree on the total price (not per person). Cash only. Drivers may ask for more at the end. Be firm about the agreed price.
Feluccas
A one-hour felucca (traditional sailboat) ride on the Nile costs EGP 200–400 for the whole boat (fits 6–8 people). Sunset rides are the most popular. Negotiate the price at the Corniche docks. Cash only. Tip the captain EGP 50–100 for good service. A peaceful, quintessential Luxor experience.
Airport Transfers
Luxor International Airport (LXR) is 10 km from the city center. Taxi: EGP 100–200 to the Corniche (negotiate, cash). Hotel shuttle: many hotels offer airport pickup (arrange in advance, some charge EGP 100–200). There is no public bus from the airport. Uber and Careem are not available in Luxor.
Tipping (Baksheesh) in Luxor
Tipping culture is strong in Luxor. The Egypt guide covers general norms. In Luxor specifically: Temple guards who point out details or open locked areas expect EGP 20–50. Calèche drivers: tip included in the agreed price (add EGP 20–30 for good service). Felucca captains: EGP 50–100. West Bank taxi drivers: EGP 50–100 for a full day. Restaurant servers: 10–15%. Hotel porters: EGP 20–50. Keep a supply of EGP 10 and EGP 20 notes.
Prices in Luxor
Luxor is affordable for food and accommodation but temple entry fees add up. A full archaeological exploration can cost more in entry fees than everything else combined.
| Item | Price (EGP) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Karnak Temple | EGP 450 | $9 |
| Luxor Temple | EGP 300 | $6 |
| Valley of the Kings (3 tombs) | EGP 600 | $12 |
| Tutankhamun's Tomb (extra) | EGP 600 | $12 |
| Hatshepsut Temple | EGP 300 | $6 |
| Luxor Museum | EGP 300 | $6 |
| Felucca ride (1 hour, whole boat) | EGP 200–400 | $4–8 |
| Calèche to Karnak | EGP 100–200 | $2–4 |
| West Bank taxi (full day) | EGP 400–600 | $8–12 |
| Local ferry (one way) | EGP 5–10 | $0.10–0.20 |
| Meal at a local restaurant | EGP 50–100 | $1–2 |
| Coffee / tea | EGP 10–30 | $0.20–0.60 |
| Budget hotel (per night) | EGP 300–600 | $6–12 |
USD estimates based on approximately EGP 50 = $1. Rates fluctuate. Temple fees are for foreign visitors (Egyptian residents pay less).
Day Trips from Luxor
Dendera Temple (2.5 hours by car)
The Temple of Hathor at Dendera is one of Egypt's best-preserved temples. Entry costs EGP 200 (cash recommended). Hire a private car for EGP 600–800 round trip. Often combined with Abydos Temple (EGP 200, another 1.5 hours north). A long but rewarding day trip. Bring snacks and water as facilities are limited.
Edfu & Kom Ombo (by Nile cruise or car)
Edfu Temple (EGP 300) is 110 km south. Kom Ombo Temple (EGP 300) is 170 km south. Both are commonly visited on Nile cruises (charges included in cruise fare). By car, a day trip to both costs EGP 800–1,200 for the vehicle. Cash is essential at both sites. Combine with an overnight in Aswan if possible.
Aswan (3 hours by train)
The train from Luxor to Aswan costs EGP 100–250 (class dependent, cash at the station). Aswan has its own temples (Philae, EGP 450) and the famous Abu Simbel (EGP 600, 3 hours further south by bus). Aswan is similarly cash-dependent to Luxor. A two-day trip allows you to see Abu Simbel at sunrise.
Luxor Quick Reference
| Destination | Cards? | Cash Needed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotels | ✅ Cards accepted | Not needed | Major hotels card-friendly |
| Temple ticket offices | ✅ Sometimes | EGP 500+ backup | Card machines unreliable |
| West Bank full day | ❌ Cash mostly | EGP 1,500–2,500 | Entry fees + taxi + tips |
| Luxor Souq | ❌ Cash only | EGP 200–500 | Haggling expected |
| Felucca ride | ❌ Cash only | EGP 200–400 | Negotiate at the dock |
| Restaurants | ❌ Cash mostly | EGP 100–200 | Hotel restaurants take cards |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need cash in Luxor?
Yes, much more than in Cairo. Most restaurants, the souq, calèche drivers, felucca captains, and West Bank transport require Egyptian pounds. Card machines at temples are unreliable. Carry EGP 500–1,000 per day.
How much does the Valley of the Kings cost?
EGP 600 for the general ticket (3 tombs). Tutankhamun's tomb is EGP 600 extra. Seti I is EGP 1,400 extra. Ramesses V/VI is EGP 200 extra. Cards are sometimes accepted, but carry cash as backup.
How much does a felucca ride cost?
EGP 200–400 for a one-hour ride (whole boat, fits 6–8). Sunset is the most popular time. Negotiate at the Corniche docks. Cash only. Tip EGP 50–100.
How do I get to the West Bank?
Local ferry from the East Bank costs EGP 5–10 (cash). From the landing, hire a taxi for the day (EGP 400–600). Or book a guided tour from your hotel (card at booking).
Should I take a calèche?
They are a Luxor tradition. A ride to Luxor Temple costs EGP 50–100, to Karnak EGP 100–200. Negotiate firmly before boarding. Cash only. Be firm about the agreed price.
Is Luxor cheaper than Cairo?
Yes. Food and accommodation are noticeably cheaper. A local meal costs EGP 50–100. Budget hotels EGP 300–600/night. But temple entry fees add up fast (budget EGP 1,500–3,000 for all major sites).
Pay Smart in Luxor
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