Egypt is one of the world’s largest recipients of remittances, and getting money to family there quickly and cheaply matters to millions of senders. In 2026, digital services deliver Egyptian pounds to bank accounts, mobile wallets and cash-pickup points — often within the same day. Here is how to choose the right one.
Wise is structurally cheapest for larger transfers (above ~$500) — real mid-market rate plus roughly 0.6%–1.2%. Remitly is highly competitive with frequent zero-fee promotions and is the top pick for cash pickup (~0.9%) or mobile-wallet delivery. Bank deposits are usually same-day. Fund from a bank account or card to stay exempt from the new 1% US remittance tax.
Egypt’s currency: the pound (EGP)
Egypt uses the Egyptian pound, written E£ and coded EGP. Your money is converted into pounds for deposit or pickup, so what your recipient receives depends on both the fee you pay and the exchange rate applied. Because the pound’s rate can move sharply, the exchange rate matters even more than usual here — always compare a provider’s offer against the mid-market rate on our live converter.
Best options for sending money to Egypt
| Provider | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wise | Larger bank deposits | Cheapest above ~$500; real mid-market rate, ~0.6%–1.2% fee; can arrive in seconds from a Wise balance |
| Remitly | Cash pickup, wallets, promos | Frequent zero-fee first transfers; ~0.9% on cash pickup; fast delivery |
| Western Union / MoneyGram | Cash pickup network | Broad coverage including post offices; compare received pounds |
| Ria / TapTap Send | Low-cost alternatives | Competitive fees to EGP bank and wallet; worth comparing per transfer |
Bank deposit, mobile wallet, or cash pickup?
Egypt supports all three delivery methods well. Bank deposits via Wise or Remitly are typically same-day during business hours and are usually cheapest for larger sums, where Wise’s zero-markup pricing shines. Mobile wallet and bank delivery are fast and low-cost, and Remitly’s frequent zero-fee promotions can make them very cheap. Cash pickup is available at thousands of points including every post office — handy for recipients without a bank account — with Remitly often the cheapest cash option.
The 1% US remittance tax
Since January 1, 2026, a 1% US federal excise tax applies to outbound remittances funded with cash or a money order. Transfers funded from a US bank account or with a debit or credit card are exempt. Sending online from your bank gets the best rate and avoids this tax entirely.
How to get the best deal
For Egypt, the exchange rate is the biggest variable, so compare providers strictly on the pounds received rather than the advertised fee. Pick the delivery method your recipient wants, fund electronically, and grab Remitly’s zero-fee first-transfer offers when available — they can make an opening send the cheapest option by a wide margin.
Check today’s USD to EGP rate
The Egyptian pound rate can move fast. See the real mid-market USD to EGP rate before you send so you can judge each provider’s markup.