TransferWise Egyptian Pound Travel Card

Traveling to Egypt? The TransferWise Travel Card (now called the Wise Card) is a simple, affordable, and safe way to manage your money. It allows you to spend in Egyptian Pounds (EGP) and many other currencies without high fees. This article will explain everything you need to know about the Wise card—its features, fees, benefits, and how to use it effectively.

What Is the TransferWise Egyptian Pound Travel Card?

The TransferWise Travel Card is a prepaid debit card connected to your Wise account. It works in over 50 currencies, including Egyptian Pounds, making it ideal for travelers. You can use it for shopping, dining, and withdrawing cash at ATMs, all while avoiding bad exchange rates and hidden fees.

Key Features of the Wise Travel Card

Feature Details
Multi-Currency Wallet Hold and spend in 50+ currencies, including EGP.
Real Exchange Rate Get the mid-market exchange rate (the rate you see on Google).
Low Conversion Fees Currency conversion fees range from 0.35% to 1.0%.
Global Acceptance Use it anywhere Mastercard is accepted, including shops, restaurants, and online.
Contactless Payments Tap to pay for fast, secure, and easy transactions.
ATM Withdrawals Free withdrawals up to a limit (e.g., $100–$200/month).
Secure Protected by PIN, chip technology, and the ability to freeze/unfreeze in the Wise app.
Easy to Reload Add funds through bank transfers, debit cards, or credit cards.

Benefits of the TransferWise Egyptian Pound Card

  1. Save on Currency Exchange
    The Wise card uses the real exchange rate—the rate banks use when trading large amounts of money—so you avoid bad rates and hidden charges.

  2. Spend Like a Local
    Pay in Egyptian Pounds directly without worrying about conversion fees or carrying large amounts of cash.

  3. No Hidden Fees
    Wise is completely transparent with its fees. You only pay a small percentage when converting currencies.

  4. Global Access
    Use the card worldwide, not just in Egypt. If you’re visiting other countries, the card supports their currencies too.

  5. Safety and Convenience
    Unlike cash, the Wise card is safe to carry. If lost, you can block it instantly through the Wise app.

  6. Track Spending
    Keep an eye on your transactions and balances in real-time using the Wise app.

Supported Currencies

The Wise card supports 50+ currencies, including:

  • Egyptian Pound (EGP)
  • USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CAD, JPY, INR, SAR, ZAR, and many more.

You can load money in any supported currency and convert it to EGP whenever needed.

Fees and Charges

Type of Fee Amount
Card Issuance Fee A one-time fee (usually under $10, depending on your country).
Currency Conversion Fee Ranges from 0.35% to 1.0%, depending on the currency.
ATM Withdrawal Fee Free for up to $100–$200/month (fees apply afterward, around $1.50 per withdrawal).
Monthly Maintenance Fee None.
Replacement Card Fee Small fee for a lost or stolen card (varies by region).

How Does Currency Conversion Work?

The Wise card uses the mid-market exchange rate for currency conversions. For example, if you convert USD to EGP, you get the same rate you’d see on Google or Xe.com. Wise charges a small fee for the conversion, usually much lower than traditional banks or exchange services.

Best Ways to Use the Wise Travel Card in Egypt

  1. Convert Funds Before You Travel
    Load your Wise account with your home currency and convert it to Egyptian Pounds in the app. This locks in the current exchange rate, so you avoid surprises later.

  2. Pay in Local Currency
    Always pay in Egyptian Pounds (EGP) when using the card. If a store or ATM asks whether to charge in your home currency, decline it. Paying in your home currency results in higher fees due to dynamic currency conversion.

  3. Use It for Small Purchases
    The Wise card is perfect for everyday expenses like food, transportation, and tickets. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash, which can be risky.

  4. Withdraw Cash When Necessary
    While many places in Egypt accept cards, you may need cash for smaller vendors or markets. Use ATMs to withdraw Egyptian Pounds, but stick to the free withdrawal limit to avoid extra fees.

  5. Monitor Your Spending
    Use the Wise app to keep track of your expenses. It shows your spending in Egyptian Pounds and your home currency for easy budgeting.

Steps to Get the Wise Travel Card

  1. Sign Up for a Wise Account
    • Visit the Wise website or download the app.
    • Sign up with your email address or social media login.
  2. Verify Your Identity
    • Submit a valid government-issued ID like a passport or driver’s license.
    • Wise verifies your identity to ensure security.
  3. Order the Card
    • Log in to the Wise app or website.
    • Request the card and pay the issuance fee.
  4. Activate the Card
    • Once the card arrives, activate it through the Wise app.
    • Set a PIN for security.

Eligibility

  • Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old.
  • Residency: The Wise card is available in most countries, but check Wise’s website for availability in your region.

Do’s and Don’ts of Using the Wise Card

Do’s

  1. Plan Ahead: Convert money to EGP in advance to avoid exchange rate fluctuations.
  2. Stick to Limits: Stay within the free ATM withdrawal limit to save on fees.
  3. Monitor Transactions: Keep track of your spending via the Wise app.
  4. Enable Notifications: Set up alerts for transactions for added security.

Don’ts

  1. Avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion: Always choose to pay in Egyptian Pounds, not your home currency.
  2. Don’t Overload Cash: Withdraw only as much cash as you need. The Wise card works almost everywhere.
  3. Don’t Ignore Fees: Be aware of conversion fees when switching between currencies.
  4. Don’t Share Your PIN: Keep your PIN confidential to ensure safety.

Why Choose the Wise Travel Card for Egyptian Pounds?

The Wise Travel Card is the perfect companion for travelers visiting Egypt. Here’s why:

  • Cost-Effective: Save money with real exchange rates and low fees.
  • Flexible: Use it in Egypt and anywhere else in the world.
  • Secure: Protect your money with top-notch security features.
  • Convenient: Manage everything through the Wise app, from loading funds to tracking expenses.

Whether you’re exploring the Pyramids of Giza, cruising on the Nile, or shopping in Cairo’s bustling markets, the Wise card ensures your money is safe and your spending is hassle-free.

Top up and spend your holiday money in over 40 currencies

Argentine Peso Egyptian Pound Moroccan Dirham South African Rand
Australian Dollar Euro Nepalese Rupee Sri Lankan Rupee
Bangladeshi Taka Georgian Lari New Zealand Dollar Swedish Krona
British Pound Hong Kong Dollar Nigerian Naira Swiss Franc
Bulgarian Lev Hungarian Forint Norwegian Krone Turkish Lira
Canadian Dollar Indian Rupee Pakistani Rupee UAE Dirham
Chilean Peso Indonesian Rupiah Philippine Peso Ukrainian Hryvnia
Chinese Yuan Israeli Shekel Polish Zloty US Dollar
Croatian Kuna Japanese Yen Romanian Leu Vietnamese Dong
Czech Koruna Kenyan Shilling South Korean Won Singapore Dollar
Danish Krone Mexican Peso Thai Baht Malaysian Ringgit

Which all countries can apply for Wise Travel Card

The Wise card is currently available for personal customers that live in these countries and regions:

  • Australia
  • Brazil
  • Canada
  • EEA + Switzerland*
  • Japan
  • Malaysia
  • New Zealand
  • Philippines
  • Singapore
  • UK + European microstates and overseas territories*
  • USA except for residents of Nevada (US cards temporarily unavailable)

Final Thoughts

The Wise Travel Card makes traveling to Egypt simple, affordable, and stress-free. By following the tips in this guide, you’ll make the most of your money and enjoy your trip without worrying about unnecessary fees. It’s a smart choice for any traveler.

Get your Wise card today and start exploring Egypt like a pro!

Happy travels! 🌍