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Banking in Egypt

Best banks in Egypt for expats & digital nomads

Opening a bank account is one of the first things you do after moving to Egypt. Here are the accounts that work for newcomers and non-residents, plus the fintech we would set up before you fly.

How to open a bank account in Egypt

Foreigners open most easily at CIB (or QNB Alahli, NBE, HSBC) with a passport, a valid visa or residence permit, proof of address, an Egyptian phone number and a modest minimum deposit (EGP 1,000-5,000). A tourist visa is usually not enough for a standard account, CIB is the common workaround, and most big banks let you hold a parallel USD account to hedge against pound depreciation.

Top banks in Egypt

Commercial International Bank (CIB)

traditional
Most foreigner-friendly private bank

Egypt's largest private bank; English-speaking staff, good app, and the most flexible for non-residents (branches in expat areas). Offers parallel USD accounts.

QNB Alahli

traditional
International profile and affluent clients

Subsidiary of Qatar National Bank; accepts foreigners fairly easily, decent app.

National Bank of Egypt (NBE)

traditional
Largest bank, widest network

State-owned giant with English support and USD/EUR accounts; part of the 'Open Your Account in Egypt' diaspora program.

Banque Misr

traditional
State bank, found everywhere

Second-largest state bank; broad network but more bureaucratic; also in the diaspora account program.

HSBC Egypt

traditional
Global profiles and multi-currency

One of the most flexible banks for foreigners; offers accounts in EGP or major currencies (non-resident opening subject to approval).

Arab African International Bank (AAIB)

traditional
Regional and private banking

Egyptian-Kuwaiti bank with private-banking services and international orientation.

International accounts & neobanks

Wise

Egypt is not on Wise's hold-a-balance list; Wise can send money to Egyptian accounts but residents cannot hold an EGP balance with Wise.

Payoneer

Widely used by Egyptian freelancers to receive USD/EUR/GBP and withdraw to a local bank in EGP.

Availability changes; confirm on each provider's site.

Next steps in Egypt

See the full Egypt tax, cost and visa profile, or compare Egypt with other destinations. Not sure where to go yet? Take the finder quiz.