Egypt – Retail and Consumer Issues

What are the typical opening hours for shops in Egypt?

Egypt operates a seasonally adjusted system of regulated retail trading hours, administered by the Ministry of Local Development. The framework is set out in the Minister of Local Development’s Resolution No. 456 of 2020. Summer trading hours apply from the final Friday of April each year through to the close of the last Thursday of September, after which winter hours take effect from October until late April.

Throughout the winter period, shops and shopping malls — restaurants, cafés, and bazaars excluded — open each day from 7:00 am and close at 10:00 pm. On Thursdays, Fridays, and public holidays, closing time shifts to 11:00 pm. During the summer months, the standard daily closing time moves to 11:00 pm, with Thursdays, Fridays, and official holidays seeing closures pushed back to midnight.

Shopping malls themselves generally open from around 10:00 am and close at midnight, remaining open until 1:00 am on Thursdays, Fridays, weekends, and state holidays. In contrast to countries such as Germany, where Sunday trading restrictions mean most shops are legally closed, Egypt has no equivalent statutory Sunday closure rule. That said, some businesses do choose to keep shorter hours or close entirely on Sundays as a matter of their own policy rather than any legal obligation.

Grocery outlets, supermarkets, storage warehouses, and bakeries fall outside the standard regulated hours framework, as do fruit and vegetable sellers, poultry shops, wholesale markets, and pharmacies. This means that for everyday essentials, trading hours are considerably more flexible. Smaller neighbourhood shops may observe an informal midday break for lunch and afternoon prayers.

During Ramadan, trading schedules often shift considerably. Businesses frequently delay their morning openings and extend into the late evening, as the bulk of social and commercial activity gravitates towards the hours after iftar. Expats should also anticipate extended closures around major Islamic celebrations such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, when many retailers shut for several consecutive days. In coastal and tourist governorates, opening and closing times may be further adjusted by the relevant local authority.

What forms of payment are typically accepted in Egypt?

Physical cash in Egyptian Pounds remains by far the most common way to pay for goods and services throughout the country. Surveys indicate that approximately 72 percent of consumers preferred cash at the point of sale as of 2023. It is essential to keep Egyptian Pounds on hand, especially when shopping at local markets, smaller independent retailers, and in rural or Upper Egypt governorates.

Credit cards are broadly accepted in larger retail outlets, shopping centres, and hotels, but reliance on cards alone is unwise, particularly at smaller shops and market stalls. Card ownership remains limited across Egypt — debit card penetration stood at just over 22 percent of the population as of 2023, with credit card ownership considerably lower still.

Mobile and digital payment methods are advancing rapidly. As part of the Central Bank of Egypt’s (CBE) drive towards a less cash-dependent economy, the tokenisation of payment cards on mobile devices has been introduced, and Apple Pay became operational in December 2024. It is now accepted across grocery stores, pharmacies, taxis, restaurants, coffee shops, and a broad range of retail outlets.

Further developments including contactless payment capabilities, “Request-to-Pay” functionality, and compatibility with both Apple Pay and Google Pay are accelerating Egypt’s payments transition. Alongside these international tools, a dynamic ecosystem of homegrown mobile wallet services is flourishing. Vodafone Cash is the market leader with 8.2 million users and accounts for around 62.7% of all mobile wallet transactions, while Orange Cash holds roughly a 25% share of the market.

Fawry is a widely used and enormously popular payment network that enables cash-reliant consumers to settle more than 250 different electronic bills and services at an extensive network of kiosks and convenience outlets. Fawry terminals are a common sight in pharmacies and corner shops throughout the country. Egypt’s first national payment network, Meeza, was established in 2019 with the goal of widening financial inclusion — offered in prepaid card format, Meeza has opened digital payment access to millions who previously lacked it. For newly arrived expats yet to open a local bank account, Meeza cards offer a practical interim solution.

Although the Egyptian Pound is the official national currency, US Dollars and Euros are also accepted in many tourist-oriented shops and markets. Nevertheless, keeping a supply of Egyptian Pounds for everyday purchases and local market visits remains sensible practice.

What are the major supermarkets in Egypt, and how do they differ?

Egypt’s supermarket sector is well-developed and offers a spectrum of options, from affordable neighbourhood hypermarkets through to upscale international chains. Both global brands and local operators serve the market, with the greatest concentration of outlets in Cairo, Alexandria, and other major urban centres.

Carrefour is among the most familiar names for those arriving from abroad. In Egypt, it is operated under a franchise arrangement by Majid Al Futtaim and runs both large-format hypermarkets and the smaller Carrefour Market outlets across numerous cities. While pricing sits above budget-focused competitors, the quality of its offering — including organic ranges and locally sourced produce — positions it as a solid mid-to-premium option, broadly comparable to a Sainsbury’s or Coles.

Spinneys is a high-end supermarket chain with locations in prestigious Cairo districts including Zamalek and Maadi. It tends to command higher prices but compensates with superior product quality and an extensive selection of imported and international food items. The experience is analogous to shopping at a Waitrose or a quality European delicatessen, making it a favourite with the expat community.

Hyper One is an established Egyptian hypermarket brand offering a wide assortment of groceries, household products, and electronics. It is particularly well regarded for its competitive pricing and appeals strongly to value-conscious shoppers — similar in spirit to a Lidl or Aldi in its cost focus, though with a wider general merchandise range.

Seoudi Market is a trusted local chain that enjoys loyal patronage among Cairo residents, with reliable fresh produce and a solid packaged goods selection at mid-range prices. Other significant players include El Kabeer and Metro Markets, serving diverse customer bases across Cairo and Alexandria. Gourmet Egypt, situated in wealthier neighbourhoods, operates as a premium specialty food destination stocking imported cheeses, wines, deli items, and organic produce.

Loyalty and rewards programmes have yet to become as ubiquitous as in some other markets, though Carrefour does offer a points-based loyalty scheme through which customers can accumulate rewards and access exclusive promotions. Checking individual supermarket apps and websites for current offers is worthwhile, as deals are updated regularly.

How popular is online shopping in Egypt, and what are the main platforms?

Digital commerce is growing steadily in Egypt, driven by a large and predominantly young population with strong appetite for online purchasing. The spread of mobile money platforms and improved digital infrastructure are making e-commerce increasingly accessible, and the sector represents a substantial opportunity for both consumers and merchants alike.

The principal online shopping platforms active in Egypt include:

• Jumia Egypt — one of the largest and most established e-commerce marketplaces in the country, with a broad product catalogue spanning electronics, fashion, home appliances, beauty products, and more.
• Noon — a regional e-commerce platform serving markets across the Middle East, with a diverse range of electronics, fashion, and beauty goods available to Egyptian shoppers.
• Amazon.eg — following Amazon’s acquisition of the regional platform Souq.com, the service was relaunched under the Amazon brand as Amazon.eg. It now functions as the primary Amazon-branded marketplace in Egypt, offering a broad product selection with the purchasing experience familiar to Amazon customers worldwide.
• Talabat and Elmenus — predominantly food delivery services, widely relied upon for restaurant orders as well as grocery delivery in partnership with supermarket operators.

Delivery performance varies. In Cairo and Alexandria, same-day or next-day fulfilment from the major platforms is increasingly the norm. In smaller cities and more remote areas, delivery windows are longer and coverage can be patchy. Cash on delivery (COD) remains a popular payment choice across most platforms, which is convenient for those who have not yet arranged a local bank card.

When ordering internationally, import duties may apply. Egypt’s customs authority applies levies to goods brought into the country, and high-value courier shipments are especially likely to attract charges. It is advisable to consult the Egyptian Customs Authority’s current guidelines before placing significant international orders, as applicable thresholds are subject to change.

Are there shops or products in Egypt catering specifically to expats or international tastes?

Expats based in Cairo — especially those in established communities such as Maadi, Zamalek, New Cairo, and Heliopolis — will find a well-developed retail network tailored to international preferences. These districts have long attracted sizeable overseas communities, and their shopping infrastructure has evolved accordingly.

Spinneys and Gourmet Egypt are the primary destinations for imported cheeses, cured meats, international condiments, specialty breads, and wines. Their shelves draw from Europe, North America, and across the broader Middle East. Metro Markets also carries a reasonable international food range at more accessible prices.

Khan El Khalili, Cairo’s celebrated historic bazaar, is an atmospheric and treasure-filled souq offering traditional crafts, jewellery, spices, and an array of souvenirs. For fresh everyday produce, the neighbourhood markets — referred to locally as suqs — found in most residential areas provide excellent fruit, vegetables, herbs, and spices at very reasonable prices.

Ingredients for East Asian, South Asian, and Southeast Asian cuisines can be found at specialist stores in central Cairo. Staples associated with Indian cooking — including lentils, spices, and flours — are fairly accessible given Egypt’s sizeable South Asian expat population. More niche items from Latin American or East Asian food traditions may demand greater effort to locate, though Jumia and Amazon.eg are progressively closing this gap through international sellers on their platforms.

A number of global retail brands have a presence in Egypt. Cairo hosts several large shopping destinations including Citystars Mall, Mall of Egypt, and Cairo Festival City Mall, all of which feature international fashion and lifestyle labels. Retailers such as Zara, H&M, Mango, and well-known sportswear and electronics brands operate in major malls across the city. Alexandria combines modern retail complexes with traditional market culture; San Stefano Grand Plaza, the city’s largest mall, brings together international brands, a cinema, and a wide selection of dining options under one roof.

What are your rights as a consumer in Egypt?

Egypt’s Consumer Protection Law No. 181 of 2018 (the “CPL”) came into force on 13 September 2018 upon publication in the Official Gazette. It superseded the prior consumer protection legislation that had first been enacted in 2006 — the law that originally established the Consumer Protection Agency (CPA) as the country’s primary consumer protection regulator.

On 5 April 2024, Law No. 20 of 2024 was enacted and published in the Official Gazette, introducing a series of amendments to the Consumer Protection Law No. 181 of 2018. This illustrates that Egyptian consumer law remains a developing body of regulation; the current legal position should always be confirmed with the CPA or a qualified legal professional.

Core rights established by the CPL include:

• Right to information: Suppliers are obliged to furnish consumers with clear and complete product information, covering useful lifespans and applicable guarantee periods. Where a product poses potential health or safety risks, suppliers must disclose this and provide correct usage instructions.
• Right to safety: All products placed on the market must comply with applicable safety standards, and suppliers bear liability for damage caused by goods that prove to be defective.
• Right to fair pricing: Deceptive pricing practices and false advertising are explicitly prohibited. Law No. 20 of 2024 raised the penalties for offences including the concealment or withholding of strategic products from sale.
• Right to redress: Consumers are entitled to lodge complaints and pursue remedies — including replacement, repair, or refund — in respect of faulty goods, through the CPA’s complaints process.

Unlike the position under EU consumer law — which mandates a minimum two-year statutory warranty on all consumer goods — Egypt’s CPL does not prescribe a single universal guarantee period applicable to all product categories. Guarantee periods must be clearly communicated by the supplier at the point of sale. Always request and keep your receipt and any warranty paperwork; without proof of purchase, pursuing a complaint becomes considerably more difficult.

As of 2024, fines for withholding or concealing strategic goods range from EGP 150,000 to EGP 3,000,000, reflecting the upward revision introduced by the 2024 amendments. For specific legal guidance on returns, refund entitlements, or disputes involving defective goods, consult the Consumer Protection Agency or seek advice from a qualified Egyptian lawyer.

Which organisations protect consumers in Egypt, and how can you contact them?

A number of official bodies share responsibility for consumer protection in Egypt. Knowing which authority to approach — and through what channel — can save a great deal of time when a problem arises.

Consumer Protection Agency (CPA)

The Consumer Protection Agency functions under the Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade and plays a central role in regulating pricing and market conduct. It upholds consumer rights including the right to safety, information, choice, and redress, and handles complaints brought by consumers against suppliers. The CPA investigates disputes and can intervene where suppliers have acted unlawfully. The official website is cpa.gov.eg. A complaints hotline is also operated — current contact details can be found on the website.

Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade

The Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade holds overarching responsibility for market oversight, price regulation, and the availability of consumer goods in Egypt. It provides supervisory authority over the CPA and shapes policy on food security and retail supply chains. Further information is accessible through Egypt’s central government portal at egypt.gov.eg.

Central Bank of Egypt (CBE)

The CBE leads the national drive towards digital and electronic payments, steering the country away from its cash-heavy heritage. For matters relating to banking services, disputed card transactions, or digital wallet problems, the CBE oversees the regulatory conduct of the banking sector. The CBE’s official website is cbe.org.eg.

How to file a complaint

If a dispute arises with a retailer or supplier, the recommended course of action is as follows:

1. Seek to resolve the matter directly with the retailer in the first instance, and request any response in writing.
2. Collect and preserve all relevant documentation, including receipts, contracts, warranties, and correspondence.
3. If the matter remains unresolved, submit a formal complaint to the Consumer Protection Agency through its official website or complaints hotline.
4. The CPA will conduct an investigation and may act as mediator between you and the supplier, or escalate to legal enforcement action where warranted.
5. For legally complex disputes, seek independent advice from a lawyer registered with the Egyptian Bar Association.

Under the CPL, expats hold the same consumer rights as Egyptian residents when purchasing in Egypt. There is no distinct framework for foreign nationals, but language can present a practical obstacle — enlisting an Arabic-speaking advocate or interpreter when submitting formal complaints is strongly recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are shops in Egypt open on Fridays and Saturdays?

Yes, the great majority of shops throughout Egypt trade on both Fridays and Saturdays, which together constitute the country’s official weekend. Trading hours are in fact extended on Thursdays and Fridays, as well as on public and state holidays. Smaller family-run businesses may choose to close briefly on Friday mornings to allow proprietors to attend communal prayers, typically reopening by early afternoon.

Can I use my international credit or debit card in Egypt?

Credit cards are widely accepted in larger retail outlets, shopping malls, and hotels, but it is prudent to keep cash available, particularly when visiting smaller shops and markets. Visa and Mastercard are the most broadly accepted international card networks in Egypt. In rural areas and traditional souqs, cash is almost universally required. Before travelling, inform your bank of your plans to prevent cards from being flagged and suspended.

Is bargaining expected in Egyptian markets?

Haggling is a deeply ingrained tradition in Egypt’s bazaars and traditional markets, and a little negotiation can go a long way towards securing a favourable price. In contrast, supermarkets, chain stores, and shopping centres operate on a fixed-price basis where negotiation is not practised. In souqs and informal street markets, however, the first price quoted is almost invariably open to discussion.

How does online grocery delivery work in Egypt?

A number of services handle grocery delivery in Egypt, among them Talabat, Elmenus, and the in-house delivery operations of chains such as Carrefour. In Cairo and Alexandria, express delivery within one to two hours is increasingly common, and same-day standard delivery is widely available. Cash on delivery is offered as a payment option across most platforms, making it straightforward for shoppers who prefer not to pay by card over the internet.

What should I do if I buy a faulty product in Egypt?

Consumer Protection Law No. 181 of 2018 entitles you to seek a remedy when goods turn out to be defective. Take the item back to the retailer along with your receipt and any applicable warranty documentation, and request a replacement, repair, or refund. Should the retailer decline to assist, you can escalate by submitting a formal complaint to the Consumer Protection Agency (CPA). Retaining all purchase-related documentation throughout the process is essential.

Is it easy to find imported or international food products in Egypt?

In the major cities — and particularly in Cairo’s expat-populated districts such as Maadi and Zamalek — imported food products are readily available through premium retailers like Spinneys and Gourmet Egypt. Spinneys in particular stocks a strong selection of imported goods alongside organic and locally sourced produce. More specialised ingredients tied to particular cuisines may necessitate a visit to a dedicated import shop or an online order.

Are there any payment apps I should set up when moving to Egypt?

Fawry is an extraordinarily popular payment network enabling users to pay for over 250 different electronic services through thousands of kiosk and retail locations nationwide. Mobile wallets — led by Vodafone Cash and the CBE-backed InstaPay — are also expanding rapidly and are widely used for peer-to-peer transfers and bill settlement. Opening a local bank account and registering for InstaPay early in your relocation process is strongly advisable.

Does Egypt have consumer protection laws that apply to expats?

Consumer Protection Law No. 181 of 2018, which established the Consumer Protection Agency as Egypt’s primary consumer protection regulator, applies to every consumer making purchases within Egypt regardless of nationality. If a dispute arises, the CPA is your first port of call — visit cpa.gov.eg for information on how to lodge a complaint and to access current contact details.