Never, ever, tip using foreign coins, and I highly recommend against using $1 USD bills, since these cannot be exchanged for local currency at any currency exchange office in Egypt.
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Currency and MoneyCoins are in denominations of 25, 20, 10 and 5 piastres. British pounds sterling, Euros and the US Dollar are accepted everywhere although change may be given in Egyptian pounds.
The best currency to take to Egypt is the local currency, the Egyptian pound. US dollars are also highly exchangeable at local banks and currency exchange offices.
When traveling throughout Egypt, I highly recommend using Egyptian Pounds or credit card to pay for all purchases. Not only is it easier for Egyptian's to accept money in Egyptian Pounds (they will not need to exchange it later), tourists also often receive better prices when using Egyptian Pounds to make purchases.
Cash is King in EgyptFor best rates go to the nearest currency exchange shops or banks, and these are readily available across all Egyptian cities. Exchange shops have shorter waiting lines than banks. NOTE: you now need your passport with you at both exchange shops and banks.
A budget traveler can expect to spend around $30 to $50 per day in Egypt, while a mid-range traveler can expect to spend around $50 to $100 per day. It is important to plan ahead and research activities and costs to create a budget that works for you.
Cash is king in Egypt and many local restaurants, shops, and tour operators will not have card facilities. However, you should be able to pay electronically at most mid-range and high-end stores, restaurants, and hotels; just make sure to check first before racking up a huge bill.
Dining out in EgyptExpect to pay around £2.15 for a meal for one in a low-key eaterie in Hurghada and £3 in Cairo. Prices increase to £4.50 for a three-course meal for one in finer surroundings in Hurghada, and £7.60 in the capital.
The range of food cost per person can vary from budget restaurants for $5 to $10, mid-range restaurants for $15 to $30, and high-end restaurants for $50 to $100. A budget traveler can expect to spend around $30 to $50 per day in Egypt, while a mid-range traveler can expect to spend around $50 to $100 per day.
The shops and markets of Egypt are filled with a huge amount of a wide variety of products at an affordable cost. Do not forget that you are in an eastern country and it is customary to bargain here, so even if you are completely satisfied with the prices of goods, take your time.
January and February are definitely the best value months in terms of Egypt last minute travel deals. Travelers who adore a cooler Israel and Egypt, who do not want to spend their entire trip lying in the sun, go there time after time during these months.
It is cheapest to visit Egypt during the low season or summer months (May to August). But if you want value for your buck then the shoulder months of March, April and September are ideal for Egypt. If you plan your itinerary around Egypt's weather, you can have a perfect budget-friendly vacation around this time.
Reconsider travel to Egypt due to terrorism. Exercise increased caution in Egypt due to the Embassy's limited ability to assist dual national U.S.-Egyptian citizens who are arrested or detained. Do not travel to: The Sinai Peninsula (with the exception of travel to Sharm El-Sheikh by air) due to terrorism.
All you need to pull money from an ATM is your debit card (a credit card linked to a checking account) and your PIN, and most travelers will also need to inform their bank they are traveling in Egypt and will be using local ATMs.
ATMs are considered one of the most important acceptance channels serving the entire banking sector in Egypt. It acts as an essential substitute for the bank's branches by allowing the execution of financial and non-financial services such as but not limited to cash withdrawal, cash deposit and bill payments.