Currency informationCoins 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.
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It is useful to have local currency for tipping or for shopping in smaller souks or local restaurants, and it is easy to change money at any hotel bank. US dollars are widely accepted in major tourist establishments, hotels, and souvenir shops.
Whenever you tip during your trip to Egypt it is important to use the local currency, that is - Egyptian pounds. Otherwise you'll leave your service providers with cash they can't use without paying high fees on currency exchange.
It's always advisable to bring money in a variety of forms on a vacation: a mix of cash, credit cards, and traveler's checks. American and Canadian dollars, pounds sterling, and euros are all easily exchanged in Egypt, and Cairo International Airport has a number of 24-hour banks that give the same rates as in town.
Rather than converting your money prior to arrival, consider waiting until you're in Egypt for a more favorable exchange rate without currency exchange fees. Accepted currencies include Euros, US dollars, AUS dollars and British pounds, offering flexibility in payment methods.
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.
While Euros, dollars, and sterling notes are widely accepted, opting for Egyptian pounds can stretch your funds further, especially when buying smaller items, such as toiletries, water, snacks, souvenirs.
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.
Egypt is mostly a cash-based society, and credit cards are not something often used to make payments. This is slowly changing, so travelers can expect to use credit cards in the following scenarios: When staying at international hotel chains, like Marriott, Hilton, etc.
2egp is the best price i have found for a can of coke. Most shops seem to charge 3.50 to 4 egp to tourists. My familly consists of 5 people so these sort of individual price items makes a difference. Most of my stay in egypt I have been paying 3.50-4 egp for can of coke.
While tipping is allowed at some resorts, it is optional, so you won't have to worry about staff pressuring you to do so. You don't have to feel bad about not being able to or wanting to tip everyone.
One of the most common tipping mistakes in Egypt is not tipping at all. In Egypt, tipping is expected, and failure to do so can be considered rude or disrespectful. Another mistake is tipping too little. While it may seem like a small amount to you, it can make a big difference to service providers.
Is it rude not to tip at all-inclusive resorts? While tipping is allowed at some resorts, it is optional, so you won't have to worry about staff pressuring you to do so.