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.
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Money MattersUS dollars are widely accepted in major tourist establishments, hotels, and souvenir shops. There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency or travelers cheques which may be brought into the country.
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.
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.
Currency exchange offices (pronounced “SUH-RAW-FUH” in Egyptian Arabic) are a great place to exchange foreign currency for Egyptian Pounds. There are exchange offices throughout Cairo and the rest of Egypt, and these are great places to take foreign currency (in cash) and exchange it for Egyptian Pounds.
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.
The Egyptian Tourism Authority advises that travelers are not allowed to bring more than 5,000 EGP (approximately 320 USD) into the country in local currency. You can bring up to 10,000 USD or the equivalent in foreign currency and then swap it for Egyptian pounds at a currency exchange.
US dollars are widely accepted in major tourist establishments, hotels, and souvenir shops. There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency or travelers cheques which may be brought into the country. However, passengers entering Egypt with Egyptian currency exceeding 1000 USD must declare this on arrival.
It is best to exchange currency for Egyptian pounds on arrival in Egypt. It's straightforward to trade dollars, pounds or euros in banks for Egyptian pounds.
Tipping your local leader in EgyptThe amount is entirely a personal preference, however the equivalent of USD 2–4 per person, per day, is a commonly used guideline. Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your trip.
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.
It is expected to tip drivers who are with you for the day (driver for the temples around Luxor, private driver bringing your group from Cairo to Siwa, etc.). You should tip a fair amount, $10-$15.
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.
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.