Should I exchange money before traveling to Egypt?

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.



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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.

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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.

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Cash is King in Egypt For 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.

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Tipping 10–15% of your bill total is customary at cafes and restaurants, and loose change is acceptable for food purchases from street vendors and markets. Often known as 'backsheesh' in parts of Asia and the Middle East, tipping is standard practice in Egypt.

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Most businesses, restaurants and retailers accept debit cards, Visa, and MasterCard, however public service providers will not accept payment by credit cards. For example, utility bill collections, taxi services, smaller street kiosks will only accept cash payments. Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad.

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Tipping your local leader in Egypt The 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.

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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.

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When you are traveling to another country, you can exchange some of your money before you leave home. Doing so gives you time to shop around for the best rate.

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In Egypt, drinking water from the tap is not recommended. Water treatment plants in and around Cairo heavily chlorinate the supply, so the water in the capital is relatively safe to drink. However, it is advisable everywhere else in Egypt to purchase bottled water or drink treated or purified water.

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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.

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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.

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