Should I haggle in Egypt?

If you pay with cash, not a credit card, you should have more leverage for getting a good discount. Shops prefer cash. Haggling is effective when buying high value items, such as gold and jewelry, but with low value items it is not worthwhile the time and effort.



People Also Ask

You will find most things very cheap compared with home. Drinks, especially imported can be exspensive or on a par with UK prices but food is reasonably cheap and meals out cost much less than here. Bargaining is expected and good bargains are to be had on things like clothes and Egyptian cotton. Enjoy!

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Money Matters 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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS