Should I use cash or card in Egypt?

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.



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Most mid- and high-end tourist hotels will accept major credit cards, with Visa and MasterCard having the widest acceptance in Egypt. American Express is less commonly accepted but still useful in higher-end facilities. Diner's Club is rarely accepted in Egypt. The majority of restaurants and shops remain cash-only.

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Cash is King in Egypt 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.

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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.

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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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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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Budgeting for Tipping in Egypt While the amount you tip may seem small, it can add up quickly, especially if you are traveling for an extended period. A good rule of thumb is to set aside an additional 10-15% of your total trip budget for tipping.

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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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While credit cards are easy to carry and more secure than cash, you should always have some local cash on you when traveling. It's just good sense. Besides the fact that some local shops and vendors won't accept credit cards, having some cash provides a safety net in case your bank shuts off your card for any reason.

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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.

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Customary Tipping Amounts in Egypt In restaurants, it is customary to tip between 10-15% of the total bill. For hotel staff, such as housekeeping, bellhops, and doormen, a tip of 20-30 Egyptian pounds per service is appropriate.

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Customary Tipping Amounts in Egypt For hotel staff, such as housekeeping, bellhops, and doormen, a tip of 20-30 Egyptian pounds per service is appropriate. For tour guides, a tip of 100-200 Egyptian pounds per day is customary, depending on the length and quality of the tour.

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Although it is not customary to tip your taxi driver in Egypt, they do appreciate tips. Normally a fare will be agreed upon prior to your taxi ride and most times this will include a tip. You can always leave a little extra change or round up to the next dollar.

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Depending on the kind of guided tour you purchase and the kind of added experiences you choose, your visit to the Pyramids of Giza can range from $34 to $50 to $70. A half-day guided tour of the Pyramids and the Sphinx costs around $34 while a guided tour of the Egyptian Museum, pyramids, and bazaars costs around $51.

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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.

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Passport and Visas: U.S. citizens must have a visa to enter Egypt. U.S. citizens can obtain a renewable single-entry 30-day tourist visa on arrival at Egyptian airports for a 25 USD fee. A multiple entry visa is also obtainable for 60 USD.

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