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Egypt
Travel Essentials: Money Matters
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Money Matters
The unit of currency is the Egyptian Pound (LE),
which is divided into 100 piasters. Pounds are
issued in notes of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100. Coins
are issued in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 25 and 50
piasters. 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.
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. We suggest that you only
use travelers cheques and change small amounts of
money as you go to avoid having large amounts of
Egyptian currency left over at the end of your trip.
Currency Exchange
There is one rate of exchange controlled by the
government, established daily and available from all
banks. Currency may be exchanged through banks or
currency exchange houses which can be found in most
major cities, and are usually open from 10am till
9pm every day of the week. All major hotels will
exchange major foreign currencies at the same rate
as banks. You will be issued a receipt which must be
retained to permit currency to be re-exchanged when
leaving the country and as evidence that exchange of
currency has been through official channels.
Egyptian pounds may be converted back to foreign
currency at the airport if you have kept all
documentation relating to any currency exchange
transactions, such as hotel and bar bills, shopping
and foreign exchange receipts.
Banking hours
Are normally 9am till 2pm, Sunday through Thursday,
closed on Fridays and Saturdays. Cairo Airport and
the majority of major hotels in Cairo offer 24-hrs
banking services. Please remember to have your
passport on you as this will be required to effect
any transaction.
Major credit cards
Such as MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted at
major restaurants, almost all hotels, and many
shops. American Express is less common but is still
normally accepted at major hotels. Diners Club is
hardly known in Egypt.
Tipping
Tipping or "baksheesh" is a subject that even the
most experienced traveler finds difficult. It is a
very personal and individual matter and the decision
of how much to give is strictly yours.
Hotel service charges and taxes are usually included
in your holiday cost together with all portage of 2
pieces of baggage per person and service in bars and
restaurants.
Tips to your drivers, guides, staff on board Nile
cruise vessels and to your Egyptologist are usually
not included in your tour price. We hope that the
following guidelines will be helpful to you:
Drivers: You will generally have the same driver
throughout your initial stay in Cairo. A tip is
usually given on your last day in Cairo of
approximately LE 10 per day per person. For drivers
in Upper Egypt a tip of about LE 5 per day per
person is appropriate.
Staff on board river vessels: Approximately LE 25/30
per day per person is suggested as a total tip to be
divided amongst all the staff on Nile Cruise
vessels.
Egyptologist/Guide: Approximately LE 25/30 per day
per person is suggested.
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