What currency to take to Egypt (Nile Cruise)?

PicklePickle

I'm going on a nile cruise in a few weeks time and am a bit confused as to whether to take Egyptian pounds, sterling or US dollars. We only have to pay for drinks on board and souvenirs. Has anyone been recently? Which did you find best?

Pollycat

It's about 4 years since we did our last Nile cruise, but we paid for our drinks on board by credit card at the end of the cruise.

We did change some sterling into Egyptian pounds, it's handy if you want to buy something during one of the excursions. There's always people selling bits of jewellery, guide books etc.
I wouldn't bother with US$.

I'd advise you to ask the question on Tripadvisor and Holidaytruths.

I hope you have a great time - we did.

braveheart60uk

I went to egypt on a nile cruise last year, you get a lot better rate when you take sterling over there, only downside is that on my cruise it was hard to get tio a bank to exchange to Egyptian.
Added warning, they will probably do a dress up in traditional Egyptian clothing evening on board, do NOT by clothing on board it was about 5 times what you can haggle off the boat.
Also on excursions the travel guide and egyptologist get a LARGE cut from shops and other places visited.
Also make sure yo are all inclusive, even if like me yo do not drink, as water can cost an arm and a leg.
HTH

PS I had a FANTASTIC holiday, hope yours is the same

nlwsaint

Been twice in last 12 months & egyptian pounds is the best option. You will get a better exchange rate over there but you will need to visit the bank on the first day before you leave luxor or the next chance to get to the bank will be in Aswan. You will need some small denominations for tipping. Agree about the cost of drinks on board, they are really expensive if you are not AI so if you like a drink, get something at the airport on the way out. The tip about the Egyptian evening is also correct as every cruise will have one so buy your costume off the boat if possible. Enjoy your trip, I'm so jealous of you.