Egypt Currency

angelcakes_3

Hi all

Our family is going to egypt and we are looking as to what currency to go with. Its been years since we went abroad last time we took travellers cheques. So shall we take travellers cheques, egyptian dollars or US dollars??

Any help will be gratefully received

Alter_ego

US dollars or maybe euros.

dzug1

Why do you say that? Do you really get that much better a rate than changing ££ to offset the 3 to 5% you'll pay getting those $$/€€?? Maybe but it sounds unlikely.

c'est_moi

Hi
Its much better to take Egyptian £ - and in as low a denomination as you can get them. Its much better for the locals, and stops them having to hassle tourists to changes the UK £s into local currency.

I will warn you though - the notes are very grubby - takes antibac with you to avoid a gippy tummy. There is so excellent advice on Tripadvisor about taking money to Egypt on the forum. Have fun - I LOVE Egypt - a magical place.:o

Alter_ego

dzug1 wrote: »

Why do you say that? Do you really get that much better a rate than changing ££ to offset the 3 to 5% you'll pay getting those $$/€€?? Maybe but it sounds unlikely.

I'm told that much better rates are available on the grey market.

lewroll

My advice is take sterling and change into Egyptian Pounds when you get there. Exchange rate is far higher there and they charge no commission fees.

I travel to Egypt frequently and always do it this way.:j

bcl999

lewroll wrote: »

My advice is take sterling and change into Egyptian Pounds when you get there. Exchange rate is far higher there and they charge no commission fees.

Seconded....

Poundshoplover

I've been a few times and have found that they dont want Egyptian pounds, Sterling or US$ is what they want. Last time I took both but ended up only using sterling. However, I've found that they are extremely grateful if you give them notes not coins as they cant exchange coins. People tip them 1 euro or pound which is useless to them. I took some £5 notes and was approached many times asking to exchange which I did but then you're left with all the coin to carry home!

Definitely agree about taking handwash though - its a necessity!!!

budgetflyer

The mastercard rate is 9.7 per GB£ today.
What rate could I expect to get locally ?

GRM

I found it useful to take 50 x US$1 notes for tipping.

IIRC the EGY£ rate in the airport over there was about 10% better than what was on offer over here.

mrsmasterplan

Im doing the same and was just wondering the ery same thing. Think ill change some English pounds here but most of it over there. Do i need to let my bank know that i am going there>?