Banking & Money in Egypt: what actually matters to know

From real experience

• To obtain small dollar bills in Egypt, travelers can exchange larger denominations with hotel staff (waiters, bartenders, cleaners). Duty-free shops upon departure can also be an option for breaking larger bills. Paying in Egyptian pounds (EGP) is generally more advantageous and sometimes mandatory in local shops. Be cautious when exchanging money, always check for damaged or worn-out banknotes as they may be rejected.
• In Hurghada, Egypt, older series US dollar bills are generally accepted for transactions. However, the acceptance is contingent on the physical condition of the banknotes. Bills must be free from significant tears, extensive creasing, stains, or defacement. Minor wear and tear are usually tolerated, but heavily damaged or marked currency may be rejected.
• Duty-free shops in Egypt may lack small denominations of USD or EUR, often attempting to provide change in local currency or undesirable denominations (like Rubles). It is recommended to carry small USD notes or exchange currency with hotel staff/porters prior to reaching the airport.
• When traveling to Egypt, it is recommended to bring USD or EUR and exchange them for Egyptian Pounds (EGP) locally, as exchanging RUB to EGP in Russia is challenging. Payment in EGP is generally more cost-effective. EGP can be obtained at banks, exchange offices, or ATMs. The largest EGP banknote is 200 EGP, so travelers should be prepared for a larger volume of cash for significant purchases.
• UnionPay cards issued by Russian Agricultural Bank (Rosselkhozbank) are functional in Egypt. They can be used at ATMs to withdraw local currency (EGP) and at select retail terminals. Withdrawal commission is 250 RUB per transaction; POS purchases typically incur no additional fees.
• In Egypt, Russian rubles cannot be officially exchanged. Exchange is possible only through private exchangers, typically with a minimum amount of 10,000 RUB. Mir cards are generally not accepted for direct transactions.
• Nesma Airlines cabin baggage allowance dimensions are 45x35x15 cm. Compliance is inconsistent and depends on airport staff discretion, but passengers should strictly adhere to these specific dimensions to avoid potential additional fees or baggage check.
• Russian-issued UnionPay cards (specifically Rosselkhozbank) have inconsistent acceptance in Egyptian retail chains like Carrefour. While some users report successful transactions in Alexandria and Hurghada, others face payment failures. Carrying local currency (EGP) as a backup is strictly recommended.
• UnionPay ATMs are available at Sharm El Sheikh Airport, located in the baggage claim area. They are operational. Withdrawal of 4000 Egyptian pounds from a Russian ruble card incurred a commission of 250 Russian rubles.
• Rosselkhozbank (RSKhB) UnionPay cards can be used in Egypt for both payments and cash withdrawals. While some merchants (e.g., pharmacies) accept direct payments without commission, acceptance is not universal. Cash withdrawals are possible at some ATMs, specifically reported at ABC Bank, with a commission of 250 RUB for 4000 EGP. The internal conversion process (RUB-CNY-EGP) is transparent to the user. However, some ATMs that display the UnionPay logo may still reject transactions.
• RosSelkhozBank UnionPay cards in Egypt primarily function for cash withdrawals at ATMs. Direct payments for goods and services using this card are not widely accepted in many establishments. Travelers should carry alternative payment methods or sufficient cash.
• If you receive a slightly torn US dollar bill in Egypt, there are a couple of solutions. Some tourists have successfully exchanged them with their hotel guide. Others have reported being able to use them for purchases in local stores without issue.
• In Egypt, many retail stores and supermarkets do not accept USD, requiring payment in EGP or by card. When USD is accepted, shops strictly prioritize 'new' bills (dated 2006 or later).

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