MONEY MATTERS
The unit of currency is the Egyptian Pound (L.E), which is divided into 100 piaster.
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 piaster. 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 checks, 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 checks 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 EXCHNGE
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 HOURD
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.

DEPURTURE TAXES
The airport departure tax is currently included in your ticket.

• Can I use my credit/debit cards easily?

Yes. Most places accept these nowadays, including all decent hotels and cruises. You are advised to carry cash when shopping in the many street markets (souks) though the larger malls, and street shops, can accept plastic.

• Are there plenty of ATM’s?

Almost every bank has an ATM outside it, or just inside the front doors, and you will normally find that they are guarded by a policeman. Many shopping malls have stand alone ATM’s and you can also find them located along a busy pavement (sidewalk), or where two busy pavements meet. Airports and railway stations also have ATM’s as do the larger tour company offices.