egypt

[paul 1]

of to egypt end of of oct. first time. anyone tell me please on money matters. what to take from here, ie cash as in sterling, us dollars or travellers cheques, should i change in to egyptain currency here or when i get there, r there cash machines there?

any othere use full information would be welcomed.

Thanks

[Whickerman]

You may well not be able to get Egyptian pounds before you travel, and just fyi - there's a strict low limit on the amount you can take home, about �50 sterling.

When i went there the advice from Lonely Planet proved invaluable. Buy travel cheques - if you get US dollars now you get a good rate - and change in the bank there. Almost every hotel above 3 stars has a bank in the lobby. Also, the people there will happily take euros, sterling and dollars, but be very aware of the exchange rate as prices will be in Egyptian pounds.

Last things - if you're buying - haggle like crazy, it's expected. Also, hoard small Egyptian notes to use as tips - again, very much expected (look up Baksheesh - you will get to know this word very intimately).

More tips here
http://www.egyptsites.co.uk/travel/money.html

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/egypt/m oney-and-costs

[puzzled54]

I have always taken some egyptian cash with and then used cash machines, never found it difficult to get egyptian cash in the uk.

[smiths]

Hi Paul
The rate is always better in Egypt. I normally take a mixture of a small amount of currency to see me over the first 24 hours + some english money to change and as back up some travellers cheques., I have never used cashpoints there are sometimes large charges and try and stay away from your credit card as well. Most have very large charges for transactions abroad.
Most international hotels will change money for you. If you use travellers cheques they will need the receipt and your passport to change the money.
Tipping is a way of life out there so get hold of some small notes as soon as you can.

Have a great time.