What currency to take to Sharm El Sheikh?

[parkers]

Hi,

We are off to Sharm for the 1st time in a few weeks.

I know the currency is the Egyption Pound but I have been told that they accept Dollars and Sterling?

Does anyone know what the preferred currency for tipping is?

Thanks

[Gromit]

Take a little Egyptian pounds to get you by when you arrive, but the ATMs will accept your debit card. Your bank will charge you about �2.50 per transaction, so get about �100 out at a time. Travellers cheques are a pointless waste of time.

Sterling is easily change, but why take a lot of cash with you if you do not have to do.

Top tip: The small denomination Egyptian pounds get disgustingly dirty. Clean your hands with anti-bacterial gel (from chemists) after handling it. Most tummy upsets come from handling dirty money.

Went to Sharm earlier this year and it was great. Take your snorkel if you are into that kind of thing.

[Gromit]

I obviously meant "get about 1000 Egyptian pounds (�100) out at a time" from the ATM.

10 Egyptian pounds = �1

[joggerjayne]

US Dollars, definitely.

Nobody wants the local currency.

Even paying for a Visa at the airport, they ask if you have dollars.

[Gromit]

Not forgetting the Euro. They like Euros as well.

[joggerjayne]

Well yes, they liked me.

Oh ... that sort of Euro. Sorry.

[Lakitu]

I toko a few Egyptian Pounds for taxi's etc. when I got there but otherwise I used USD and used my bank card to withdraw from the ATM the rest of the time.

Agree with Gromit, TC's are a waste of time, I haven't used them for years.

[parkers]

Thanks guys.....

We're in the process of doing our PADI diving course here so can't wait to go, heard the water and marine life is amazing !

And thanks for the tip on the dirty money....

Can you still get travellers cheques?
Always remember having to take your passport to get them changed and having to sign them all....!!

[Gromit]

Yes, the water is great. Warm clear and teaming with fishes. Went snorkelling at the Blue Hole only to find out it is known as the Divers' Cememtary. There are plaques to those who never made it.

May I enquire which part of Sharm you are staying?

[parkers]

Hmmm - shall give the Blue Hole a body swerve then !!

No idea what area we are staying in but we are staying at the Dreams Beach Resort...?

[Gromit]

You are in Hadaba. I stayed at Naama bay a bit further up the coast.

Here is a bit of a map.

http://sharm-el-sheikh.ovh.org/mapa_lewa_sredn ia_engl.jpg

Hope you enjoy your Holiday.

[Gromit]

I think the Blue Hole is only for very experienced divers. I did enjoy snorkelling around the top of it and it is worth a visit.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Hole_%28Red_ Sea%29

[parkers]

Thanks for the map Gromit....!

I didn't even realise there was a waterpark there - have you been ?

[Gromit]

The Cleo Park was near to where I was staying. I didn't go, but it was obviously very popular with families.

http://cleopark.net/