best currency

[Scubajeg1]

In Egyptian red sea area which currency is best for incedentals and tipping; USD, EURO, OR EGYPTIAN LB ?
If Egyptian lb is best , would cairo airport be a good location to exchange or Hurghada airport or at hotels?

 

[Finn_Diver]

Egyptian pound is the best. US dollar second. Euro coins 1 and 2 are the worst, because banks don't change coins to Egyptian pounds.

Can't tell where you get the best rate. But if you are not familiar with Egyptian money, don't use the black market.

 

[Scubajeg1]

Egyptian pound is the best. US dollar second. Euro coins 1 and 2 are the worst, because banks don't change coins to Egyptian pounds.

Can't tell where you get the best rate. But if you are not familiar with Egyptian money, don't use the black market.

Thank you.

 

[runsongas]

egp is on a free float currently, so you might as well use the bank at the airport when you land. before it was floated, there was a significant spread difference between the unofficial money changers vs official bank such that you could get a lot more egp for the same equivalent in usd/euro.

 

[KenGordon]

I got the impression that Euros were the thing. There had just been a devaluation of the Egyptian pound so maybe that had something to do with it...

I left a tip in GBP and it was not very well received

 

[Scubajeg1]

thank you all.

 

[Sunn]

Any of these 3 currencies is accepted. Better use EGP, notes of 50 or 100 max.

Use USD to pay the visa, unless it's already arranged by your TO.

Change at the airport bank or in a bank where you reside ; avoid the hotels; ATMs exist everwhere, be sure your card has been unblocked by your bank for this country and verify if your bank charges something for this usage, it may be a bad surprise...

These are only advices, you do what you want.

 

[Scubajeg1]

thanks