Can you pay in dollars in Egypt or do you need to exchange for pounds?

Yes, in tourist areas of Egypt you can pay in dollars, and it is often even more convenient than with local pounds (EGP). Prices for excursions, in souvenir shops, for services in hotels (massage, spa) are usually initially quoted in US dollars. Sellers and guides willingly accept dollar cash without any conversion.

However, there is an important nuance: for comfortable payments, you should have small dollar bills (1, 5, 10 dollars). With a large 100-dollar bill, you are unlikely to buy a magnet for 1-2 dollars, simply because the seller may not have change. If you are on an all-inclusive vacation and plan minimal expenses, you may not need to exchange dollars for pounds at all.

Pounds will be needed for more 'local' expenses: trips on public transport, buying water or snacks in small shops outside the hotel, tips in non-touristy cafes. But even in these cases, dollars are often accepted, just the exchange rate may not be the most favorable.

Read more about the nuances of payments and how to avoid fraud when exchanging in our article: Where to exchange dollars in Egypt.

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