In Cairo, is it better to bring euros or US dollars, and can euros be used for payment or exchange?
Based on 3 discussions with 3 participants · Last activity: 9 days ago
TL;DR
Recent traveler reports suggest euros can be better value than US dollars in Cairo, with some places pricing the same item at 2 EUR versus 3 USD. Euros are accepted in some shops, but older banknotes may be harder to exchange.
What the community said
According to the most recent traveler feedback from Cairo, euros may now be better value than US dollars. Places that used to charge the same nominal amount in both currencies are now sometimes charging around 2 EUR versus 3 USD, so carrying euros can work out cheaper in practice.
9 days ago 2 EUR / 3 USD
Travelers also report that euros are not only exchangeable in Cairo but can sometimes be used directly for purchases. Specific examples mentioned were Waikiki and De Facto, where people were able to pay in euros recently.
9 days ago Waikiki, De Facto
Older euro banknotes may be an issue. Travelers specifically asked whether bills from older series, such as 2002 notes, can be exchanged through ATM-related or bank services. If you are bringing cash to Cairo, newer and cleaner notes are the safer option.
9 days ago 2002 euro banknotes