Can you exchange UAE dirhams, old US dollars, and other currencies at Egyptian banks and ATMs?

A recent report says that a hotel ATM exchanged 1996-series US dollar bills for Egyptian pounds. This is an individual case, so availability should be checked at the specific ATM or hotel.

Travelers report that older US dollar notes that exchange offices may refuse can be spent at Egyptian Duty Free. At regular shops, check the issue year and inspect change carefully, as old notes may be given back as change.

According to recent reports, many places in Egypt do not accept US dollar notes issued before 2006. Notes from the 2006–2013 series are generally accepted almost everywhere.

Large bills can be exchanged at a small shop near the hotel reception on the street — a cleaner handled the exchange a couple of times. For Egyptian pounds, travelers used an ATM near the lobby bar, with hotel staff assisting with the transaction.

Some hotels have an ATM right outside where you can withdraw Egyptian pounds using a bank card. Several travelers confirm using such ATMs and paying with local currency.

UAE dirhams can be exchanged in Egypt, but not at ATMs — ATMs don't accept foreign cash. You need to go to a bank branch or a currency exchange office.

US dollar bills from 2006 are accepted in Egypt without issues. Older series (1996) should also be accepted in theory, but some exchange offices may refuse them — it's worth checking on the spot.

Egyptian ATMs do not exchange foreign cash — they only dispense Egyptian pounds when used with a bank card. To exchange old-series dollar bills, visit a bank or exchange bureau.