Can you pay by card (UnionPay or other foreign cards) in Egyptian supermarkets and pharmacies?

Non-Russian Visa and Mastercard cards work without issues. Among Russian cards, only UnionPay issued by Rosselkhozbank (RSHB) works, and even then not reliably — roughly one in three payment attempts goes through.

At the Senzo pharmacy card payment worked, but in the Senzo supermarket the card was declined. At the Anton store, card payment also went through.

A pharmacy slightly to the left across from the hotel also accepts card payment — bought cream there by card.

UnionPay is theoretically accepted in Egyptian supermarkets, but in practice transactions often fail. Always carry cash as a backup.

Some Egyptian pharmacies do accept card payments, but it varies by location. Don't rely on it — bring cash just in case.

Card acceptance in Egyptian shops and pharmacies is unreliable. Even where terminals exist, foreign cards may be declined. Cash remains the primary payment method.

US dollars are generally not accepted in Egyptian pharmacies — payment is in Egyptian pounds. Exchange currency or withdraw cash from an ATM in advance.