Can you pay with USD or euros in Egyptian shops and malls?
Based on 1 discussions with 3 participants · Last activity: 4 days ago
TL;DR
Most places in Egypt only accept Egyptian pounds. Some shops may price items in USD or euros, but payment is still made in pounds at the current exchange rate.
What the community said
Hotels generally accept USD and euros, but the exchange rate applied favours the establishment rather than the tourist. New-series USD banknotes are more reliably accepted; elsewhere it varies. If a price is listed in euros, you will be charged more in dollars (e.g. 5 EUR ≈ 6 USD).
6 days ago Hotels: USD ≠ EUR at checkout
An RSHB UnionPay card can be used to withdraw Egyptian pounds from local ATMs, but the per-transaction limit is 4,000 EGP and contactless does not work — the card must be inserted physically.
6 days ago RSHB UnionPay — 4,000 EGP limit per withdrawal
In Abu Dabbab, hotel reception desks readily break large USD bills into small denominations (1–2 USD) for tips. Dive clubs and front desks also accept payment in USD or euros, converting between currencies on request. [Abu Dabbab]
12 days ago Abu Dabbab — USD accepted at reception
Some shops display prices in USD or euros, but you still pay in Egyptian pounds based on the current exchange rate — check it online before shopping.
1 day ago
Senzo Mall in Waikiki is an exception where USD and euros are reportedly accepted in practice.
1 day ago Senzo Mall, Waikiki
Gomla Market accepts Egyptian pounds only — foreign currency including euros is refused at the register.
1 day ago Gomla Market — pounds only
Egyptian ATMs do not accept cash USD for exchange — they only dispense pounds from a linked bank card.
1 day ago