Banking & Money

Where can international travelers use a UnionPay card or withdraw Egyptian pounds in Hurghada?

In Hurghada, UnionPay cards can be used to withdraw Egyptian pounds at ATMs displaying the UnionPay logo. For purchases, look for terminals from Banque Misr, AAIB or Alex Bank; UnionPay card payments in taxis are generally not available.

2 sources · 7 days ago

Where to exchange US dollars for Egyptian pounds in Hurghada, and which dollar notes do ATMs accept?

Reports suggest USD exchange rates in Hurghada were around EGP 51–51.35 per dollar, while a hotel reception offered about EGP 50. Bank rates and extra currency conversions can be less favorable, and some ATMs may reject USD 50 notes.

2 sources · 12 days ago

Hurghada currency exchange: is it cheaper to bring US dollars or withdraw Egyptian pounds with a foreign card?

Based on the shared calculations, bringing cash US dollars and exchanging them for Egyptian pounds may cost less than withdrawing EGP with UnionPay, especially with a 4,000 EGP withdrawal limit and ATM fees. Card payments in shops can still work as a backup, but check your card’s exchange rate and fees first.

1 source · 20 days ago

Should I bring US dollars or use a UnionPay card for spending money in Hurghada, Egypt?

Bring cash US dollars for items such as the visa, tours and insurance excess, then exchange money into Egyptian pounds for everyday spending. Keep a UnionPay card as backup: reported ATM withdrawals were limited to EGP 4,000 per transaction with a fee of about RUB 299.

2 sources · 34 days ago

Can foreign bank cards be used to withdraw Egyptian pounds from ATMs in Hurghada?

Cash withdrawals in Hurghada depend on the card issuer and the individual ATM, so carry a backup supply of Egyptian pounds or foreign cash. When exchanging money, check separate EUR and USD rates, as their official exchange rates differ.

2 sources · 47 days ago

Are old-design euro banknotes (2002 series) accepted at exchange offices in Hurghada?

Most exchange offices in Hurghada accept old-style 2002 euro banknotes without issues, as long as they're in good condition — they look slightly different from newer bills but are still legal tender.

2 sources · 67 days ago

Exchanging euros in Hurghada — what to watch out for?

Euros are widely accepted in Hurghada, but 500-euro notes are often refused, and there's now a markup on 'new' euro banknotes (just like dollars) — older worn notes don't have the markup but are harder to come by.

1 source · 69 days ago

Which ATMs in Hurghada accept Russian UnionPay bank cards?

No confirmed list of specific Hurghada ATMs for Russian Rosselkhozbank UnionPay cards yet; travelers report it works fine at terminals and ATMs in nearby Sharm el-Sheikh, so it's worth trying ATMs near hotels and downtown in Hurghada.

2 sources · 73 days ago

Can foreign UnionPay cards be used to withdraw cash from ATMs in Hurghada, Egypt?

The July 27 messages contain no confirmed successful withdrawals with Russian Agricultural Bank UnionPay cards in Egypt. Bring backup cash rather than relying on a single UnionPay card in Hurghada.

3 sources · 11 days ago

How can I get Egyptian pounds on arrival in Hurghada—hotel exchange or ATM withdrawal, and what are the cash withdrawal limits?

Do not rely solely on exchanging cash at your hotel: one recent report said the hotel had no Egyptian pounds even for a small exchange. A hotel ATM reportedly allowed a total withdrawal of EGP 8,000 in one day, split into two EGP 4,000 transactions.

2 sources · 29 days ago

How much USD cash to bring to Hurghada and can you withdraw Egyptian pounds from ATMs with a foreign/UnionPay card?

Bring cash USD (including small bills for tips), but local ATMs also often work fine — though UnionPay cards sometimes fail, and machines can glitch when dispensing cash.

2 sources · 72 days ago

Where to break large bills into small change in Hurghada, Egypt?

Easiest way to get small change is to ask your hotel housekeeper — they often want to swap their small bills for your large ones. Hotel ATMs can also break large pound notes into smaller ones, but they don't exchange foreign currency (USD/EUR) into pounds.

2 sources · 84 days ago

Where to get small dollar bills for tipping in Hurghada, Egypt

For tips to waiters, bartenders, housekeepers and porters, keep small $1-5-10 bills — exchanging $20 at a time is safer than breaking a $100 bill. Outside official exchange points, rates are often terrible (1:1), so change your main cash into Egyptian pounds at banks or official exchange offices.

2 sources · 85 days ago

How do you exchange cash for Egyptian pounds at an ATM in Hurghada?

Some ATMs in Hurghada can exchange foreign cash into Egyptian pounds. You insert the banknote, check the amount shown in EGP, and press “Confirm”; if the machine rejects the note, smooth it out and try again.

2 sources · 91 days ago

Do Hurghada hotels usually have an ATM on-site, and can you withdraw cash at the hotel?

Many larger hotels in Hurghada have an ATM on-site, but you should confirm at reception. If there isn’t one, hotel staff or guest groups can usually tell you where the nearest cash machine is.

3 sources · 14 days ago

Where is it better to exchange cash in Hurghada: a bank, an ATM, or a hotel reception?

Based on traveler reports, a bank is usually the safest option to exchange US dollars in Hurghada: ATM rates are generally similar, but machines can glitch, while hotel reception often offers a worse rate. In Makadi, exchange options are more limited, so some travelers pay directly in USD or use QR payment when available.

3 sources · 53 days ago

Where can you break large US dollar bills into smaller notes in Hurghada, and which bill sizes are easiest to use?

In Hurghada, $100 bills can be hard to break into smaller cash, especially if you need $1–$5 notes. Travelers report it’s much easier to carry $10 and $20 bills, and some hotel-area shops may exchange a $100 bill into two $50 notes.

2 sources · 11 days ago

Where can travelers exchange cash for Egyptian pounds in Hurghada if banks or official exchange points won’t do it?

If official exchange is not available, travelers in Hurghada usually try hotel/tour guides or private money changers. Guides often offer a worse rate, and the safer option is to exchange only face-to-face when the Egyptian pounds are physically available.

1 source · 92 days ago

Where can you break a US$100 bill into smaller notes in Hurghada hotels for tips and small purchases?

In Hurghada, many travelers break a US$100 bill directly at the hotel: at reception, with bartenders, or by making a small purchase like a coffee for US$3–5. It’s mainly used to get small notes for tips or early check-in.

1 source · 34 days ago

Are old US dollar bills accepted in Hurghada, Egypt, and what should you check when getting change?

Old US dollar notes can be problematic in Hurghada, so it’s safer to use newer bills in clean condition with no tears, writing, or heavy wear. If you get change in USD, inspect the notes immediately and ask for smaller denominations only if they are undamaged and recent series.

2 sources · 95 days ago

Can travelers in Hurghada get an international bank card remotely, and what features are typically included?

Based on recent chat posts, travelers in Hurghada are often offered remote international bank card setup through an intermediary, usually with online payments, overseas purchases, worldwide cash withdrawals, and a Russian-language app. No bank names, fees, or office addresses were shared publicly; details were only provided privately.

1 source · 7 days ago

Where can you exchange money or withdraw Egyptian pounds from an ATM in Hurghada near the Majestic and Inn hotels?

Based on traveler reports, the ATM by the exit of Majestic was working for currency exchange. The ATM at Inn had no Egyptian pounds at that time, and the exchange ATMs on the first floor were reportedly difficult to use even for locals.

2 sources · 65 days ago

Can you withdraw US dollars or euros from ATMs, or exchange cash to Egyptian pounds at hotels in Hurghada?

In Hurghada, ATMs normally dispense Egyptian pounds only, not US dollars or euros. Hotel reception desks often do not exchange cash, so travelers are usually directed to an ATM or exchange point outside the hotel; foreign coins are not accepted at all.

2 sources · 55 days ago

Using ATMs in Hurghada: what fees, withdrawal limits, and card issues should international travelers expect?

ATMs in Hurghada generally dispense Egyptian pounds, with reported ATM fees of about 250 RUB per withdrawal, and one traveler only managed to withdraw 4,000 EGP per transaction. Foreign cards can be unreliable, so bring backup cash—preferably USD—and don’t depend on a single card.

2 sources · 77 days ago

Do bank cards work in Hurghada, or is it better to bring cash in USD or Egyptian pounds?

In Hurghada, travelers use both cards and cash: a recent report says a UnionPay card from Rosselkhozbank works fine with a decent exchange rate, and many local providers accept both USD and Egyptian pounds. It’s smart to carry some cash for arrival, especially at night.

2 sources · 97 days ago

What currency is best to bring to Hurghada: US dollars or euros, and are older banknotes accepted?

You can bring either US dollars or euros to Hurghada, but the notes should be in excellent condition. Older US dollar bills are usually accepted if they are clean and undamaged, and euros are also a practical option.

1 source · 17 days ago

Do you need Egyptian pounds for purchases in Hurghada, or can you pay in dollars and withdraw local cash there?

Based on these reports, some purchases in Hurghada require Egyptian pounds only: one traveler skipped the trip because the place accepted EGP only. Others changed USD to pounds in advance; cash withdrawal may have been available, but it was not confirmed clearly.

2 sources · 100 days ago

How to exchange USD to Egyptian pounds in Hurghada: ATM or bank?

In Hurghada you can exchange USD to Egyptian pounds at ATMs (not all accept cash dollars), at banks, or when buying a visa on arrival. Most hotel areas have multiple ATMs nearby.

2 sources · 7 days ago

Can you pay with USD or foreign bank card in shops and pharmacies in Hurghada?

Chain stores in Hurghada often accept only Egyptian pounds or card, not USD. In pharmacies, always pay in pounds at the price printed on the packaging to avoid being overcharged.

3 sources · 11 days ago

Are ATMs working in Hurghada and can you get cash at the hotel?

ATMs in Hurghada frequently run out of cash for days at a time, and exchanging currency at hotel shops is nearly impossible. Carry Egyptian pounds in cash as a backup.

1 source · 73 days ago

Can you exchange money or use an ATM at Hurghada Airport?

Yes, Hurghada Airport has ATMs in the visa purchase area and baggage claim zone. You can also ask for change in Egyptian pounds when buying your visa.

1 source · 77 days ago

Can you withdraw cash from ATMs at hotels in Hurghada with a foreign bank card?

Look for ATMs displaying the UP payment system logo — those accept foreign cards. Most hotels have 1–2 ATMs on site. Opening a local Egyptian bank card is currently very difficult and usually results in rejection.

2 sources · 69 days ago

Best way to get Egyptian pounds in Hurghada — exchange cash or use ATMs?

The easiest option is to withdraw Egyptian pounds directly from ATMs, which are everywhere in Hurghada. Exchanging cash through bureaux or money changers is less convenient and often less favorable.

2 sources · 34 days ago

Where to exchange currency (USD, foreign currencies) to Egyptian pounds in Hurghada?

Currency exchange in Hurghada is available at exchange offices and banks. USD is widely accepted; yuan exchange is harder to find. Reverse exchange of Egyptian pounds back to USD is possible near the Sheraton area.

2 sources · 23 days ago

Where to find banks in Hurghada and how to retrieve a swallowed ATM card?

In Hurghada, banks line the street opposite the Gomla supermarket in the Kauser area, and there are several more near the Sheraton if you walk a little toward the Regina hotel. According to reports from summer 2026, banks are open until about 15:00, Friday and Saturday are days off, and you need your passport for any transaction. If an ATM keeps your card, participants advise calling the bank's hotline and then visiting the branch with your passport on Sunday to file a request to get it back.

1 source · 24 days ago

Where to find ATMs and currency exchange in Hurghada and Sahl Hasheesh?

In Hurghada, Egyptian pounds are most often withdrawn or exchanged at currency-exchange ATMs: in September 2026 about seven such machines were found near the Steigenberger hotel, and in August travelers reported them on the Mamsha promenade by Esplanada Mall and in Senzo Mall's Eastern Bazaar, next to an exchange window. Dollars are also exchanged at bank branches; bring your passport. In October 2026 an exchange ATM at one hotel gave 52 pounds per dollar.

2 sources · 4 days ago

Where to exchange currency in Hurghada?

Currency can be exchanged at ATMs (including hotel ATMs), banks, and exchange offices. Banknotes without markings or stamps are accepted everywhere.

1 source · 6 days ago

Best way to exchange USD and EUR in Hurghada — ATM, bank, or exchange office?

The official exchange rate is the same everywhere in Hurghada, including the airport. Exchange USD or EUR to Egyptian pounds at a bank or ATM and pay in pounds.

2 sources · 3 days ago