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

Old-style dollar bills usually need to be exchanged at a physical exchange office, whereas euros can be exchanged directly via ATM.

New US dollar bills with a blue security stripe are preferred; if unavailable, euros are a safer bet. Right at the airport, before exiting, there is a bank exchange counter on the right side where you can convert cash to Egyptian pounds — ask for smaller denomination notes.

Euro cash is typically only available in 50-denomination notes, while dollars can be brought as 100-bills.

Leftover Egyptian pounds are very hard to exchange back after the trip, but unused dollars or euros can usually be converted back.

In many Egyptian cities only old-style dollar bills circulate, and tourists find them hard to spend or exchange, which is why people specifically look for newer notes.

Both US dollars and euros work in Hurghada, but the condition of the notes matters most. Cash should be clean, without stamps, writing, or heavy creases, otherwise it may be refused for exchange or payment.

Older US dollar bills are generally accepted in Egypt if they are in good condition. A practical tip is to check in advance that the notes are not crumpled, torn, or dirty.

If newer US dollars are hard to get, euros are a practical alternative for Hurghada. Older euro notes may also work, but just like with dollars, it is best to bring only crisp, undamaged bills.