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

In late September, a hotel reception exchanged dollars at EGP 50 per USD, compared with a reported EGP 51.35 rate elsewhere. For a small amount, a difference of roughly EGP 1 per dollar may not justify searching for an ATM or exchange point.

An August report noted a cash exchange rate slightly above EGP 51 per USD. If using an ATM or cash-exchange machine, carry USD 10, 20, or 100 notes, as not all machines accept USD 50 bills.

Avoid unnecessary currency-conversion steps when using cards or transfers, as each extra exchange can worsen the effective rate. Buying US dollars beforehand and exchanging cash locally may work out better.

A small mobile-phone shop exchanged US dollars at roughly EGP 48–50 per USD. The reported official bank rate was lower, so compare a bank quote with local exchange outlets before changing money.