Can you get change in Egyptian pounds when paying with US dollars in Sharm El Sheikh?

El Ezaby pharmacy in Sharm El Sheikh accepted US dollars when the customer did not have enough Egyptian pounds.

A hotel stated they only accept US dollar bills printed after 2006 — older bills are refused.

Paying in dollars works, but sellers sometimes round incorrectly and miscalculate change — one traveler was shortchanged by $35 and had to explain the math.

One dollar bill was rejected by a seller, but currency was exchanged without any issue at Senzo Mall.

When paying in dollars, change is given accurately to the exact dollar, but sometimes you have to wait while the seller sends someone to get change.

Shops Gomla and Aten only accept payment in Egyptian pounds, not dollars at all — had to find an exchange office and convert dollars to pounds.

Recent traveler experience in Sharm suggests carrying small US bills: if you hand over a large note such as 100 USD, some sellers may refuse to give change.

Some travelers report that staff and sellers are reluctant to give change for dollars, so it’s better not to rely on getting change on the spot for small expenses.

In one reported case in Sharm El Sheikh, a traveler paid in dollars and asked for change in Egyptian pounds, but was told the change could only be given in dollars. So you should not assume you’ll automatically receive EGP.