Should I pay in US dollars or Egyptian pounds in Sharm El Sheikh, and do I need small bills?

From messages by 5 participants in 2 sources · Last activity: 5 days ago

TL;DR

For small purchases and souvenirs equivalent to roughly RUB 5,000–6,000, Egyptian pounds may work out better, while travelers report that US dollars are more advantageous for larger payments. Bring small US dollar notes: $1 bills are usually accepted easily, while $50 notes can receive extra scrutiny.

What the community said

For souvenirs and other smaller purchases—up to about the equivalent of RUB 5,000–6,000—travelers recommend paying in Egyptian pounds. For a larger shop purchase, they found US dollars preferable.

64 days ago RUB 5,000–6,000; Egyptian pounds

Small US dollar notes, especially $1 bills, are reportedly accepted even for small payments. It is worth preparing them in advance for tips and inexpensive purchases.

69 days ago US$1 bills

US$50 notes may be checked more closely or accepted less readily than small dollar bills. Carrying several smaller notes instead of one large bill is more practical.

69 days ago US$50 bills