Should you pay in Egyptian pounds or USD at pharmacies in Sharm el-Sheikh?

ATMs in hotels/malls often jam or reject banknotes — many travelers report this. Better to exchange cash locally at a shop, hotel reception, or the exchange point on the corner of the Old Market.

A Rosselkhozbank UnionPay card works for withdrawing Egyptian pounds from ATMs and for card payments at pharmacies and some stores. Recommended to bring around $800 in cash, depending on planned excursions.

Old US dollar bills are accepted reluctantly — usually only for large purchases via excursion operators or ATM exchange. Better to bring newer bills with the blue security stripe; if unavailable, exchange dollars to euros first, then to Egyptian pounds.

The pharmacy point in the Naama Bay / Nabq area mall accepts card payments — a transaction receipt was confirmed.

Grocery stores in Sharm el-Sheikh accept only cash in Egyptian pounds. ATMs are available inside the same malls. Pharmacies and some clothing boutiques accept cards.

Paying in Egyptian pounds at pharmacies is always cheaper: the price printed on the packaging is in EGP and that's what you pay. If you pay in USD, the seller sets their own exchange rate, which is typically unfavorable.