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Many people use travelers checks as a safe way to carry money. These, and cash, can be exchanged at any bank or hotel reception. USD and Euros are the easiest currency to exchange. Most of the large hotels have exchange machines which take cash and credit cards, but some people have had problems with ATM machines. Be careful not to change large bills of money (more than 500$) in a single transaction.While big hotels and shops do take major credit cards, for the most part Egypt is a cash-based society. Most prices in Egypt are low by Western standards, but you will need to bargain for almost everything- from hotels to taxis and souvenirs. Some of the larger shops have fixed prices, but in the markets (bazaars or suqs) bargaining is a way of life - so leave plenty of time for shopping. Asking prices will be very high to begin with and drop rapidly depending on how much interest you show and walking away will often be the way to get prices reduced. Bargaining can be lots of fun if you approach it with the right spirit, and know that in the end you'll pay one third or one quarter of the original asking price. Remember that Egyptian tradesmen need to make a living too, and haggling over pocket change may not be worth it. Shopkeeps will often offer you tea or a cold drink. Feel free to accept, and enjoy making that deal! You are under no obligation to buy, but don't offer a price you are not willing to pay. If you can't reacj a deal, feel free to say no, thank you and walk away. Keep lots of small bills with you so you don't have to wait while they go hunting for change! Baksheesh or tipping is also a way of life - like a sales tax on all goods and services and you will need to keep plenty of small notes on you at all times. The level of baksheesh is entirely up to you and how much you value the service you have had. Usually a tip of EGP 1 to EGP 5 is acceptable. This is a small amount to the tourist but often makes a big difference in an Egyptian income, which is quite low by Western standards. If you travel with a group you may want to consider collecting money for a "tipping pot" and asking your guide to help with the appropriate tips.Hotel staff, taxi drivers, shopkeepers and guards or guides at the monuments would expect tips, but do not offer baksheesh to policemen (who are not officially allowed to accept money from tourists). |
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