If Egyptians prefer USD as tips, it's because they represent a chunky upgrade on EGP. Even a single $1 bill is a very hefty tip for the small courtesies you might hand over EGP1 for. US currency is useless to most Egyptians for their everyday purchases, they will simply exchange it for Egyptian currency. USD might still be required in the "duty-free" shops, but this a specialist activity in which the recipient of your largesse is unlikely to be involved.

For all other purchases it would be odd indeed to offer any currency other than the national one. Odd because you will always suffer on the conversion applied. A cafe owner might scratch his head and accept US notes, but if he does you can be sure he has factored into the conversion rate the favour he believes he is doing you: and you won't get any change in USD. Much the same as a restaurant in New York might accept Euros instead of USD

Tourist stalls/markets are exceptions. But again, you won't benefit in any way from using non-Egyptian currency.

By all means carry USD with you. You'll be able to exchange them quickly and easily in banks and bank-run exchange facilities. These are often inside large hotels, but be careful not to use the hotel reception unless it is clear they are using the published exchange rate There should be no commission charged, so you can change cash as and when you need it. But DO count the money you receive before leaving the counter, and check it with the receipt you MUST be given.

You can also use the ubiquitous ATM - but there might be a considerable transaction charge levied.

And please - don't over-tip!!!!


I fogot to underline the other advice re SMALL DENOMINATION NOTES. Insist on getting a good proportion of notes from your currency conversion in tens/twenties and the odd fifty, with a fair amount in single Lira/Pound denomination. Your hotel cashier will understand absolutely the need to break any large denomination notes for you.