Banking & Money

Are ATMs working in Hurghada and can you get cash at the hotel?

ATMs in Hurghada frequently run out of cash for days at a time, and exchanging currency at hotel shops is nearly impossible. Carry Egyptian pounds in cash as a backup.

1 source · 9 days ago

Are old US dollar bills accepted in Hurghada, Egypt, and what should you check when getting change?

Old US dollar notes can be problematic in Hurghada, so it’s safer to use newer bills in clean condition with no tears, writing, or heavy wear. If you get change in USD, inspect the notes immediately and ask for smaller denominations only if they are undamaged and recent series.

2 sources · 11 days ago

Where is it better to exchange cash in Hurghada: a bank, an ATM, or a hotel reception?

Based on traveler reports, a bank is usually the safest option to exchange US dollars in Hurghada: ATM rates are generally similar, but machines can glitch, while hotel reception often offers a worse rate. In Makadi, exchange options are more limited, so some travelers pay directly in USD or use QR payment when available.

3 sources · 8 days ago

Best way to exchange USD and EUR in Hurghada — ATM, bank, or exchange office?

The official exchange rate is the same everywhere in Hurghada, including the airport. Exchange USD or EUR to Egyptian pounds at a bank or ATM and pay in pounds.

2 sources · today

Best way to get Egyptian pounds in Hurghada — exchange cash or use ATMs?

The easiest option is to withdraw Egyptian pounds directly from ATMs, which are everywhere in Hurghada. Exchanging cash through bureaux or money changers is less convenient and often less favorable.

2 sources · 2 days ago

Can travelers in Hurghada get an international bank card remotely, and what features are typically included?

Based on recent chat posts, travelers in Hurghada are often offered remote international bank card setup through an intermediary, usually with online payments, overseas purchases, worldwide cash withdrawals, and a Russian-language app. No bank names, fees, or office addresses were shared publicly; details were only provided privately.

1 source · 3 days ago

Can you exchange money or use an ATM at Hurghada Airport?

Yes, Hurghada Airport has ATMs in the visa purchase area and baggage claim zone. You can also ask for change in Egyptian pounds when buying your visa.

1 source · 24 days ago

Can you pay with USD or foreign bank card in shops and pharmacies in Hurghada?

Chain stores in Hurghada often accept only Egyptian pounds or card, not USD. In pharmacies, always pay in pounds at the price printed on the packaging to avoid being overcharged.

3 sources · 7 days ago

Can you withdraw cash from ATMs at hotels in Hurghada with a foreign bank card?

Look for ATMs displaying the UP payment system logo — those accept foreign cards. Most hotels have 1–2 ATMs on site. Opening a local Egyptian bank card is currently very difficult and usually results in rejection.

2 sources · 25 days ago

How much USD cash to bring to Hurghada and can you withdraw Egyptian pounds from ATMs with a foreign/UnionPay card?

Bring cash USD (including small bills for tips), but local ATMs also often work fine — though UnionPay cards sometimes fail, and machines can glitch when dispensing cash.

2 sources · today

Can you withdraw US dollars or euros from ATMs, or exchange cash to Egyptian pounds at hotels in Hurghada?

In Hurghada, ATMs normally dispense Egyptian pounds only, not US dollars or euros. Hotel reception desks often do not exchange cash, so travelers are usually directed to an ATM or exchange point outside the hotel; foreign coins are not accepted at all.

2 sources · 13 days ago

Do bank cards work in Hurghada, or is it better to bring cash in USD or Egyptian pounds?

In Hurghada, travelers use both cards and cash: a recent report says a UnionPay card from Rosselkhozbank works fine with a decent exchange rate, and many local providers accept both USD and Egyptian pounds. It’s smart to carry some cash for arrival, especially at night.

2 sources · 14 days ago

Do Hurghada hotels usually have an ATM on-site, and can you withdraw cash at the hotel?

Many larger hotels in Hurghada have an ATM on-site, but you should confirm at reception. If there isn’t one, hotel staff or guest groups can usually tell you where the nearest cash machine is.

3 sources · 2 days ago

Do you need Egyptian pounds for purchases in Hurghada, or can you pay in dollars and withdraw local cash there?

Based on these reports, some purchases in Hurghada require Egyptian pounds only: one traveler skipped the trip because the place accepted EGP only. Others changed USD to pounds in advance; cash withdrawal may have been available, but it was not confirmed clearly.

2 sources · 16 days ago

How do you exchange cash for Egyptian pounds at an ATM in Hurghada?

Some ATMs in Hurghada can exchange foreign cash into Egyptian pounds. You insert the banknote, check the amount shown in EGP, and press “Confirm”; if the machine rejects the note, smooth it out and try again.

2 sources · 7 days ago

Using ATMs in Hurghada: what fees, withdrawal limits, and card issues should international travelers expect?

ATMs in Hurghada generally dispense Egyptian pounds, with reported ATM fees of about 250 RUB per withdrawal, and one traveler only managed to withdraw 4,000 EGP per transaction. Foreign cards can be unreliable, so bring backup cash—preferably USD—and don’t depend on a single card.

2 sources · 13 days ago

What currency is best to bring to Hurghada: US dollars or euros, and are older banknotes accepted?

You can bring either US dollars or euros to Hurghada, but the notes should be in excellent condition. Older US dollar bills are usually accepted if they are clean and undamaged, and euros are also a practical option.

1 source · 14 days ago

Where can travelers exchange cash for Egyptian pounds in Hurghada if banks or official exchange points won’t do it?

If official exchange is not available, travelers in Hurghada usually try hotel/tour guides or private money changers. Guides often offer a worse rate, and the safer option is to exchange only face-to-face when the Egyptian pounds are physically available.

1 source · 8 days ago

Where can you break a US$100 bill into smaller notes in Hurghada hotels for tips and small purchases?

In Hurghada, many travelers break a US$100 bill directly at the hotel: at reception, with bartenders, or by making a small purchase like a coffee for US$3–5. It’s mainly used to get small notes for tips or early check-in.

1 source · 11 days ago

Where can you break large US dollar bills into smaller notes in Hurghada, and which bill sizes are easiest to use?

In Hurghada, $100 bills can be hard to break into smaller cash, especially if you need $1–$5 notes. Travelers report it’s much easier to carry $10 and $20 bills, and some hotel-area shops may exchange a $100 bill into two $50 notes.

2 sources · 1 day ago

Where can you exchange money or withdraw Egyptian pounds from an ATM in Hurghada near the Majestic and Inn hotels?

Based on traveler reports, the ATM by the exit of Majestic was working for currency exchange. The ATM at Inn had no Egyptian pounds at that time, and the exchange ATMs on the first floor were reportedly difficult to use even for locals.

2 sources · 12 days ago

Where to break large bills into small change in Hurghada, Egypt?

Easiest way to get small change is to ask your hotel housekeeper — they often want to swap their small bills for your large ones. Hotel ATMs can also break large pound notes into smaller ones, but they don't exchange foreign currency (USD/EUR) into pounds.

2 sources · 1 day ago

Where to exchange currency in Hurghada?

Currency can be exchanged at ATMs (including hotel ATMs), banks, and exchange offices. Banknotes without markings or stamps are accepted everywhere.

1 source · 6 days ago

Where to exchange currency (USD, foreign currencies) to Egyptian pounds in Hurghada?

Currency exchange in Hurghada is available at exchange offices and banks. USD is widely accepted; yuan exchange is harder to find. Reverse exchange of Egyptian pounds back to USD is possible near the Sheraton area.

2 sources · 25 days ago

How to exchange USD to Egyptian pounds in Hurghada: ATM or bank?

In Hurghada you can exchange USD to Egyptian pounds at ATMs (not all accept cash dollars), at banks, or when buying a visa on arrival. Most hotel areas have multiple ATMs nearby.

2 sources · 6 days ago

Where to find ATMs and currency exchange in Hurghada and Sahl Hasheesh?

The ATM at Senzo mall sometimes doesn't work, but there's a currency exchange nearby (passport or voucher required). In Hurghada airport's departure zone, Egyptian pounds are accepted at cafes.

2 sources · 7 days ago

Where to find banks in Hurghada and how to retrieve a swallowed ATM card?

Banks are clustered in the Kauser area (opposite the supermarket) and near the Sheraton (towards Regina). Open until 15:00, closed Friday–Saturday. To retrieve a swallowed card, visit the bank branch in person with your passport.

1 source · 32 days ago

Where to get small dollar bills for tipping in Hurghada, Egypt

For tips to waiters, bartenders, housekeepers and porters, keep small $1-5-10 bills — exchanging $20 at a time is safer than breaking a $100 bill. Outside official exchange points, rates are often terrible (1:1), so change your main cash into Egyptian pounds at banks or official exchange offices.

2 sources · 1 day ago