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

One traveler reports EUR has a good official exchange rate in Egypt and gets accepted smoothly at ATMs — unlike USD, which ATMs sometimes reject.

Tip: exchange a small amount first at a currency exchange office (bring your passport) to gauge the rate before converting a larger sum. A multi-currency converter app is recommended for keeping track of prices.

Exchange offices often quote USD and EUR at a flat 1:1 rate, which is unfavorable. Withdrawing or converting to Egyptian pounds via ATM gets a better rate.

There are ATMs near the airport visa-purchase queue that are convenient for exchanging money. One traveler successfully exchanged old-style USD bills (2006 issue, large-portrait note, usually unwelcome elsewhere) at the second ATM from the left.

For changing Egyptian pounds back into foreign currency at Banque Misr, some travelers report it may be possible to exchange up to the equivalent of USD 200, not just USD 100, but this depends on the staff member handling the request. They typically ask for your passport, return ticket, and the receipt from your earlier exchange into Egyptian pounds.

If you need to convert leftover Egyptian pounds back into dollars, Banque Misr can do it for up to USD 100, but you’ll need your passport, return ticket, and the receipt proving your earlier exchange into Egyptian pounds.

Large supermarkets like Spinneys in Senzo Mall accept Egyptian pounds only. You can exchange USD or EUR at the hotel — there is an ATM with a currency exchange function near the reception desk. Bargain at small shops.

Duty-free prices at the airport are listed in USD. Payment in EUR is possible if you negotiate — staff will convert at a reasonable rate. Egyptian pounds are not accepted there.

Euro banknotes have no age restriction — unlike USD, the year of issue does not matter. Only the physical condition of the note counts. Exchange to Egyptian pounds is done at banks with a passport or via ATMs.

For paying fines or fees at Hurghada airport, you must have cash foreign currency (USD or EUR) on hand. Egyptian pounds and exchange receipts are not accepted there — currency is exchanged on the spot, the amount is recorded, and change is given if needed.

In Hurghada, USD and EUR are treated at different exchange rates — unlike Turkey, where a price quoted in one currency can be paid with the equivalent denomination in the other. Each currency has its own rate here.

USD bills from 2006 onwards in good condition are accepted without issues. Use dollars only for visa fees and excursions — for everything else, pay in Egyptian pounds.