Best way to get Egyptian pounds in Sharm el-Sheikh — ATM or exchange dollars?

If you need cash immediately after arrival, for example to pay for a taxi, you can exchange a small amount at the airport bank. If it is not urgent, there are plenty of exchange machines/points around town, including a bank in Naama Bay.

If you do not have small USD bills, it is worth exchanging a little money at the airport first: ATMs near hotel reception desks often run out of Egyptian pounds quickly because they are emptied fast.

ATMs near the Gomla market may be configured to reject dollars. Street money changers nearby offer around 50 EGP per dollar but often shortchange you — one negotiated rate was 48 EGP, while ATMs give ~49 EGP. Better to exchange dollars at the airport rather than relying on ATMs near Gomla.

Another option for getting Egyptian pounds: Senzo Mall has ATMs. Alternatively, buy something at the pharmacy across the road with dollars and ask for change in Egyptian pounds.

If you want to convert leftover Egyptian pounds back to dollars at a bank, this is only possible within two days before your flight and requires showing your ticket — and not all banks offer this. Exchange pounds as needed and pay in pounds where possible, as it's more cost-effective.

ATMs in Sharm el-Sheikh accept old dollar bills from the 1990s and 2000s without issues — a convenient way to get Egyptian pounds right after arrival.

Fix Price only accepts Egyptian pounds, not dollars, but prices are lower than at Mango. Getting to Mango by InDrive taxi costs 250–300 EGP and takes 10–15 minutes with air conditioning.

If you need cash urgently at the airport, use an ATM there or buy something at duty-free (prices usually in USD). After check-in, buying a small item at a nearby shop is an easy way to get Egyptian pound change.

Cash dollars are worth having only as a backup. The main approach is to withdraw Egyptian pounds from a local ATM right after landing.