Hi, I got back from Hurghada a couple of days ago.

The rate is more favourable over there than here - it was fluctuating between 7.7 and 7.8 Egyptian pounds per pound sterling and the rate was fractionally better at banks outside the hotel than the hotel bank but not enough to make a special effort for. I took sterling to change over there but needed more than anticipated because of a medical bill so just got some more from an atm for which I will have been charged commission though I don't know how much yet. The ATMs there are plentiful, easy to use and the instructions are in English. HOWEVER, do let your bank and credit card companies know you are travelling to Egypt - if you don't you will probably find that the first time you use an ATM you will be okay but thereafter the card will be stopped. This happened to me last September and I had to get cash out on a credit card - a very expensive way to do it!

The visa needed on arrival at Hurghada airport cost £13 sterling.

Have a wonderful time, wish I was still there!

I suppose its a chance but I always take cash as it cuts out the middle man. Banks are better to change your money at as you don't pay comission and get a better rate. As Caro says you can change at your hotel and some have ATMs in them but if you are going into town which I suspect you would its better to get it at a bank while your there.

With regards your visa, i am surprised there charging £13 for it as they only take notes. How was this done? and did they give change? Be nice to know if you could reply please Caro.

Stew,
The visa was paid as £10 note and 3 x £1 coins. I suspect they would give change as they were very specific about the price but scraped together the exact money just in case they didn't! Next time I go will also try to have a variety of notes and coins (squirrelled away somewhere so I don't spend it on the plane) and have just a bit extra to allow for price change.

Off topic but regarding notes - taxi drivers seemed worse than normal with trying the switch note and change money routine so its advisable to settle the price beforehand, have the correct note ready and not get involved in changing other notes for them!

Paul, which hotel are you staying at?

Regards, Caro

Thanks for the info caro. Got caught out last year with the £50E/50 piaster by a taxi driver. This was after being at the Ministry of Sound until 6am with my lad, his 2 friends and some Egyptian friends. I won't be caught again

Re the cost of getting money out of an ATM have checked my bank statement - 1000 EP cost me £133.82. This was exchanged at 7.622 including commission of £3.52 and fee £2.62. This was the equivalent of reducing the cash exchange rate from 7.8 available at the bank to 7.47. Some banks offer cash withdrawal abroad without charge - perhaps Nationwide and Post Office but not sure. I expect someone on the forum can let us know.