What payment method should I use in Egyptian hotels?

Hi there,

Some hotels might prefer to be paid in foreign currency, but I’m not convinced it’s actually the law. In any case, you can pay by credit card—just check what fees apply for payments in EGP or USD. If needed, get a payment method with no foreign transaction fees; there are plenty of options out there. There are also ATMs that dispense USD, but they’re not super common.

Michel

The AI’s answer seems even more convoluted than I thought…

Does a foreign tourist have to pay for a hotel stay in Egypt in foreign currency? Yes, a foreign tourist is legally required to pay for their accommodation in Egypt in foreign currency (such as US dollars or euros) or prove that the Egyptian pounds (EGP) used were exchanged at an official bank. This regulation was put in place by the Egyptian government to allow hotels to earn foreign currency and to limit the parallel exchange market. Here’s what it means for you:

Direct payment at the hotel: If you pay directly at the hotel (on-site), you’ll almost certainly be asked to pay in USD, EUR, or another convertible currency. Online bookings: Booking platforms like Booking.com often mention this legislation, stating that payment will be made in a foreign currency, even if the price is displayed in EGP on the site. Proof of exchange: If you insist on paying in Egyptian pounds, some hotels may ask for proof (a bank receipt) showing that you legally exchanged your foreign currency for EGP at an official bank or authorized exchange bureau. Credit card payment: Paying with an international credit card is generally accepted at major hotels and complies with this regulation, as the transaction is processed in foreign currency before conversion.

It’s a good idea to carry small bills in foreign currency (USD or EUR) for tips and small purchases, but for accommodation, a credit card is often the simplest option to comply with the law

The AI’s answer seems even more convoluted than I thought...

Does a foreign tourist necessarily have to pay for a hotel stay in Egypt in foreign currency? Yes, a foreign tourist is legally required to pay for their accommodation in Egypt in foreign currency (such as US dollars or euros) or prove that the Egyptian pounds (EGP) used were exchanged at an official bank. This regulation was put in place by the Egyptian government to allow hotels to earn foreign currency and to limit the parallel exchange market. Here’s what it means for you:

Direct payment at the hotel: If you pay directly at the hotel (on-site), you’ll almost certainly be asked to pay in USD, EUR, or another convertible currency. Online bookings: Booking platforms like Booking.com often mention this legislation, stating that payment will be made in a foreign currency, even if the price is displayed in EGP on the site. Proof of exchange: If you insist on paying in Egyptian pounds, some hotels may ask for proof (a bank receipt) showing that you legally exchanged your foreign currency for EGP at an official bank or authorized exchange bureau. Credit card payment: Paying with an international credit card is generally accepted at major hotels and complies with this regulation, as the transaction is processed in foreign currency, which is then converted.

It’s recommended to carry small bills in foreign currency (USD or EUR) for tips and small purchases, but for accommodation, a credit card is often the simplest option to comply with the law

Hey, you’ve got the answer in your post. Withdraw local currency from an official bank on-site, and you’ll get a receipt (so you have proof). That’s the only way to pay the fair price like Egyptians without any extra fees.

You're staying for 3 months and don’t want to carry too much cash on you. And you don’t want to pay too many fees with your credit card. So I think the best option is to pay through a booking site like Booking.com, where you can pay directly in your chosen currency. Personally, I booked with an online bank card that had no foreign exchange fees. And I did notice that prices were often set in USD on-site.

You're staying for 3 months and don't want to carry too much cash. And you don't want to pay too many fees with your credit card. So I think the best option is to pay through a booking site like Booking.com where you can pay directly in your chosen currency. Personally, I booked with an online bank card that had no foreign exchange fees. And I did notice that prices were often set in USD on-site.

Total nonsense, pfft. Once the booking's paid, does he eat rocks for 3 months? How's he supposed to live for 3 months?? Really some two-bit advice

If I reread his post: he has 3 months left and wants to book hotels. Where does he mention everyday expenses during the stay? I’m curious to hear any tips you can give him!

Like everywhere else in the world, local cash—period!

Hello everyone, No need to panic—it’s now mandatory to pay by credit card on websites that have a working terminal (though you can’t always escape it). But unfortunately, everyone in Egypt has jumped on this bandwagon, and many places like hotels now demand payment in dollars or €. So check with the hotel before booking, because this isn’t a "government" requirement—it’s just a choice made by hotels, shops, taxis, etc. Once I’m there, I’ve gotten into the habit of always asking if I can pay in L.E. when I go somewhere to eat, drink tea, or buy something. If they say no, I go elsewhere. Be aware, though—this has become widespread, but it’s always existed: there are two prices in Egypt, one for locals and another for foreigners. In Luxor, since we went often, they recognized us and usually gave us the Egyptian price. Elsewhere, it was trickier, but we managed with some haggling. Nothing’s insurmountable. Plus, a lot of foreigners are surprised that prices have shot up. Well, that’s the situation everywhere these days, but on top of that, the IMF asked Egypt to devalue its currency a little after COVID (though that’s unrelated). That’s the only explanation I got from a friend who’s a civil servant. So with the exchange rate, prices have gone up even more—just to give you an idea, in 2020, 100 € was about 2000 L.E., and now it’s around 5500 L.E., depending on the period. Ever since we’ve been going there (since 2004), we’ve seen tourists nickel-and-diming over pennies. I always wonder what I’d do if I were in their shoes… I think some would sell their own parents, as we say back home. Have a great day! Thoutmosis

Hello dear sir,

How pleasant it is to exchange with someone who doesn’t “talk through their hat,” as they say around here! There’s nothing like firsthand experience to get the real scoop. Thank you for all this information—it’ll make our stay a lot less stressful.

By any chance, have you written a travel journal about Egypt? I’ve read several, and I’m still a bit unsatisfied. That said, I just discovered this one yesterday: www.paliparan.com. Their Egypt journal is very conventional but a really enjoyable read (in English). A three-month stay is pretty significant, and I’m always on the lookout for places off the beaten path.

I’m hooked on archaeological sites—even minor ones—and anything related to early Christianity, as well as the presence of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire in the Middle East.

Best regards,

Hello everyone, As I often say, nobody’s word is gospel, nobody’s perfect, myself included 😛, and when I share information, it might turn out to be outdated, and in my haste, I sometimes give it before confirming—but I’m working on it, and I always apologize afterward if it turns out to be wrong. Not everyone does that, right???

Anyway, I didn’t know that saying "don’t speak through your hat," but I think I get what it means. I usually say, "If you don’t know, don’t talk or just keep quiet."

Three months there is amazing—it’s my dream, though it’ll probably stay just that, a dream. We usually go for six to seven weeks, often between mid-January and mid-March. The worst (not for me, though) was in 2007, right in the middle of summer.

And no, I’ve never "laid" a travel journal, not being a "hen" 😏😏. Joking aside, nothing’s stopping me from doing one, I just don’t want to. I’ve made several videos but never published them, not even on YouTube where I’m also signed up for posting. I still have a bunch of videos to finish—occasionally, I send private links to some people I help, just to give them a little preview of what they might see.

So, in Egypt now, you’re required to pay by credit card on websites. Just make sure your card is activated for international use, and if it’s a Visa or another card with no fees, even better.

As I’ve said before, for everything else, it’s hit or miss, but most of the time, I refuse to pay in € since it’s not mandatory. On sites without a card terminal, I always pay in L.E., not €, even if they insist, and I say I don’t have any € on me.

If you’re going to markets, shops, or "cafés," always have L.E. (pounds) with you. For these three months, where do you plan to go—what cities, what time of year? Also, if you’re interested, I know (and maybe others do too) where the oldest and smallest Coptic church in Egypt is located.

There are also some beautiful cathedrals in Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan, plus other smaller churches.

One of my friends was a deacon in the Coptic Church (hold on, now that I think about it, I’m not sure if he still is? I should ask him 😏).

For off-the-beaten-path spots, like us—but are you going alone? Depending on that, I’ll tell you more in private. Oh, and unrelated, but you must be seeing some amazing "northern lights" right now?

Have a great day! Thoutmosis