I’ve read everything and its opposite in travel guides and online. It seems that hotel owners—and the government—require tourists to pay in foreign currency rather than the local one (pounds). This is a huge problem for me since I’ll be in Egypt for 3 months. I can’t exactly walk around with thousands of dollars on me (I’m from Quebec). I could pay with a credit card—easier—but I think there’s an extra fee. Is that really the case? But what do I do if a small-town hotel doesn’t accept credit cards??? I thought about using a WISE debit card, but again, what if the place doesn’t have a payment terminal??? Can I hope that some establishments in less touristy areas might accept payment in pounds? And most importantly: does the same issue apply to paying for entry to archaeological sites??? A big thank you for your insights—I’m totally in the DARK here!!!
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.
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!
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
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.
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?
We’re planning a trip to Egypt from January 21 to 28, 2027.
J21 – Arrival in Cairo at 6 PM
V22 – Visit the Pyramids
S23 – Early flight to Aswan, visit Aswan
D24 – Visit Aswan, depart mid-afternoon for Abu Simbel
L25 – Morning visit to Abu Simbel, return to Aswan. Is it possible to go all the way to Luxor the same day? Private driver between Aswan and Luxor
M26 – Visit Luxor
M27 – Visit Luxor
J28 – Early flight to Cairo, arrive around 9–10 AM, head back into the city to see 1 or 2 museums (probably just 1 due to time), then flight to Lyon at 7 PM
Does this itinerary seem realistic to you? Does it cover the highlights?
During our trip to Egypt at the end of January, beginning of February, we plan to visit the White Desert and nearby oases for 3 to 4 days, starting from Cairo.
If my initial agency searches weren't conclusive, I now have a "too many options" situation.
Here’s an alphabetical list of my first findings.
If you’ve had any experience (good or bad) with any of these agencies in the White Desert:
Hello, my husband and I will be in Egypt this coming November. Cairo seems more challenging to explore without a guide, and we’ll be there for 3 full days. Would anyone have the name of a guide?
Thanks!
Hi
It's hard to tell from Maps or anything else whether the road along the Tessaout is fully paved from Amezri all the way to the junction with the road connecting Demnate to Ouarzazate (RN23).
Thanks for your replies!
Herviche
Here’s a first draft for a 14-night itinerary during the Christmas break with two teens. We’re especially fond of hiking (nothing too extreme, though), which is why we’re drawn to the south.
- Marrakech (2 nights)
- Aït Ben Haddou (1 night)
- Dadès (3 nights, though we’re thinking of doing a day trip to the Todra Gorge on one of those days)
- M'hamid (1 night)
- Erg Chigaga (1 night)
- 4 nights to slot in
- Marrakech (2 nights)
Okay, I realize this involves a lot of driving, and we’re still debating the return route since we’d like to avoid the Tichka Pass in January, but going through Taroudant seems like it would add *a lot* of time. 😕
If you’ve got other suggestions for an itinerary with great hikes, I’m all ears!
Also, the 4 nights total in MRK isn’t really our preference, but since we’re arriving/departing super early from overseas, we’d like to be a bit rested before the long flight.
Another question:
For hikes (aside from the desert one), is it better to have a guide with us, or are the trails well-marked?
Hi there!
I’m heading to Dakhla at the end of October for about two weeks as a backpacker.
Without renting a car or booking pricey excursions, what are the best ways to get around and explore?
I’ve heard that the small taxis only cover limited routes outside the city center, and the local buses might be tricky...
Thanks to anyone who knows the area and can share their tips for nature and culture in this up-and-coming destination!
Laurence
Hi, I’m planning a 10-day trip to Morocco starting on 12/30 with my parents, and I’d love your thoughts on the itinerary. Since I’m traveling with my parents, who are 78, I’m trying to keep train rides between cities short. I’d like to start with 4 days in FES (with Meknès nearby), then head to Casablanca for 2 days, and finish with 4 days in Marrakech, including a day trip or overnight stay in Essaouira. Thanks for your input!
During our road trip in Morocco in November/December, we’re planning to spend a night at the Hassilabied dunes around November 10th.
We don’t want to sleep in a camp, go on a camel trek, or do a 4x4 tour—we just want to stay right at the foot of the dunes so we can walk around on our own, on foot, at sunrise and sunset. It seems like Hassilabied is better located for this (closer to the dunes) than Merzouga.
Do you know of any clean accommodation with hot water, not too rustic but not too "bling-bling" either, and—most importantly—ideally located right in front of the dunes?
Thanks so much for your tips!
Fran
Hi, we're looking for a guide to show us around Essaouira.
We're 11 adults and don't want to go through an agency. If you have a contact to help us discover this city, that would be great!
Thanks
We're heading to Egypt in a few days, inspired by many of your travel journals (thanks especially to Franck!).
We’ll spend a short day exploring Cairo before an evening departure, with our luggage in tow. We’re traveling light, but it’s still not very practical...
Does anyone know if baggage storage/lockers are easy to find, and if so, do you have any recommendations?
Thanks!
I’m currently planning several trips to Morocco (Marrakech, Draa Valley, Merzouga) and I’m wondering about the reliability of data connections outside major urban centers.
Here’s what I’ve observed on the ground so far:
- In cities (Marrakech, Agadir, Fez), 4G is excellent, including in the medina riads.
- On the Tizi n'Tichka road and toward Ouarzazate, coverage remains decent, with a few dead spots here and there.
- In Saharan areas (Merzouga, Chegaga), the connection becomes patchy: some camps get great reception, others none at all.
My specific questions:
1) On your recent trips, which operator (Maroc Telecom, inwi, Orange) gave you the best coverage in the Atlas and Sahara?
2) Have international eSIMs seemed as reliable as a local Moroccan SIM, or have you noticed a difference in speed in rural areas?
3) While trekking or driving a 4x4 in the desert, have you come across completely dead zones despite theoretical coverage?
I’m happy to share my own coverage notes if it helps, and I’ll gladly answer any questions about Morocco—I know it well.
I'm looking for a travel companion for a road trip in southern Morocco at the end of March 2027.
Duration: 15 days.
Departure from Marrakech.
Car rental and Airbnb accommodation.
Budget: 1200 €.
Itinerary to plan together
I’m heading back to Egypt for the first time in 30 years this July. Last time, I was 20, and we spent two weeks traveling on a shoestring as backpackers.
I’m wondering about a "cruise" on a felucca from Aswan—mainly to avoid being stuck in an air-conditioned tourist bubble (we’re already spending our first week in that setting with our diving club). We’d like to explore the most interesting stretch of the Nile between Aswan and Luxor. Do you have any thoughts on this option, tips, or maybe some contacts?
I was wondering if it’s possible to join a group as a solo traveler with local agencies in Djanet for circuits like Tadrart, Essendilene, Sefar, or Tassili?
If you have any agencies to recommend, I’d love to hear about them.
I didn’t find any info on the forum.
Best,
Hi everyone,
Our trip to Morocco will be from November 3 to 17, in the High Atlas.
Basically, our route would be:
Marrakech - Aït Benhaddou
Skoura - Tinghir - Merzouga
Merzouga via the N12 to Zagora
Zagora - Draa Valley - Marrakech
It seems to be the low season, so I’d love to travel without having to book accommodations in advance. In other countries, pre-booking has restricted us and kept us from visiting unplanned sites. Freedom is important to us, but I’d also like to avoid arriving somewhere and finding nothing available.
What do you recommend? Book ahead or not?
Your advice is always helpful, and thanks to anyone who can shed some light on this for me.
Roberto
First of all: a big thank you to everyone whose insightful, funny, lively, and exotic posts we’ve enjoyed. It’s a joy to find such lovely writers on this forum, who’ve given me tons of ideas and addresses to prepare our trip.
Our plan: to explore Morocco from November 2nd to December 4th. We’ll have our own vehicle (a 2011 Renault Grand Scenic, in great condition), shipped with us from Sète to Tanger Med. Returning from Nador.
Our profile: 75 and 62 years young, so old but happy to be, in very good health. Seasoned travelers—it’s practically our whole life. Lovers of beautiful landscapes, historic sites, fine craftsmanship, and road trips. This will be my 3rd trip to Morocco, but the first two were 20 and 17 years ago. I’ve never been north of the Essaouira-Marrakech line (though I’ve gone further south). As for my husband, a lifelong expat including in Muslim countries, it’s his first time in Morocco.
He’s the one driving. He’s very experienced, cautious, not necessarily fast, but used to driving in all conditions (and countries, including the most creative on the road). But I don’t want to tire him out, and he no longer drives at night (and we’ll be there in November).
I’ve decided to show him a bit of everything by taking a road trip along beautiful backroads, with daily distances averaging 180-200 km (except on highways, which will be rare), regularly broken up by rest days. I’m counting on a speed of 40-50 km/h, plus stops/visits along the way.
Since I’ve read so many posts, I’ve narrowed it down to some very specific questions.
1) Coming directly from Rabat via the highway, we’d prefer to skip Marrakech*. Still, we’ll need to sleep somewhere nearby. We’ll head toward Skoura the next day. Does anyone have a well-located address for this route, possibly east of Marrakech? Ideally, we’re looking for a small town, easy parking, clean accommodation (minimum) with average comfort (or better if available), a bit heated, and if possible, pretty and/or nice—but above all, a place to sleep well, wash with lukewarm (ideally hot) water, and have a decent dinner.
(*Explanation for the "no-go" in Marrakech: it’s a shame, because there are truly beautiful things in this city, but I think the vibe won’t suit us—it’s an understatement for "it’ll put us off" / "make us flee" / "traumatize us." Not because it’s too crowded and we want to stand out from tourists (we’re part of them), but because of forced henna on your hand, or spending 10 minutes every quarter-hour saying "no thank you" to a "guide" who’s as much a guide as I am a trapeze artist. Knowing us, it’ll wear us down. The country is vast and beautiful, and our time too short to waste our memories just days after arriving. And I don’t want to ruin things for my peaceful husband, or he’ll demand we turn back—and Sète in November isn’t exactly thrilling either.)
2) Which route to Skoura (in 2 days)? I see two options: either via the Tichka Pass, with a night in Telouet before reaching Skoura, or via the R307/N23 from Demnate, with a night near Megdaz before descending to Skoura. So: Tichka Pass or R307/N23? I have a slight (big) preference for the second option, even though I know the other route is very beautiful too. Of course, before deciding, we’ll check the weather and the current state of the R307/N23—does anyone know where to get info on the road conditions? But even assuming the road is "passable," is it a bit too tough in itself? In short, is it reasonable? If a kind soul could share their experience, a thousand thanks in advance.
That’s all I’ve written for now. I’ll save the other questions for later posts. Thanks again to those who had the patience to read this and to those who can respond. Happy Sunday to all!
I’m just a few days away from my trip to Marrakech—I’m leaving from November 13th to 20th and bringing my parents along! I’d love to plan my stay as best as I can, and I’m sure the forum crew can help. So, here are my questions:
- Where’s the best place to exchange money without getting ripped off? The owner of the riad where we’re staying told us to avoid doing it at the airport because it’s really expensive and to do it in the medina instead, near Jemaa el-Fna square.
- Which traditional hammams do you recommend that are reasonably priced? How much should we budget for one? That’ll help me plan my expenses.
- What are some nice restaurants in the medina?
- I’d also like to know roughly how much to expect for a tea, a meal, a taxi, a djellaba, and babouches. I don’t want to get overcharged and would like to know what to expect.
- What are the must-do activities and places to visit?
Hi, I’d like to head to Morocco next week with my car. I’ve looked online at all the different info about the ferry crossing to Tangier, but I’m finding it really expensive. Is there a way to buy tickets in Spain? Or another way to get the Algeciras–Tangier crossing cheaper? Thanks for any tips or info!
We found a guide who offers the trip from M'hamid to a camp (departure at 3 PM, tea, meal, camel ride, overnight stay, breakfast, and return to M'Hamid by 11 AM the next day via the sacred oasis). He quoted us a price of 380 € for April.
What do you think of this rate?
This might sound like a silly question, but is it common to negotiate the price for this kind of thing (we're booking from France)? It’s still a big part of our travel budget.
Hi there,
We're planning to visit Egypt between January 25 and February 15, 2027. I looked up the Ramadan dates and found some sites saying it starts on February 8, while others say February 18... Where's the mistake?
Thanks,
Christian
Hi there,
We’re a family of 4 with two boys aged 12 and 10 traveling to Egypt in February.
We’re spending 3 days in Cairo to take our time exploring the city and the sites before heading south.
-Is it necessary to have a guide to visit the GEM? Are audio guides available?
-Do you have any contacts for drivers to organize a few transfers (Giza, Saqqara, Airport)?
-Do you know a French-speaking guide who’s friendly, family-friendly, and good at making things exciting, with reasonable prices?
With our two teens, we’re heading to Morocco for two weeks at the end of December and beginning of January. It’ll be our first trip that’s more "off the beaten path," even though we’ve visited several countries before. Given the overwhelming amount of info, I’m feeling a bit swamped with the prep this trip requires, and I’ll admit I’m a little lost when it comes to figuring out what’s realistic to visit in two weeks 😕 So, all your tips, personal experiences, and suggestions are more than welcome!
- Which places should we prioritize during this time of year? (I’ve read that some spots are less accessible in winter?)
- What’s the best way to get around? (rental car, train, private transport, buses, etc.? — just a heads-up, we’ll have a few suitcases!)
- In terms of "safety," are there any areas to avoid?
- Any recommendations for reliable local tour companies (beyond the big names like "Get Your Guide") that offer excursions or private transport to help us explore the country?
- A doable 2-week itinerary that lets us enjoy the country’s diversity without having to change accommodations every two days?
I’m planning a trip to the High Atlas in Morocco and have a few questions for you:
- Why do so many people recommend avoiding international agencies for car rentals? Can anyone explain why?
- Is Booking.com reliable, and has anyone rented a vehicle through their service? There’s a pretty big price difference compared to local Moroccan agencies.
- Is there a detailed road map included in the rental car?
- Is Google Maps enough to get around the High Atlas? This will be my first trip there.
Thanks so much to anyone who can help with this destination I’ve been dreaming about for years.
Have a great evening,
Roberto
hi there, I’m heading to Tunisia 🙂 from April 27 to May 8 with my family. I’ve read through the various discussions about the country, but I’m still a bit unsure🤪: for currency exchange, I saw on the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website that withdrawing currency with a bank card from ATMs is limited to 200 TND per week. There are four of us traveling by car, so that might be a bit tight! And it’s a hassle to carry a lot of cash, even if I’m not being paranoid! What do you all recommend?
Cheers,
Laurent.
We're planning a 2-week trip in late February/early March for a road trip in the High Atlas with a rental car, and we'd love to avoid booking our accommodations in advance. Is that doable, easily manageable, or risky (are accommodations available, expensive, or not great)? Thanks for your tips!
Annie
