Do you think I should bring my money in cash or in traveler's checks? Are travelers checks pretty easy to convert into Egyptian pounds?
Posted by Tream Lefty (Member # 6244) on :
I took cash and used the ATMs. Credit cards, too. Very easy.
I'm afraid I haven't used travelers checks in years, so I don't know if they are easy or difficult to deal with.
Posted by doodlebug (Member # 11649) on :
Thanks! Geez I never even thought about using an atm over there. Are the fees wicked high?
Posted by cbrbddd (Member # 3891) on :
That depends on which card you have and which ATM. I got a Citibank account and use non-Citibank ATMs in Cairo all the time . . . try to find a Citibank ATM when you need one (Citibank does have branches in Cairo). They charge something like a 1% fee. They didn't do that until this past year . . . . guess they weren't making any money, lol! When I used the ATM card from my credit union, I got charge too . . . sometimes by both sides.
I don't bother with travelers checks anymore . . . cash or ATM now.
Posted by Samarra_Anissa (Member # 12077) on :
The only place that we could find to cash Travelers Checks was Thomas Cook. And only one office in Alex. Two locations in Cairo.
Definately a pain, but the guy was nice enough to me.
Though when you sit there in that office no one will tell you the ticket booth to the right is the person who cashes the travelers checks. the bimbos at the counter just sell vacation packages. You will end up sitting there for 45 minutes before it dawns on you, and the bimbos won't explain that cashing travelers checks is not a bimbo responsibility.
Posted by unsure (Member # 12244) on :
Have a safe trip Doodlebug and congratulations on the wedding.
Posted by Ayisha (Member # 4713) on :
take cash if you can and change it when you are there, you get a better exchange rate. There are ATMs everywhere. Last time i used one it used the latest exchange rate for my money but yes there are charges, they weren't too bad though. Its very easy to change money there but never used travellers cheques so wouldnt know.
Posted by Tream Lefty (Member # 6244) on :
quote:Originally posted by doodlebug: Thanks! Geez I never even thought about using an atm over there. Are the fees wicked high?
I can't remember what the fee was for using my ATM card, but it was cheaper than if I used a *foreign* bank ATM in the U.S. I have a Visa check debit card with a credit union, so maybe credit union fees are lower than banks. Don't know about that. But the convenience was worth it.
It never happened to me, but some people have posted here that the ATM ate their card for whatever reason, so it might be wise to take a couple of different cards with you.
And my husband changed money all the time at the hotels. Have no idea what the exchange rate was there.
Posted by Tracy (Member # 648) on :
I would take a combination of both cash (USD or EUR) and travellers cheques. You can always supplement your money through ATM's if necessary. I believe most ATM's in Egypt can access the Sirus or Plus Systems and your home bank can tell you what the fee is. I believe we paid about $5.00 CAD per transaction through HSBC machines which are considered reliable.
Be forewarned though!! Most, if not all, businesses and hotels in Egypt will not accept travellers cheques for payment because of counterfeiting problems. They will direct you to the closest money exchange counter (ie; bank) where you will have to cash them in for which ever currency you need. Mind you the hotels do have these outlets right on the property, but again, the hours of operation are limited.
Using your ATM/Debit Card can also be cheaper as your not paying a fee for converting money, only for the transaction.
Posted by myheartwillgoon (Member # 12224) on :
Travelers checks are a pain to get cashed. Only the main banks cash them. Atms are everywhere and they work just like at home and they spit out egyptian pounds for you so this is nice. Next time we will not take travelers checks.