The national currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (marked as LE or EGP), which is divided into 100 piastres (PT). You can bring Euros or Dollars to Egypt and exchange them at a local bank or exchange office. Another option is to withdraw money from an ATM. You can use your payment card in places like hotels and larger shops and restaurants in resorts. Conversely, cash is essential when shopping in markets and visiting monuments. If you come across money in very poor condition, you do not need to worry. Almost all banknotes tend to be crumpled, torn, dirty, and written on. They do not have as many security features as Western currencies. Residents of Egypt often use banknotes for jotting down small calculations, shopping lists, and the like. You should not be afraid to accept crumpled and lightly written-on banknotes.

Just like in other Arab countries, haggling and negotiating the price when shopping is common and expected in Egypt (except for restaurants and established brick-and-mortar stores). Two important rules – find out the usual price of the goods in advance and never state a price first!

Do not agree to the suggested price and haggle. The actual price is usually around 50 to 70 percent of the original proposal. Suggest a lower price, but keep in mind that the final price will be higher. You will achieve it gradually, while your seller will make considerable effort to convince you that their goods are the best.

Popular Purchases:

• Perfumes – In Egypt, they can even create a custom perfume for you. However, the scents are often stronger and spicier. So, not for everyone, but many people will find and purchase a quality perfume here.

• Clothing – You can buy clothing of very decent quality. But non-traditional garments can bring joy and also be a nice souvenir.

• Spices – Spices can be bought in very good quality in Egypt. I am not talking about some bags of crushed stuff sold in our country. This is spice sold by weight, which you buy in markets or specialized spice shops.

• Papyrus – Papyrus on its own probably won't excite anyone and they will just file it away somewhere. However, you can choose nice, subtle pictures in a wooden frame. If you know you have a spot for it, why not.

• Water Pipe (Shisha/Hookah) – You can buy fantastic water pipes in Egypt, including all the equipment like tobaccos, coals, etc. The selection of water pipes in our country is still mostly disappointing.

• Leather Goods – Wallets, belts, handbags, bags – you can buy leather goods cheaply in Egypt and also come across decent quality.

• Cigarettes – If you want to please a smoker, believe that cheap cigarettes from Egypt will bring joy. But it could also be a nice lighter.

• Cosmetics – You can buy quality Egyptian cosmetics, whether for hair, body, or various face or whole-body creams, at a very favorable price in pharmacies, which are literally on every street corner.