Egypt again!!

[midagetrolop]

What is the best way to take money to Egypt - travellers cheques, currency a mixture or what? Please help.

[Richard1966]

Having been recently, we took about �150 in Egyptian money and then relied on plastic for purchases and to obtain additional spending money as and when needed. ATM's are readily available in all towns.

[midagetrolop]

Thanks Richard, but maybe I should've been more specific - we are on a cruise down the Nile. I would imagine they have money changing facilities?

[Lil O'lady]

If your cruise is 'all found' you won't need much daily cash, so taking a couple of hundred egyptian punds should be ample. If your cruise is taking you to locations there is usually a scrum of barrow-boys yelling for your trade, and many will accept euros. Be very careful in these situations about what you are buying and how much you are paying, and what change you should expect.
The biggest problem is finding enough small-denomination money as the low-value paper currency is in absolute tatters. Also said to be a source of tummy upsets - I won't elaborate but often men keep cash in their pants.

[midagetrolop]

Thanks Lil'ol'lady - but it is not all inclusive just full board and I always like to have plenty of money in case someone is ill - to pay for doctoring - but don't like taking lots of cash - don't know whether there is a safety deposit box in cabin. Surely they can change travellers cheque on board I would think.

[Richard1966]

Even nile cruses stop at large towns. In Aswan our boat stopped very conveniently opposite a bank so no problem. In fact the shop on the boat were willing to change money as long as you gave them a bit of notice. Again not something you need to worry about.

I do agree with Lil, that you will need small denominations for tips and these are hard to find

[tamborine]

Take euros.